Habitat for Humanity Nativity Festival set to return Dec. 13

Staff report
What’s a Nativity Festival without, well, nativity sets?

Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity has once again issued a call for nativity scenes and their unique stories for the organization’s annual Nativity Festival on Dec. 13 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson.

Owners of nativity sets are invited to display one or more of their favorites at the festival by calling Jill Lamoureux at 515-370-4785.

Displays will be set up by their owners between 12:30 and 2 p.m. the day of the festival, with the public display opening at 2:30 p.m.

According to Habitat, the first-ever nativity scene recorded in history was created by St. Francis of Assisi, concerned that the meaning of Christmas was becoming lost as most people were more focused with the ritual of gift giving.

That was nearly 800 years ago.
Some things, it would seem, never change.

The Nativity Festival, which raises money for local Habitat efforts, also features a community Christmas concert, soup supper and an auction of masterpiece-quality pies from the area’s most accomplished bakers.  

The concert begins at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, with the soup supper and auction at 5:15 p.m. in the fellowship hall.  

A limited number of nativity sets also are being accepted by donation to be offered for sale through silent auction with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity.

Those wishing to donate a nativity set are asked to contact Lamoureux.

Contact Us

Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161