Trussville First United Methodist Church to perform live nativity

For nearly a decade, Trussville First United Methodist Church has performed a live nativity on its front lawn at Christmas. This year’s one-night event to replicate the scene following Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem will be Sunday, Dec. 17, from 5-8 p.m. at 120 North Chalkville Road.

The nativity will feature the main characters of the Christmas Story: Mary, Joseph, Jesus, an angel and three Magi (or wise men). Up to 10 shepherds can be in costume at a time.

“It helps tell the Christmas story. It’s an outreach-type ministry to let people come see what the nativity was about and ask questions,” organizer Bill Fagan said. “We’ve had a big success. There’s been times where I know there’s been over 100 people out there watching.” 

Casting for the nativity will be divided into one hour segments, with the youth group in the first hour of the live event, followed by two Sunday school classes from 6-8 p.m. 

While there is not a drama performance as part of the event, Fagan said the cast is interactive with the audience during the night, including children having an opportunity to pet the animals. 

Live music will be provided by the TFUMC Chancel Choir, Brass 4 Him and the TFUMC bell choir. Free hot chocolate will be available.

Animals for the nativity scene, including a camel, are provided by T&N Acres’ mobile petting zoo in Cleveland, Alabama — the same animals you’ll find at most live nativities across Central Alabama. 

Fagan said that while the church’s tradition began about 10 years ago as a suggestion of David Dorsey, it quickly became a churchwide effort. 

Dorsey, Fagan and David Gulledge built the nativity set in Fagan’s yard the first year. Similar to the costumes, which were made by Pat Scheinert, the set is repurposed each year and reassembled like a puzzle by Harry Lee and a team of men from the church. 

Jack Hutcheson supplied the animals until the church began using T&N Acres.