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News
By Vicki Browne
For the past 12 years, the members of Lakeland Baptist Church have hosted a live nativity reenactment. Families from Iron River and the surrounding area come to see the 15-minute presentation each year.
“People come back year after year,” said Joann Starkweather, wife of pastor Paul Starkweather. “It’s part of their family holiday traditions.”
A church member wrote the script, based on the nativity of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. The professional recording of the script was done at the WIKB studio.
Every member of the congregation is involved in the reenactment. They create a float for the Christmas in Lights parade, assemble tents and scenery for the presentation, bake applesauce donuts and don period costumes to bring the nativity to life.
“Because our church is small, everyone is involved,” Starkweather said. “This is our way to reach out to the community to make Jesus the main part of the season.”
Although the baby Jesus is plastic, the donkeys, sheep and shepherd dogs are real.
Visitors assemble in the pavilion for fellowship and freshly baked Bethlehem babycakes before heading outside to experience the live nativity. After the presentation, visitors can meet the reenactors, pet the animals and enjoy a few traditional Christmas hymns.
Lakeland Baptist Church is located at 950 Lalley Road in Iron River. The 15-minute live nativity will run continuously from 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23. There is no charge to attend.