All Nations Church will once again be presenting The Living Nativity in Sudbury for the 33rd year.
“We fully expect that even with the new COVID-19 restrictions, we will continue to attract Sudburians for a presentation that has become a tradition in many homes,” said All Nations Church in a press release.
The Living Nativity has moved venues this year, moving from Science North to the grounds of All Nations Church, located at 414 Saint Raphael St. The Nativity will occur nightly from Dec. 20-24, with the presentation starting at 7:30 p.m. and the venue opening at 6:30 p.m.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers had discussed cancelling the Living Nativity, but ultimately decided that at this time, especially, the hope shared through this presentation was even more important.
“As such, All Nations Church decided to adapt and innovate, so we are pleased to announce that this year, the Living Nativity will be done drive-in style, with the live production streamed to large outdoor screens to ensure everyone remains safe,” said organizers. “As such, there will be no outdoor seating, nor will individuals be permitted to exit their vehicles unless in emergency situations. We continue to work closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to ensure that every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of all attendees, cast members and volunteers.” Additionally, there will be Greater Sudbury Police officers assisting each night to ensure the event remains safe for all.
“We are excited to also announce our partnership with KFM Radio 95.5 to bring a special fireworks display to Greater Sudbury on Christmas Eve at the conclusion of our presentation.”
The story of The Living Nativity by Eileen Mahood
What were you doing during the Christmas season of 1988?
Pastor Jeremy Mahood was reminding us all the real reason for the season was to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. That was the driving factor for All Nations Church to begin planning the first Living Nativity.
Pastor Jeremy’s enthusiasm was contagious and soon there was a team of volunteers building the stable. A partnership was formed with Science North and it became the perfect venue. The Festival of Lights charity provided some much-needed financial support. Of course music was needed and the church choir went to Mission Studios, where the soundtrack for the production was created.
Day Construction, once again stepped up in a big way and moved the massive stable from the construction site to the grounds of Science North. The men’s group erected scaffolding and benches for better viewing, and were treated to a wonderful breakfast at Eddie’s Restaurant for their efforts.
McCullagh-Hall provided gallons of much-needed hot chocolate. Costumes and material were donated and the sewing machines hummed.
Our local Christian radio station, KFM, jumped on board to provide live pre-show Christmas music and interviews at the set each night. The Nativity was a reality.
Of course, you couldn’t have a nativity scene without sheep and a donkey for Mary to ride? Local farmers agreed to drive “Caleb” the donkey and some sheep to and from the event each night. We even found a camel to provide some desert reality in the midst of the cold Canadian winter. But he proved to be a primadonna and was too big and stubborn to keep his starring role.
Seventy volunteers were assembled for the show that first year, and for 11 wondrous nights the greatest story ever, was recreated.
Thirty-three years later the show goes on. Conservatively, some 200,000 people are estimated to have witnessed the Living Nativity as it became part of Sudbury’s history and tradition. Old partners have stayed, and, to this day, provide much-needed assistance.
Recently TESC volunteered to erect the scaffolding and others have joined the effort.
Besides baby Jesus, local business, charity organizations and our volunteers are the stars of the evening, who we count on to ensure thousands more people can experience the story of Christ.
Sadly, COVID-19 has redefined our reality, and so many things in our lives have been cancelled. But not The Living Nativity, we just couldn’t do that.
This year, All Nations Church is excited to present the Living Nativity on our church grounds at 414 St Raphael St., in Sudbury, every night from Dec. 20-24 at 7:30 p.m.
The Living Nativity in Sudbury is a story about the birth of Jesus, but also part of the story of All Nations Church, our community and a small army of volunteers that make it happen.
Behind it all, of course, is the story of one man’s vision and his unfailing faith. Please join us in this annual celebration of the birth of Christ and All Nation’s gift to our community. Merry Christmas.
