Public Is Invited to View More Than 150 Nativities

At North United Methodist Church in December

Open Houses Are Free But Reservations Are Required

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 22 — North United Methodist Church (North UMC), 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, will host four open houses in December so the public can enjoy its collection of more than 150 nativities from around the world during the Christmas holiday season.

The open houses will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on three Thursdays in December: Dec. 4, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18. In addition, one evening open house is planned for Dec. 11 from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The open houses will be free of charge, but reservations must be made in advance by emailing Events@NorthChurchIndy.com so that visitors can enjoy viewing the nativities without being rushed or crowded, and proper staffing can be in place.

The tours will be self-guided, but volunteers will be available to provide directions, answer questions, etc. One hour should be sufficient for most visitors.

Free light refreshments will be available at the end of visitors’ tours in the church’s Gathering Center. Nativities will be set up there, in the sanctuary, in the church’s chapel, in its west entry, and other spots in the building, located at the corner of 38th and Meridian Streets.

Freewill offerings are always appreciated, and can be made via collection boxes near the sanctuary.

A paper containing a short scavenger hunt highlighting a few of the nativities will be available for anyone who would enjoy it.

The bulk of the church’s nativities were collected by the late Charlotte Mozelle Shake DeLong and Rev. Robert DeLong, who chose North as their home church after their retirement. The DeLongs' son donated their nativity set collection to North upon his parents’ deaths. Rev. DeLong died in 2004, while his widow died in 2005.

Church members and others have added to the collection over the years.

Many different countries and ethnic groups are represented in the nativities, which are constructed of various materials. Although china and ceramics are most prevalent, there are nativities made of wood, wool, other fabrics, tin, other metals, glass, stone, cornhusks, and even a nutshell.

Viewing the nativities each Christmas has become a holiday tradition for many who attend North UMC's 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services and its Christmas Eve services at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.

The open houses provide opportunities for people who have commitments at other churches on Sunday mornings and Christmas Eve to enjoy North’s nativities too. In addition to families and individuals, groups such as assisted living residents, scout groups, school groups, and clubs are encouraged to make reservations to see them.

Parking is free. Visitors are asked to enter through the church’s west entry, which is closest to its parking lots.

There is an IndyGo bus stop just steps from the church’s front door at 38th and Meridian Streets; its stop code is 10300. Bus lines 38, 90, 92, and 28 stop there. Consult IndyGo for more information.

A limited number of wheelchairs will be available for guests who need them.

For more information see NorthChurchIndy.com.