'It felt very important to have a visual picture of the Nativity'
A Baptist church has worked with a local builders merchant to create an eye-catching nativity scene on its grounds
The life-size display is on the grass in front of Shirley Warren Action Church in Southampton, and is lit up during the evening. It receives visitors from across the community with many of them taking photographs.
'It felt very important to have a visual picture of the Nativity, which represents the true meaning of Christmas, outside for all the community to see,' said minister the Revd Jenny Elliott.
'Due to the many restrictions placed on indoor worship, and because our outdoor Nativity scene was sadly subjected to an arson attack in 2015, we all felt a strong need to create something outside where people could come and go freely whenever they wanted.'
Covers Timber & Builders Merchant in Southampton donated sheets of plywood to help the church create the scene.
Michael Sheath, Depot Manager of Covers Southampton, said, 'At Covers we are always happy to support projects in our community so we were delighted to get involved with Shirley Warren Action Church to help them create their wonderful Nativity display.
'We are sure it will bring joy to visitors throughout the festive season.'
Baptist Times, 17/12/2020