Dec. 14 show will feature live animals for petting, as well as multiple musical performances
Once again, the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church will be hosting the annual Nativity Pageant. Autumn Van der Linden will be directing the event, which will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14, beginning at 4 p.m., featuring live animals for petting, courtesy of Seein’ Spots Farm, along with animals from members of the 4-H Club, coordinated by Debbie Jones. Coffee will be provided by Holy Grounds, followed at 5 p.m. with the Nativity Pageant, which will be held in the Sanctuary.
C.J. Jackson will return as narrator with Sean and Melissa Diggins as Mary and Joseph.
“This year I’m hoping to have the cast members interacting more with the audience,” said Van der Linden. “We will also have Christmas music playing outside for atmosphere and some Bethlehem backdrops for those who would like to take a Christmas photo.”
“The adult choir is grow- ing, so they will be performing even more songs this year. Anyone who would like to join the choir who is of high school age or older is welcome to join,” she added. “This year the choir will include two new members of the church, the new church pastor, Gunnar Tesdahl, and his assistant, Lauren Thill.
“The children’s choir is also growing ever stronger and will be performing as angels and shepherds. If your children would like to participate, ages preschool through sixth grade are also welcome. Costumes will be provided. Even if they can’t make it to rehearsals, they are still welcome. Simply email office@syvpc.org and I will make arrangements for your child to participate,” said Van der Linden.
The rehearsal dates and times can be found at www. syvpc.org/solvangnativitypageant.
Harpist Emma Tesdahl will once again be performing, as will the Santa Barbara Strings, led by Mary Beth Woodruff. Additionally, a duet will be performed by mother and son, Sarah and Judah Kiser.
Alan Satch well will be directing the adult and live worship band during the pageant.
“Following the closing of the pageant, everyone is invited to enjoy our after-show fellowship time in the adjacent Family Center building, featuring food for purchase (Lucca Pizza, Soup and Chili bar, baked goods) and free activities for kids (crafts, cookie decorating, hot chocolate bar),” said Ruthy Gallo, who is in charge of the post- show. “Food tickets will be sold on-site the night of the show (cash only), as well as in the church office from Dec. 8 through 12 during office hours.”
“This year both of my children, ages 3 and 7, will be singing in the choir,” said Van der Linden. “We have been practicing, and they are so excited. I am so blessed that I am able to pass along this moment in time for them to remember when they are both grown up. I, too, will be taking the stage again to perform a solo along with the choir for the finale.”
This year, there will also be overflow seating available in the Holy Grounds Coffee Shop with a live screen.
“I encourage people to come early as parking spaces fill up fast,” said Van der Linden. “Also, getting in line early will guarantee a seat inside the Sanctuary.”
“This is a non-denominational community event,” she added. “All the choir members and the cast come from different churches in the Valley and Lompoc, and the children are from all the schools in the Valley as well. The Nativity Pageant is a free Valley-wide community Christmas event although donations are gratefully appreciated to cover the costs for this beautiful event. Everyone is invited to attend.”
For more information, email office@syvpc.org or call (805) 688-6323 between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church is at 1825 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang.
