Park is site of nativity production

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Parishioners of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Ulm pulled together to create a live, moving nativity float and a nativity scene that will be a part of the Parade of Lights on Friday.

Approximately 200 people have been involved in the production from sewing costumes and constructing the walls of Bethlehem to bringing all of the animals for the presentation.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. in New Ulm. Various segments of the nativity will pass by on Minnesota Street and then travel to German Park where the public is invited to come experience the live nativity. The float in the parade will be 40-feet long.

The purpose of creating a live nativity was three-fold, according to the nativity's visionaries staff minister at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Todd Wendorff and church member Renee Retzlaff.

The first purpose was to bring people together and let them use their God-given talents. The next purpose was to involve people in a community event. The final and most important purpose was to put the focus of Christmas back on the birth of Jesus Christ, according to Retzlaff.

Retzlaff was inspired when she saw a video of a live nativity in LaCrosse, Wis. earlier this year.

"The seed was planted in August when we did Pioneer Planning," said Retzlaff, "On Oct. 6, we had a meeting with 54 volunteers-- within the first week that number (of people) doubled."

Wendorff and Retzlaff began with a vision and laid out the concept for the church congregation.

"The people have brought forth their skills, time, ideas and their talents," said Retzlaff, "And we've been able to take their time and skills and use them."

People donated their time, supplies, skills and expertise to the project.

"We haven't had to recruit at all," said Wendorff, "We haven't had to ask twice for help."

A few days in October were dedicated to building and painting the walls of Bethlehem. Several days were dedicated to organizing and sewing the costumes. Approximately 120 people will be in full costume on Friday.

"People just kept signing up and signing up. We were amazed and overwhelmed," said Retzlaff, "It's been tremendous support. There's just not been a lack of volunteers. The costumes are detailed. They are decked out as close as we could get them considering we're not in a desert. ... We're in Minnesota."

Luminaries will be set up along the pathways in the park. Another 100 candles will be lit, and carolers will be singing throughout the evening, Retzlaff said.

Kevin Vogel of Vogel's Exotic Animals of Sanborn will bring three camels for the wisemen to ride on during the parade. The camels and other authentic animals such as a donkey, a calf, goats, sheep, chickens and doves will also be a part of the nativity event.

Coffee and hot cider will be served in the pavilion.

"Come out, take a look and be a part of the special event," said Retzlaff, "It's a holiday event."

"It's a church activity, but also it's a community activity," said Wendorff.