Creche Vol. 21, No. 2
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The Newsletter of the Christmas Nativity
Summer 2017
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The Newsletter of the Christmas Nativity
Creche
Herald -VY (SS >OV 3V]L 6^U VY *VSSLJ[ *YLJOLZ
The Newsletter of the Christmas Nativity
Creche Herald -VY (SS >OV 3V]L 6^U VY *VSSLJ[ *YLJOLZ
The Newsletter of the Christmas Nativity
ON THE COVER: Bronze nativity done in Elizabethan style.
From the Editor: Most of the readers of this newsletter and members of Friends of the Creche agree the Nativity “rocks.” I am calling this our heavy metal issue. No, you won’t have to insert ear plugs. In fact, quite the opposite, we want you to hear the Nativity by listening to some beautiful music written to describe it. And since we are speaking music, not the heavy metal variety thankfully, we are dedicating this issue to another kind of heavy metal, namely those creche scenes made of metal that might require a welding torch or a soldering iron to create. It is not too late to sign up for our convention this fall in Bethlehem, PA. It is quite a unique place and the birthplace of our organization. See details elsewhere and registration form enclosed. Please also considering putting you name into nomination to be on our board of directors. Again, please see what qualifications we need and how to go about on page 5 in this publication. We would also like to apologize to Dr. Rodney Allen Schwartz. We incorrectly labeled his picture on page 11 in our last issue as Rodney X. Time to send in your nativity exhibit details for our fall listing. Dates, times, place and if admission is charged and possible contact number for more details. I know it seems early but the fall issue is the best time for this listing. That means we need the information by midAugust. Send to crecheguy@att.net
Fostering a Child’s Interest in Nativities by Janet Perry
For many of us, the question of who will inherit our collections is a big one. This is not a problem in my house; my three children all have sets of their own and will happily divide up the spoils after I’m gone. This didn’t happen entirely by chance, my husband and I carefully cultivated this love since they were small. The key is to keep the celebrations around Christmas focused on the creche. I know “the reason for the season” sounds hackneyed but celebrating this as a holy time is centuries old. From very young, we involved our children in our main nativity, from Fontanini. When we first purchased it, we allowed each child to choose a figure that would be theirs. Two more figures were added for my husband and myself. In fact, over 25 years later, the sleeping shepherd is still referred to as “Dad.” The children were responsible for setting up their own figures. Their involvement with this creche did not end there. Early in Advent, the stable is empty except for some animals. The children were responsible to set up traveling Jesus and Mary and the kings in different parts of the house. Each Sunday in Advent, they were responsible for moving them all closer to the stable in Bethlehem. I hid baby Jesus each year and put him in the manger on Christmas Eve after they had gone to bed. Along with the Christ Child, angels appeared and the shepherds and sheep flocked in from the fields. In fact, they still do. Our kings never arrived from the “Far Country” until the actual day of the Epiphany, a day we celebrate each year with a party, traditionally, January 6, and sometimes referred to as “little Christmas.” I also did other things to foster this love. They made a wood and felt nativity one year from a German kit I bought. They also helped set up the small nativity with its velvet rugs their father had as a child. Even when they were small they were responsible for them. Their advent calendars would always depict creches and, of course, they had books about the nativity. This made the nativity familiar to them and helped them to see creches as an essential part of Christmas. In church, we would always go see the Christ Child once he was there and do this every Sunday until it left. By participating in all of this, my children became familiar with the creche and have come to treasure it. In addition to help encourage this interest and love, we purchased a small tree to hold my more religious themed ornaments. It’s called the “Jesus tree” and has numerous nativities, crosses, and saints upon it. New ornaments are added to it each year where it stood in our entry throughout their school years, greeting them every day throughout Advent.
Creche Herald subscription information
Membership in Friends of the Creche includes subscription to the Creche Herald. Published four times yearly. To become a member, please send check payable to Friends of the Creche $35 for USA addresses or $40 in US dollars (addresses outside USA) Mail to: F OTC Membership/Marilynn Gillespie 7564 South 2020 East, South Weber, UT 84405-9641 USA Be sure to include name, address, telephone number and email address.
