For the past two years, St. Andrews United Church has showcased nativity scenes and artwork from around the world through its Christmas Nativity Walk.
This year's presentation was held from Nov. 15-17 and featured both store-bought and handmade scenes made from a variety of materials -- notably glass, wood and wool.
Fundraising co-coordinator for St. Andrews, Sandra Simpson, said the inspiration behind the event was a similar exhibit in the United States she had read about several years prior.
Excited to host a Christmas showcase of their own, Simpson said that last year the church put out a call to members of their congregation asking for donations.
What surprised Simpson was not only the global artistry donated by members of the congregation, but the eagerness of exhibit attendees to contribute in following years.
After one year their exhibit has nearly doubled in submissions, with members of the community either donating or lending their Christmas scenes for the event.
Simpson said that the event acts as a valuable opportunity to showcase the many programs available at the church, such as 'Out of the Cold' which allows those less fortunate to access a hot meal every Friday from November until Easter.
For more information on St. Andrews United Church and their community initiatives visit st-andrews.ca.
