The congregation of Finley United Methodist Church, in Proctorville, wishes to thank the people who helped make the live Nativity, “Tell Me the Story of Jesus,” a Christmas gift to the community.

Although our church sponsored this event, we received help from other churches and organizations in the Rome and Proctorville communities. We thank the hundreds of visitors who came to watch the Nativity on Friday night, Dec. 23.

We are especially grateful to Freddie Hayes, president of the Lawrence County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. Re-locating the Nativity to the fairgrounds required extra work from Mr. Hayes and his staff. Thank you very much for providing the facilities and working with us for months in advance.

The Rome Ministerial Choir, made up of members from New Hope United Methodist, Beulah Baptist, and our own church provided Christmas carols and solos that just set the tone for the evening.

A special thank you to musicians and soloists: Paulette Fulks, Debbie Lundy Peck and Beth and Mike Boster. We are grateful to Danielle Endicott for her technical assistance in setting up the background music. A special “Thank you” to Jimmy Lundy for the microphones and sound equipment.

All the actors and live animals made up a large cast that needed a very big stable. “Thank you” to all those who constructed the sets and backdrop for the drama. The animals needed special handling, and we are grateful to the Raymond Gorby family, Danny Jones, and Diana and Carlisle Lewis for providing the donkeys, calves and llamas. Many children who came with their families got the opportunity to pet the animals after the show.

Throughout the show, our guests were treated to hot chocolate provided by the Eastern Star Lodge-Teresa Chapter of Proctorville. To all of you who stopped by and provided encouragement or prayers, we are grateful. It was our pleasure to share the good news of Jesus’ birth.

God bless you, and have a Happy New Year!

Marsha Imhoff

Director

Finley United Methodist Church