First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort's New Take on their Annual Nativity Celebration

First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort's New Take on their Annual Nativity Celebration

Everyone seems to be pivoting during this year’s holidays.

A new take on a time-honored tradition • Photo Courtesy of First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort

In order to help keep communities safe during this time of social distancing, some are not traveling as they typically do and not gathering for large festive parties. But many in our community are looking to celebrate the season and are turning the prism just enough to experience traditions in a new way.

This year, First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort is doing just that with their 10th Annual Nativity Celebration “Through the Glass” – by offering a beautiful and safe way to view worldly nativities from the Sanctuary windows. Instead of the annual three-day weekend indoor experience, the community is invited to come any time day or evening on the Sanctuary grounds for the entire month between December 4 – January 6.

Photo Courtesy of AJPierro Photography

“We were so excited when Mary Ragsdale, a creative member of our church, not only had the idea of window nativities, but helped with all the logistics to make it a reality,” Nativity Event Coordinator Donna Sheetz. “It really is a stunning display.”

Photo Courtesy of AJPierro Photography

First Presbyterian typically has 600 people come inside the building to view more than 100 nativities from around the world. Instead, people can come on a self-guided tour all season long to see some of their very favorite nativities displayed dramatically in every window of the historic Sanctuary.

In addition to the 10 window nativities displayed by a team of women, church member and artist Betty Holt has created a stunning hand-painted, life-sized crèche for the front steps of the Sanctuary. Each evening is an especially pretty time to come to the Nativity Celebration as the windows and Sanctuary grounds are lit.

Photo Courtesy of AJPierro Photography

Though there are many reasons this season will look different in our community, First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort is certainly offering a silver lining experience for all to enjoy.

It is also good to note that First Presbyterian has done many other things to pivot and address both the needs of their community of faith and reach out into the community to help address important physical needs like food insecurities. The church has also made the commitment to do everything possible to serve the community by keeping their distance on Sundays – offering socially distanced outdoor worship as well as online services.

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