The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Community continues Christmas traditions
Conshohocken United Methodist Church to present Live Nativity
CONSHOHOCKEN » This area’s annual Christmas traditions range from its many festive tree lightings and Santa sightings to the glittering luminaria display that ribbons neighborhoods on and around Plymouth Meeting’s Sheffield Drive on Christmas Eve and the quietly reflective “Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas” service at Saint Miriam Pro Cathedral Parish & Friary, 654 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, on
Dec. 21.
But one of Central Montco’s most entrenched seasonal events is the Live Nativity presented by congregants of Conshohocken United Methodist Church at their landmark house of worship on Fayette Street at Sixth Avenue.
Generations of church members and borough residents have peopled the iconic tableau during the past six decades, and although the tranquil setup has been tweaked here and there — its real sheep, for example, are a thing of the past — its popularity has endured.
This year’s Live Nativity — housed in a brand new stable — is scheduled for Dec. 21 to 23 from 7 to 9 p.m., and visitors are also invited to drop into CUMC’s on-site Jillian’s Café for caroling and refreshments against a backdrop of the colorful Christmas Village designed by King of Prussia resident Phil Piazza. The retired educator taught life skills classes in the Upper Merion Area School District, and his students included Jillian Patterson, who passed away at 28 following complications from a blood clot. Pat and Dave Patterson subsequently created the gathering space that honors their daughter’s memory with the assistance of fellow church members and other local residents. The café opened its doors in 2014 and hosts an ongoing series of concerts, dances and special events.
Already scheduled for early 2018 is an appearance by African drum master and Conshohocken resident Sangue Mbacke, one of several entertainers set to accompany this week’s carolers.
For now, though, the Pattersons and company are “really excited” about the church’s 2017 Christmas program and hoping participants top the 200-plus men, women and children who visited last December.
“We had a CUMC Christmas potluck [dinner] … to introduce our Christmas mission projects, the Live Nativity and indoor caroling to the congregation,” Pat Patterson continues. “As part of the intro, we displayed some of the fantastic costumes from the Live Nativity collection, and we were thrilled to see all three nights’ teams’ parts signed up by the end of the night. We even expect a live Baby Jesus this year.”
The “fellowship” continues inside, where “all are invited and welcome to participate in making a joyful noise.” According to Patterson, that includes “individuals, families and groups who would like to lead a song or two.”
“Grab your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers and get practicing,” she says. “Drop in with your guitars, banjos, harmonicas, violins, handbells, flutes, trumpets [and] tambourines. We’re taking requests, too. Leave [us] a comment with a list of your favorite Christmas carols, and we’ll try to make sure we have the words and some musical accompaniment to make the night special for all.” Emphasis on “all.” “Last year … it was wonderful to see so many happy, joyous faces,” Patterson says. “Most surprising was the number of people who quietly told us how glad they were that they had come out. Several people were experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one. Others were going through a personal crisis. “
A number of entertainers will reprise their roles from last year.
“We’re very excited about how the agenda for each night is shaping up,” Patterson says. “Many of the CUMC folks who led the singing or musical accompaniment or provided the great refreshments [will be] back along with several new people. CUMC’s Drew, David and Lindsay Montemayor will be helping to lead off the festivities. Carolyn Holl-Watson and Catherine and Tommy Saylor will be with us as well.”
In a unique contribution to the program, Catherine Saylor plans to present a carol in sign language and teach her audience how to sign the chorus of “Jingle Bells.”
Also on tap, nightly appearances by Dominic the Donkey from the 1960 recording of the same name (originally “Dominick the Donkey” but re-released as “Dominic the Donkey” in 2011) and an Elvis tribute singer with his version of “Blue Christmas.”
“The Flickinger Trio return to play some carols for us on the oboe, French horn and tuba, and former opera singer Tania Thompson-Rapley will be stopping by one night,” Patterson notes. “She was wonderful last year.”
This year’s program will conclude with Saturday’s appearance by Mbacke, a native of Senegal in West Africa.
“He’ll be bringing some of his drums for some audience participation and a preview of his Jan. 6 event here at Jillian’s,” Patterson says.
Additional information is available at 610-828-1250 and conshyunited.com.