Church plans drive-thru Nativity as a ‘Christmas gift’ to community
BRIDGEWATER — Many holiday season traditions will not be possible this year due to the pandemic, but Bridgewater Congregational Church has come up with a unique offering that officials hope will safely fill that void in the community.
The church will present a drive-thru Nativity scene on Dec. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event would be held Dec. 20.
“This thing has taken on a life of its own,” said Larry Neary, a churchgoer and member of the church’s Operation Comfort and Joy, which is planning the event.
Motorists will step back in time when they arrive at the Clapboard Road church, first driving under a “Welcome to Bethlehem” banner. Once in the “town,” attendees will experience several vignettes depicting the Christmas story.
Church members and friends dressed as townspeople will greet motorists and hand out a few special gifts, including a small battery-operated candle that can be placed on the dashboard or held at this time of year, said in a passenger’s hand for Candy Smith, chairwoman the experience. of Operation Comfort and
FamiliesJoy.withchildren will be given a Nativity The collaborative activsticker book, a children’s ity is spearheaded by the book with a “sweet story” church, but other commuand a treat, while supplies nity members are inlast, Neary said. volved, including those
As motorists drive who own businesses in through Bethlehem, they neighboring towns. First will view the inn where Selectman Curtis Read Mary and Joseph were will even assume the role turned away; five merof a shepherd. chants — a potter, weaver, “This is the church’s wood carver, baker and Christmas gift to the glassworker, all with tools town,” said the church’s of their trade; angels; interim pastor, the Rev. shepherds rounding up Daniel England. “That’s their flock of sheep; three really why we’re doing it.” kings; and a manger, Thirty-five actors are where Mary gave birth to lined up to portray charJesus. acters from the story, and
“We thought, ‘What a animals from Mayapple wonderful thing to buoy Hill Farm in New Milford people’s spirits a little,’ ” will participate.
Nature View Farm has donated hay bales, and Wayne Woodard is loaning the pens and fencing for the animals.
“This is evolving into something special,” Neary said. “It gets better all the time.”
Christmas music will be piped outside, and wooden cutouts of animals and other scenery will be lighted as a backdrop as motorists drive through the parking lot.
Resident Walter Von Egidy, owner of New Milford Sign Shop, is one of the local business owners who plans to help bring the nativity to life.
After hearing the church’s proposal for a drive- thru Nativity, Neary’s wife, Sandra,
suggested a set designer come aboard.
“I remember the first living Nativity (the church had) several years ago, which made a big impression on me,” said Von Egidy. “Because of that, I was more than happy to take part in it.”
Von Egidy and church member Dick Jones are in charge of creating the inn scene. Jones will handle the carpentry and Von Egidy will focus on the art that will grace the 16-footlong set.
Resident Art Foote, owner of KatArt Graphics in New Milford, donated a “Welcome to Bethlehem” banner for the special event.
“I always like to be a supporter of our commu
nity,” he said of the donation. “And we always enjoy seeing what (the church) has plans to do.”
England said since the town’s tree lighting ceremony won’t take place this year, this festive offering “seemed like a great event.”
“We have no idea if we’ll get five cars or 500,” he said.
Safety precautions will be in place, with masks and social distancing, he emphasized.
“People won’t leave their cars, so it’s going to be safe,” Neary said.
Neary said he is optimistic the event will be successful.
“If this works this year, we may do it every year,” he said.