Wonderful Comments From Those Who Came to the Nativity

"Absolutely the best gift that you could give to our area!  We'll spread the word!  Thank You!"

"Wonderful!  Will bring the rest of the family!"

"It is breath-taking.  Absolutely beautiful.  It couldn't have been better.  It's good to go somewhere that has the true meaning of Christmas and be fun."

"Enjoyed very very much.  This is better than my birthday!"

"Wonderful, beautiful display.  Enjoyed the children's music performances.  Nice way to keep Christ in Christmas."

"This is wonderful.  You people are amazing.  Displays are very well done."

"Very impressive - a heart warming experience!"

"Beautiful!  I would love to make a tradition if you continue to have it.  Talented people - I can't say enough about the displays!"

"I am so impressed by all of the hard work and creativity put into this event.  Then you so much for starting my family's Christmas season on such a hight note!  There are never enough spiritual things to bring my family to at Christmas!"

"This is such an extraordinary display.  So much love and care has gone into it.  Many thanks to everyone who has worked on it."

"Amazing!  I definately felt the wonderful spirit of our Savior.  You guys did an AMAZING and awesome job!  Everything was beautiful!!  Thank you for sharing!"

"All of the nativity scenes were displayed so beautifully with the material, lights, setting on the tables, the background music, the order with the volunteers.  Breathtaking!"

"We could feel the spirit immediately.  Thank you so much for the time and love you put into this."

"Very beautiful - a spirit of peace prevailed."

"Absolutely Awesome!  Please have again next year!"

Valparaiso Nativity Exhibit

335 nativities displayed in the building  

75 trees

139 poinsettias
                      675 guests (not counting some musical folks that did not sign the guest book)
                      LOTS of wonderful comments that will be posted on the blog soon
                      100's of pictures (check the blog and facebook)
                      50+ hours on the clock in 4 days to set-up by 20+ volunteers
                      3.5 hours to take down by so much help, I couldn't keep track!

So Many Volunteers!

Set up for the Nativity Exhibit started on Monday this week and still continues into Thursday!  So much has taken place, and so many have offered help in so many different ways.  Volunteers have helped put up tables, trees, lights, signs, decorations, cooked food for others, getting things checked in, taping boxes and SO much more!  The effort of these wonderful men and women will be worth it come Friday and Saturday for all the public to experience!  Here are a few snapshots of day 1 of set up!

 Poinsettias actually came Tuesday, but aren't they lovely!?

Nativity Musical Performances

Live musical numbers during the Nativity Exhibit are currently being scheduled.
Here is a peek at some of the groups and individuals performing.
              "Not Quite Ready for Prime Time Brass"
              "Renaissance Recalled" a recorder group
               Hand Bells group
               Mary Kay Goehl- Vocal soloist
               Youth choirs
               various intrumentals including piano, violin, flute, clarinet, guitar.

If you would like to participate, please contact Music Chair Jodi Ames
djames@frontier.com ASAP.

Check back soon for a detailed schedule of the perfomance days and times.
Come and enjoy and sights and SOUNDS of an inspiring Christmas season.

Stitched Nativity Ideas

Do you have a quilt, wall hanging, Christmas Stocking, or needlework that portrays the birth of Christ?  We would love to be able to display it at the Valparaiso Nativity Exhibit!  Please contact the Decorating Chair or your unit Representative.  Contact information on the right of this page.

3 panel Cross- Stitch

Nativity Bed Quilt

 Felt Stocking

 Needlework

 Applique Pillow

 Plastic Canvas

 Appliqued Wallhanging

Quilted Advent Calendar

Edible Nativities?

YES! Amazing cakes, cookies, gingerbread and even molded chocolate can be created with a Nativity theme.

If you would like to share your talent in this unusual way at the Valparaiso Nativity Exhibit, check out some great ideas by image Googling Nativity cakes and cookies.

Your creation will be safely on display in a special area for Edible Nativities... not eaten!

Please contact Decorating Co-Chair
Stephanie Humphrey stepherbean@hotmail.com
or your Ward / Branch Nativity Representative

For more contact information see right side bar
of this page.

Items Needed

The Nativity Exhibit is in need of LOANED items or DONATED items.  

Here is a list of what we are in need of.

GREEN artificial pine trees - any size

WHITE miniature lights

Extension Cords and Power Strips

Small Lamps and Battery Operated Candles

Decorative Table and Floor Easels 

Draping FABRIC

(jewel tones, metallics, satins, brocades, sheer)

**If you have any of these items you would like to Donate or Loan, please contact your Ward or Branch Representatives.  (See right sidebar for list of names)

Volunteers Needed!

We need adult volunteers to help set-up and take-down the Nativity Exhibit, and also to provide lunch for those working on the exhibit.

Please note:  NO children will be allowed in the building during set-up.

Set Up Dates:

Monday, November 28, 2011

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

From 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (all three days)

Take Down Dates:

Saturday, December 3, 2011

From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Monday December 5, 2011

If Needed

If you would like to volunteer your time to help with either one of these, please contact your Ward or Branch Representative, or Volunteer Chair, Bev Depra (see right sidebar for contact info)

Nativity Musical Talent Wanted!

We are looking for musical performances, both vocal and instrumental, from church, school, and community groups or individuals. 

Traditional Christmas songs focusing on the birth of Christ is the theme.
These performances will be scheduled during exhibit hours. 

Please contact the Music Chairman, Jodi Ames, djames09@frontier.com or Mindi Reach, reachmindi@gmail.com for guidelines and information.

How Can Anyone Participate?

We are looking for people who are willing to loan their indoor nativity sets for display in a beautiful setting all in one place. 

The birth of Christ may be depicted in many forms other than traditional creches... such as artwork, needlework, books, edibles, foreign, globes, ornaments and handmade to name a few.

We are planning space for at least 400-500 displays, and the event will be open to the public for 2 days.

Your loaned items will be very well taken care of, and security will be in place while setting up, during the exhibit, and during take down.

For more information on how you can loan your nativity, contact the representative in your area located on the right sidebar of this page under Ward/Branch Representatives.