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Creche Herald
Because I started collecting nativities in a small way when they were children, they often helped me pick out new designs. In this way, they could feel that what we displayed was something they chose. My collection from when they were small was made from unbreakable materials. That’s helpful when little hands will play with them, which they will do. If I had been able to find more I would have added to the collection earlier. A great aunt who loves folk art often aided in this by giving us nativities from unusual places. One of our favorites is a Mexican punched tin set that has its own small box. It is far too easy, especially these days, to turn the focus of Christmas away from the creche, doing the rich tradition of this holiday a disservice. We keep Advent in our home, putting up the nativities first, having an Advent wreath, and putting up our tree during the week of Christmas. We listen to beautiful, religious Christmas music, and attend Carols & Lessons each year. My husband directs a schola choir and so he has lots of amazing non-secular music for Christmas. As a practical matter, we decided that we would keep Christmas as Christ’s birthday, not by singing silly songs but by remembering this amazing gift of God’s love for us. That is a gift we symbolize by exchanging presents with each other and by giving God the gift of our presence at church on Christmas. I don’t know that my future grandchildren won’t have a visit from Santa, but will also know and love the source and symbols of Christmas, including the creche. Starting children early certainly plants the seeds of a love for nativities, but this love won’t always last into adulthood. As soon as each child was on his own, I started them off with nativities of their own. At least one new figure is added to every year, and each child picks the figure. My two daughters have 5” Fontininis like my main nativity. Their brother has a 3.5” Italian nativity that is a bit more eclectic. As they get older, their creches will become significant parts of their Christmas décor.
The journey to Bethlehem in the Perry home.
Post Epiphany with Kings.
Creche Herald
is the newsletter of Friends of the Creche (a 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation)
Published by and for its members. Editor: Michael Whalen Founding Creche Herald Editor: Rita Bocher Graphic Designer: James Brack Comments, submissions to: 19640 Driftwood Dr. Clinton Twp., MI 48038 crecheguy@att.net
Detail of Joan of Arc from Renaissance nativity.
Summer 2017
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From Straw to Gilt: A fitting Cr adle for a King By Mike Whalen
Within the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam since 2013, stands a hanging crib only one of eight known to have survived. Basically it is a hanging cradle that maybe rocked or swung. The structure itself supporting the cradle stands on four carved lions and embellished with many arches and other gothic type embellishments which may be found on the many famous, cathedrals which we are familiar such as Notre Dame, Chartres and Cologne. On the underside of the cradle were a number of silver bells lost from this example but can be seen in two other presented here. They of course represented the angels singing at the birth of Christ and served to ward off evil spirits. Bells were often tied to children’s beds for a similar purpose.
This particular example of cradle is thought to have originated in Brussels by sculptor known as Borman between 1479 and 1520 mostly because of the unique arch used that may also be seen in the St. George altarpiece now residing in the Museum of Art and History in Belgium. The three semicircular arches topped with a bell motif also adorns the cradle when viewed from the side and like the altarpiece. A second example of these cradles may be found in the Museum of Cluny in Paris and this one has the bells attached underneath the cradle. Though neither cradle bears the stamp of Borman, it was normal practice for certain guildsmen to freelance so to speak and their work known for quality not needing the so-called stamp of
approval from the guild. This Cluny example also had a casket or box for storage after the Christmas season which bore the coat of arms of two families from Brussels, one being silk merchants and verifying the same period as the Rijksmuseum cradle. This cradle is practically the same as the first example. When we leap to the third example, the one from the Namur Museum of ancient arts in Belgium, the cradle has become so much more adorned. In fact, it is of silver and silver gilt.
Gilt bed in Namur Museum in Belgium.
Cradle in museum of art and history in Belgium.
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Further example in museum of Cluny in Paris with bells.
