Kinnelon Petting Zoo Participates in Live Nativity Presentation

The held its live Nativity presentation over the weekend, drawing residents from Montville and neighboring communities who wished to observe a live-action version of the story of Christmas.

The presentation, which the church has been doing for over 20 years, lasts about 25 minutes and has become a staple tradition for the church, according to the Rev. Charles Bigelow, the church's pastor.

“It just started as a simple storytelling and outdoor presentation,” said Bigelow. “Over the years, it’s evolved into far more.”

The presentation was made on Saturday and Sunday nights at the church, which is located at 9 Church Road. In addition to the performance, the audience was treated to a meet-and-greet with the cast following the performance, as well as refreshments in the recreation room of the church.

Live animals continued to be featured in the performances this year, something that was in question following the withdrawal of the from the production. The Van Duyne Cider Mill had typically been the provider of livestock for the production in the past, but some of their animals died or have difficulty moving as a result of old age. This caused the church to conduct a search for another source of live animals for the production, which was successful when of Kinnelon agreed to contribute some of their animals—including an alpaca—for the presentation.

Doris Heddy, a member of the Van Duyne family who has ties to Montville Reformed Church, praised the yearly production, and was hopeful that the church would find another source of animals in time for the holiday.

Realism is important, considering Bigelow estimated that 75 to 100 people come to watch the presentation on any given night. This number can be affected by the weather, but Bigelow stated that the number of people in attendance usually remains fairly consistent.

All in all, people at the church seem to have enjoyed being a part of the production more with each passing year. Judy Slegona, a parish member who has been involved with the production since the very beginning, stated that this chemistry between volunteers helps the presentation come together easily.

“Everyone seems to know their jobs, and when the time comes every year, we don’t even need to have a meeting (to plan the presentation) anymore,” said Slegona.

Furthermore, this tradition has become one where people of all ages can get involved.

“What’s really neat is that this has become an intergenerational activity within the church. People of all ages participate,” said Bigelow. “Some of the people have been here for most of the time (the production has existed) doing it, but then we have some newer people, too.”