‘No Room in the Inn’ featured numerous nativity scenes

      A colorful nativity scene was one of many on display at the St. Mary's Catholic Church "No Room at the Inn" on Friday, Dec. 5 in Grinnell. The annual display features nativity scenes from across the globe.

​By J.O. Parker
 
      “No Room in the Inn” was the theme of the nativity display at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grinnell on Friday, Dec. 5.
       The event has been held since 2008, outside of couple years during Covid, and features numerous nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus.
      Some were American based and others featured nativity scenes from other countries. Some where big and featured elaborate displays while others were simple and brought peace and comfort.
       While milling around the room, guests enjoyed the various nativities and reading the stories that went with them. Some in attendance enjoyed hot coffee or juice and cookies.
        Doris Hotchkin, who helps host the yearly event, recalled a nativity scene on display from few years back.
While looking at the various nativities that year, she noticed one that was in her words, rough around the edges.
        “It had a story with it and I read it,” said Hotchkin.
        She said when the couple got married they didn’t have a nativity scene because they couldn’t afford it.
        Hotchkin went on to say that the wife of the couple went to the dime store and bought one piece of the nativity scene each year.
       “Each piece had been 10 cents” said Hotchkin. “Reading the story made it the best piece in the display because of the story.”
          Another couple at the nativity display was Doug and Megan DeJong of Grinnell.
          “It is very calm and peaceful,” noted Doug. “The music is beautiful.”
        “It is nice to see the nativity scenes,” noted Megan. “They show a different side of the common businesses of Christmas.”
           “It is amazing to see all the nativity scenes from all over the world,” added Doug.
          “It is just amazing,” said Megan. “I’m excited to bring ours next year.”
           Megan said her grandpa made the manger scene.
           The St. Mary’s Social Action Committee hosts the nativity program.
          “We invite all area churches to bring nativities to display,” said Connis Dayton, community chairman at the church.
          Attendees are asked to make a donation to see the nativity scenes. Funds raised are used as follows:
        • 50 percent goes to St. Josephs Emergency Family Shelter in Des Moines.
        • 25 percent goes to MICA Food Pantry in Grinnell
       • 25 percent goes to Brooklyn, Grinnell and Montezuma Ministerial Associations to help local and transient homeless, and near homeless persons.
        “It’s been a way to bring churches in Grinnell and the surrounding area together to celebrate the birth of Jesus ,” said Carolyn Grosenbach of Grinnell.
        “It is a very nice event,” added Sharon Mealey. “I look forward to coming and enjoying the nativities each year.”
         “It’s very well received by the public,” said Tommalou Jay of Grinnell.