At this point, one must discuss faith and devotion at this time in church history. The notion of a doll representing the Christ Child were documented in the sermons recorded at this time by Father Bartholomew of Middleburg, Germany. In these sermons, he speaks to the sisters to whom he gave spiritual advice about using the image to build their own life of faith not just engaging in some child’s play. His gift actually was a cradle and doll as seen here. The bed became symbolic of the meek heart waiting Creche Herald
to receive the Christ Child. The two supports holding the cradle were representing the Old and New Testaments. The pillow on which the child Jesus rested his head was love and the white blanket, their life given to chastity. The base of the cradle represented their faith, solid indeed. As the cradle became more and more adorned, the same imagery still may be found as seen as the bricks in the legs of the bed or the foundation of this solid faith. Tiny flowers and pearls adorned the cradle as flowers were encouraged to be placed in a child’s crib as was the custom in the old world to get the child used to the ordinary things in life. The use of a cradle symbolized how God is born is man and seen in three ways. It is most likely that the first or the most ordinary way used by the faithful in general. The other two more so by religious houses, convents, etc. and those seeking a more contemplative type of life. The first of course being the actual witnessing of God born into the world as a man. The second is to experience Jesus’ birth in one soul and to live a life of imitating Him. The third was to a much deeper level or the notion of becoming the spouse or bride of Christ and a much closer union with Him, again reserved for those taking vows of chastity. It is interesting to note that when the reformists began their work such popular devotion were derided as childish and distracting and perhaps over shadowing the event itself and its mystery. Still though the crib or some altar modeled after such cribs were in homes for Christmas and kept displayed until well after Candlemas day. And in a sense, these were forerunners of what we view as a nativity set or creche. Then and now as a visual reminder of God becoming man. (Many thanks to Peter Diemer for his source material.) Summer 2017
The Nativity Rocks or
Heavy Metal Creches Gold, silver, bronze, aluminum, iron, copper, tin, pewter, steel and the like have all been used by artists in the past and will be into the future to create some amazing nativities. Perhaps not as soothing as the warmth of wood or the prettiness of pastels, nonetheless, these heavy metals have been chosen to portray some large and small scale creches. Our center pages in this summer issue, focus on just a few of these found in every corner of the world. Often in these days of being green, they also have become the source of material for those with little ability to afford expensive art supplies but rich in talent and so turn to recycled materials. On our cover, an Elizabethan or medieval nativity is shown. This is a striking example of how simple ore in the hand of a talented artist can yield amazing results. Mary is portrayed looking like Queen Elizabeth surrounded by knights, one said to be Joan of Arc. This is a two-crate set and not to be dropped on one’s foot. Also in this issue, we have part one of a two-part series on hearing the Nativity. So often we think of the creche only in terms of a visual experience. So, let’s call this, Pictures at an Exhibition, Nativity edition. Close your eyes, open your ears and visualize Mary’s amazement being told she was to be Mother of the Savior, the Angels joy in spreading the news of Jesus’ birth, and the Magi’s weariness after that long quest to find the new born King. Let your mind’s eye experience Joseph’s fear with Herod in pursuit of his Son. Experience the joy and peace not only with your eyes but also with your ears. (MW)
Board Of Directors Election Notice The Board of Directors is seeking individuals to be elected/ appointed to fill vacancies consisting of a three-year term commencing in the fall of 2017. You may nominate yourself or someone else with their permission of course. A ballot will be mailed in September with the Creche Herald to all members. Qualifications are as follows: • Love of the whole Nativity creche tradition and eager to keep it alive. • Access to email and ability to attend one or two face to face meetings per year (one in conjunction with our convention or annual meeting.) • Must be a paid up member since at least October 2015. Please write a two hundred word or less biography telling members about you or your nominee and e-mail to: Susan Schumacher susans@att.net Nominations must be received no later than August 1, 2017.
21st century Nativity that really rocks and rumbles from Germany.
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Heavy Metal
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1) Enamel on bronze by E. Weinert 2) Greek icon 3) Black Mountain, NC, iron 4) Wire coil nativity from India 5) Nativity of nuts and bolts, USA 6) Nail nativity by T. Burford 7) Bronze nativity by Cologne Cathedral 8) Recycled soda can nativity, Africa 9) Hammered copper from Vermont 10) Metal creche from Burkina Faso 11) Bronze creche from Ireland 12) Bronze sculpture outside creche museum in Italy
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13) Sculpture of bronze in Bergamo, by G. Defendi 14) Nativity bells by Reed and Barton 15) Tin from the Philippines 16) Kitch nativity from utensils, USA 17) Holy Family in bronze, MI 18) Pewter nativity from Germany 19) Life of Christ bronze, Germany 20) Air brushed tin 21) Welded steel by C. Zollo 22) Bronze from Germany 23) Iron wisemen from India 24) Recycled auto parts, Mexico, by A. Ramirez 25) Iron casting by Danya B.
