(Submitted for ‘Come to the Stable’)
New church construction is not halting Bowling Green Alliance’s annual display of Nativities, “Come to the Stable.”
For the 16th year, hundreds of Nativities and creches from around the world will be on display Dec. 8-11 in the church’s current sanctuary.
A new sanctuary and an all-purpose room are being built just to the west of its current site, and while that has limited parking by a few spaces, it did not stop planning of the Nativity show.
The free event opens Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Guests have all day Dec. 9 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and 10 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) to see it before it concludes Dec. 11 from noon to 3 p.m.
Bowling Green Alliance will hold two shorter worship services Dec. 11, at 9 and 10:30 a.m., because of limited space in the sanctuary.
“Come to the Stable” also features free refreshments, live and recorded Christmas music, and drawings for Nativities. Food items and donations to the BG Christian Food Pantry are welcomed. The church is handicapped accessible.
“This event is our free gift to the community, and anyone from far and wide, to help remind us all what the season is truly about,” explained Sherrie Binkley of Perrysburg, who has been involved in the event since its founding. “It’s like a labor of love that we are pleased to do this for the community.”
She noted the ambiance of the votive candles, miniature white lights and Christmas music “has a calming effect and is an opportunity to push the ‘pause button’ on the fast paced, hectic hustle and bustle.”
The Nativities range from the reverent to the whimsical, making the display ideal for all ages. A Native American-themed crèche shows Baby Jesus as a papoose visited by hunters instead of shepherds, while an Amazon River-themed one shows Mary and Joseph with Jesus on a raft, accompanied by a monkey and turtle.
Large groups planning to attend may wish to call the church ahead of time at (419) 352-3623 or email office@bgalliance.org.
