International Nativity Display
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist at 2018 Dewitt Terrace in Linden hosted an International Nativity Display on December 10 in conjunction with the Church’s Christmas Sale and on December 11 with Mystic Vision Player’s Yuletide Carol. Father Peter De Franco, Rector of the Church, displayed 94 sets ranging in size from a charm of the Nativity to dressed porcelain figures over 9 inches tall. Carved Olive wood sets from Israel were featured from a realistic set to an abstract design. Images of a Black Jesus included a Lenox Holy Family to a corn husk set from Uganda to a resin African American scene. Mindful of the war in Eastern Europe, a painted wooded set from Ukraine was placed next to a Russian nesting doll display. A Lenox ensemble from the First Blessing series spanned two tables while more contemplative representations came from LLadro, the Grail and the French Contemplative Sisters of Bethlehem.
Among the contemporary groups, the House of Lloyd produced a group with Joseph wearing jeans and a hoodie raising the Baby Jesus to the imaginative work of Patience Brewster who depicts a multicultural group of people with animals wearing shoes, eye glasses and clothing including feathers. Because of its cultural role in this country’s celebration of Christmas, a set depicting a Charlie Brown Christmas was arranged amid children’s blocks. Latino culture was celebrated in an alabaster set and a matchbox group from Mexico, a group by Lladro and three clay sets from Peru. In recognition of the Episcopal church’s English heritage, sets from the British Isles included both porcelain and glass groups from England and a Celtic stone representation.
While 2022 marked the first time Father Peter put the collection on public display in Linden, he hopes to share the Nativities again in 2023.
The Church welcomes all persons to worship on Sundays at 10 a.m. The Christmas season comes to a close on January 8 at 10 a.m. with a celebration of the visit of the Magi and the Baptism of Jesus. On January 15, 2023, the church celebrates the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., acknowledged as a Martyr and Prophet by the Episcopal Church. Daphne Roberts, an intern for the deaconate who serves at the church, will preach.
The Gift and Thrift Boutique, also located at the church on 2018 Dewitt Terrace, will open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Second and Fourth Saturdays of the month. This upscale Thrift Store offers bargains on everything from household items, jewelry, clothing, toys, tools, books, and CD’s along with upscale dining sets.