HAPPY SUMMER!
The year is half over. Rain has covered most of the United States this year – even in Southern California. We were able to enjoy the joyous celebrations of color in the wildflowers in the spring. Now we are enjoying the warmth of the sun and maybe even beginning the plans for our Christmas celebrations. In April, the Friends of the Creche (FOTC) board met for one of their two in-person yearly board meetings, this time at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Our thanks go to one of our founding fathers, Fr. Johann Roten and Michele Devitt, board member and Curatorial Assistant at the Marian Library, for hosting the Saturday meeting and sharing the nativities and displays at the Marian Library. Among items we discussed: • Research in the acceptance of credit cards for payment of dues, convention fees, etc. • Publication of the new member’s directory as well as ways to encourage future membership in the FOTC • Agreement between the Friends of the Creche with the Marian Library and the University of Dayton for the storage/accessibility of the Friends of the Creche Archives • Presentation on the reorganization of the FOTC web page
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• Friends of the Creche Facebook page • Presentations on the 2017 and 2019 National Conventions as well as the 2018 Annual Meeting • Committees established for this year’s FOTC board elections as well as the proposed document/guidelines to aid in the preparation for the conventions and annual business meetings. The FOTC board has a membership of 12-15 elected members. This year’s election will have 3 positions available. I hope you might consider being part of the board. The board currently has members representing 14 states from California and Utah to West Virginia and Vermont to Texas with the mid-West in between. • The board has two face-toface board meetings each year as well as one via e-mail communication. Board meetings are usually held at the University of Dayton in Ohio and/or the host city of the next convention in spring and the second is held at the annual meeting in fall in the host cities. • Ballots will go out in the fall issue of the Creche Herald with new officers assuming their three-year term at the board meeting to be held this year in Bethlehem in conjunction with our biennial Convention. • If you would like to run for the position, see page 5 for information. • If you have any questions about the positions, please contact me.
The 2017 Friends of the Creche convention will be in “Christmas City USA”, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Registration form is enclosed. Keep these dates on your calendar! • Convention - Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28 • Optional tours - Wednesday and Thursday, October 25 and 26. • Register early! I am hoping you are planning on joining us for this exciting biennial event. Each convention highlights traditions of the nativity in the host region, and the Moravian heritage and the putz (nativity scene) will be showcased throughout our time there. Bethlehem and the surrounding area are rich in history of our nation as well as the Christmas tradition. I encourage you to sign up early, especially for the optional tours. The Convention hotel, the Best Western Leheigh Valley Hotel and Convention Center can host many – but our optional tours will have limited space. If you want to participate in those extra tours, please sign up soon so that you won’t be disappointed. Tours will be taking us to the National Christmas Center on one day and Glencairn Museum and Byer’s Choice Factory on another. The optional tours are a destination in themselves, however, enjoying the countryside on the way there and the visit with old friends along the way make it even more enjoyable. I am looking forward to seeing you in Bethlehem. Sydne Yanko-Jongbloed President, Friends of the Creche sjongbloed@maryjoseph.org 310-493-3380
Creche Herald
New Facebook Page By Michael Palan
Two Dimensions Become Three (Editor’s note: Some of our members/readers inquired about the unusual Flemish nativity that was displayed at our meeting at Mepkin Abbey last fall. What follows is some information about the piece and its creators and a couple of more pictures of it.)
