Covenant Fellowship Church in Russell hosted Christmas in September on the last day of the month.

Pastor Vinita Baker, who arranged the program, described this new twist on Christmas was a way to reach out spiritually to people, many of whom are very busy during the actual Christmas season. That is why she and her volunteers decided to re-enact the Nativity in the fall, rather than in December, and holding it outdoors during nice weather was also a factor.

The weather cooperated and about 100 people watched the 30 participants from different parts of Russell village converged on the empty corner at Concession and Castor streets Sept. 30. Mary (Angela Kirkish) and Joseph (Don Hill), along with Jack the Donkey, made their way to the stable setting after the call from Herod, where the Baby Jesus (six-week-old Lucus Ezra Kirkish) was lain in a manger. A heavenly host of angels (choir), shepherds and three wise men followed.

Here is the conversation with Vinita Baker: