O come all ye faithful to Sherrill

Live Nativity returns Saturday and Sunday at Christ Church United Methodist

For the 21st year, Christ Church United Methodist is bringing the spirit of the season to life for the Central New York community.

“This is our gift to the Sherrill community and it’s really become a tradition over these past 20-plus years now,” said the Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell, pastor of Christ Church.

This year’s Living Nativity will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8-9, and feature amix of new and old faces, Kolvik-Campbell said.

The Planck family will organize the music this year, with musicians Anna Kolvik- Campbell, Kirsten Bratge, Morris Atwood and Doug Tudman performing during the evening. Mary will be portrayed by Emily Marshall, Joseph by Karsten Bratge, and the Wise Men by Dustin Miller, Nathan Woodbury, and Nathan Pfluke, as well as several church

youths performing as shepherds and angels.

“It of course is the Old Story but these youths are always excited to share this story with the community,” said Kolvik-Campbell.

The Living Nativity also features live farm animals, including sheep, calves and a donkey. Kelly Jacobs has helped coordinate the animals for years, Kolvik-Campbell said, working with local farmers to provide the sheep and donkey, while she brings the calves. Pam Planck also helps coordinate the evening. Students enrolled in the Madison-Oneida BOCES criminal justice program provide security.

Bleacher seating will be provided by the city of Sherrill, and refreshments will be available following the Nativity inside the church. The event is free and open to the public.

“This is some of the most important work we do as a church of putting the story out there and sharing it out on our front lawn,” Kolvik-Campbell said.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH BY MIKE JAQUAYS Christ Church Youth Group members Taylor Miller, left, and Jarret Jacobs portray Mary and Joseph during their annual Live Outdoor Nativity Pageant in this December 2014file photo. This year’s Nativity will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8-9, at 6p.m. at the church.