(Look for this logo when you search Friends of the Crèche on Facebook)
Called a Flemish Low Country Nativity, this piece was created by artist, Michael Palan and his wife, Karen Loccisano who now live in New Jersey. This piece came to life when they viewed a painting entitled, The Census at Bethlehem by Flemish artist, Peter Bruegel. Their interest was piqued by Mary and Joseph being shown in sixteenth century Flanders, in Europe’s low country. Upon consideration, they could not discover any three dimensional depicitons of a nativity done in this Flemish style, so sought to rectify this situation. Michael began work on the architecture, furniture and other details. It is interesting to note that the roof had a structure not hidden beneath the thatching. Michael says, “I was so happy with the roofing structure that I really didn’t want to cover it with grass. This project was an opportunity to work on a natural setting with grass, rocks, trees and dirt. It’s really a great joy to learn about how these things in nature work and to reproduce a believable miniature version of them.” Karen meanwhile set to sculpting and dressing the human figures and the animals in the scene as well. She was inspired by the works of Memling, Bruegel and Van Eyck from their Renaissance paintings in the Flemish tradition. Silk from India as well as antique cottons and laces adorned the polymer clay figures beneath. Finally, the angel appearing in their work exhibited the characteristics of a person with Down’s syndrome. This inspiration came from another painter in the Flemish style who had similar in his work, “Adoration of the Magi.” Their goal as artists is to engage the viewer and showcase the rich stories and legends that surround the story of the Nativity as shown in different cultures. (MW)
Look on Facebook for a new updated Friends of the Creche page. Everyone is welcome to join. You will find information about the upcoming convention in Bethlehem and interesting photos of displays and collections of Nativities from around the world. Hopefully this will be a way for members to keep in touch with each other and connect with others from around the world who share an interest in the Nativity. Please join the page and enjoy a little of the joy of Christmas all year long.
Summer 2017
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Manuscripts In Sound: By Susan Soldat Schumacher
God created us with five senses. For creche collectors, sight and touch are a given and one need only think frankincense, to include scent as well. So precious is frankincense, it was a treasured gift brought by the Magi to the Christ Child. Taste, how does that play into thoughts of the nativity? At the Salt Lake City convention, my first FOTC experience were of little gifts left at our tables throughout the day. My favorite, the amazing nativity cookies. These mini works of art were crafted using molds with intricately carved nativity scenes. The cookies resembled cameos carved in ivory. My cookie was displayed in my office for some time. When finally eaten, a delightful flavor was discovered. Lovely memory, the day I tasted the nativity. As a choir member, it’s the sense of sound, which deeply touches my soul. Magnificent music written through the ages, for the glory of God. Music, bringing the mystery of the Incarnation to life. Think of it as a manuscript written in sound. YouTube, gives us the ability to experience music, across a seemingly endless genre. I’ll share some of my favorites in both symphony and choral arrangements where one can “hear” the nativity. Biber’s Mystery Sonata #1 - The Annunciation speaks to us using a baroque violin and harpsichord. The gentle fluttering of the violin notes gives a feeling of the Archangel Gabriel’s wings, as he effortlessly makes his way from the heavens. Experience Gabriel’s joy, in his sacred and precious, mission from God. The music then” speaks,” becoming the conversation between Gabriel and Mary. With the change in tempo, Mary’s utter acceptance of God’s will, yet her perplexity in how this would be accomplished, is described in these gentle notes. Now let us shift to a lovely choral arrangement, 2011 Annunciation – by Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. The voices, accompanied by piano and violin convey the wonder of Gabriel’s visit. How appropriate the use of young voices singing of the teenage Mary. You will find 10
