At the early service on Christmas Eve, all are invited to participate in the telling of the Christmas story. One chooses one’s part first and dons the appropriate costume.
Animals of all sorts are represented.
Rev. Eric Jackson began the telling and the entire congregation turned Mary and Joseph away as they passed by each pew.
Mary and Joseph (and their donkey) were forced to seek shelter in a barn.
The story continued, with the shepherds and their flocks.
All the animals came to see where the new baby lay.
The story was told as well in the wooden creche at the back of the sanctuary.
And the service concluded in candlelight with the singing of “Silent Night.”