this rather simple, yet with an outstanding blend of harmonies. Listen to the swell of voices as an ocean of sound. Feel the notes wash over you, the violin guiding you through the waves. A 20th century Basque carol, The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Down, is one of my favorite Advent hymns. This lovely melody has a velvety feel to it, each verse ends with a gloria. The notes ebb up gently to a solemn bow like feel after a whispered prayer. It’s difficult to sing that gloria with your eyes open, try it. Now a visual and audio experience, found on YouTube, Annunciation of Mary composed by Juan Pablo Zaragoza. A female vocalization guides you through numerous artistic examples. The sounds tells the story, dolce and legato, sweetly and smoothly. Initially listen to this video with closed eyes. The hypnotic sounds will draw you in. This selection is modern and realistic. You will not see Mary in jewels and regal gown. View a Mary pressed against a wall expressing fear, awe and confusion. I was almost startled by a man nodding off while reading scripture. Then it hit me, it’s the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him Mary is ordained to be his spouse. My thanks to Michael Whalen for inviting me to write this article. Thanks must be given to my, “ three wise men.” Carl Grapentine, the morning host of Chicago’s classical music station WFMT for his good counsel. Composer and Professor emeritus of music, Carl F. Schalk whose music moves me to tears on a regular basis. My third wise man, Paul Bouman, emeritus director of music at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, Illinois, who is reaching 99 years of age this August. Paul is currently involved with a special Easter choir at Grace this year. May I suggest your local reference librarian as a great source for finding this music. Libraries are part of a lending networks, CD’s may be available thus sparing the cost of purchase. If you are not computer savvy, ask the grandkids, they will be sure to know. I must acknowledge the book Creches and Carols, Creche Herald
Part I dedicated to the FOTC membership, and authored by our own, Suzanne Strong of Essex Junction, Vermont. In Part II of this article, the book was my reference for, “O Bambino.” I love this advent devotional, featuring photos of a creche and Christmas carol verses. The book resides on my nightstand all year long. Peruse it during our convention in Bethlehem, PA this October. This book has become a great gift for the music lovers in my life, especially my 100 fellow choir members. If you join me in this musical journey, please share your impressions with me. My email, susanss@att.net. If you are a verbal communicator, as I am, please call. Our phone number is available in the FOTC directory. We are generally home on Sunday evenings. Feel free to leave your number on our answering device and I’ll be happy to call you. To be continued in the next issue just in time to feast your ears all Christmas.
Summer 2017
Friends of the Creche In the news A fellow member, Anne Neville of North Logan, Utah was featured in the local Herald Journal regarding her nativity collection. This retired Idaho educator displays many of her near one-thousand sets each year and has invited people to come see but with prior contact only. Anne hopes to create a book about her collection as Christmas gifts for friends and family. Her collection includes many of her own creations using even common household items.
A Christmas Prayer Jesus Christ, O Gift of God, Save me from judging my joy by the number of pretty packages found under a pretty tree. I pray for the gift of song so that I can sing and make melody in my heart to you. Let earth receive her King! Let him rule the world with truth and grace. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and the wonders of His love. Amen
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Still not too late to put yourself in this picture
Take a selfie with this backdrop of the shepherds on their way to Bethlehem, but only on Friday , Oct. 27th between 1 and 4 pm. Nativity church in Bethlehem, PA
Preconvention, October 25-26
Friday, October 27
Saturday, October 28
• Optional bus excursion to National Christmas Center and Shady Maple Market & Smorgasbord
• Making of the Moravian Community of Bethlehem, on Christmas Eve, 1741 • Making of the Luminaria Festival, New Bethany Ministries, a 19-year tradition • Making of the Nazareth to Bethlehem Christmas Peace Pilgrimage, a 57-year tradition • Making of the Live Nativity in the Rose Garden in Bethlehem, a 37-year tradition • Making of a Nativity: Michael Stumpf & A.J. DiAntonio from Navidad Nativities Inc. • Hands-on demonstrations outside vendors rooms called, “Meet our Makers” on Fri. and Sat.
• Making of a presepio with Michael Palan and Karen Loccisano • Making of the National Christmas Center with Jim Morrison • Making of the Moravian Star
National Christmas Center
• Optional bus excursion to Glencairn & Byer’s Choice Museums
Day ending with Love Feast at Nazareth Moravian church with the Making and Meaning of the Love Feast, Putz and Moravian star and the Moravian church itself in America.
• Making of the Glencairn Museum with a representative from the museum • Making of the Nativity museum, gift shop and tea room with our host, Margo Dixon • Local Putz makers demonstration Optional trolley ride ($20) or selfdrive to the Cathedral Church of the Nativity for Celtic Spirituality service, 5-6 pm. Day ending with gala plated banquet at the Best Western at 7 pm.
Glencairn Museum
• On your own to see Bethlehem sights such as Moravian Church and Bookstore, Steel Stacks, Sands Casino and shops Byer’s Choice Museum