This Sunday view the story of Christmas in a way that will be a first for the Picayune area, via a live puppet show.
The event, called the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, will be held at the St. Barnabas Anglican Church Dec. 14, at 4 p.m.
Expected to last about 45 minutes, the free show will tell the Christmas story through scriptures, carols, stories and puppets made by Laura Anne Ewald.
“It’s a nice way to tell the story of the birth of Jesus to people who don’t know,” Ewald said.
Ewald said she has been conducting these shows off and on since 1999, and each year she tries to update the puppets or add new elements.
Music is a major part of the show, which will feature three musicians in addition to the four puppeteers. Musicians will man a keyboard, guitar and tambourine, while vocalists will round out the live soundtrack. Audience participation will also be part of the show, as some of the songs will request their vocal talents.
While the show is free, donations will be accepted that will be passed on to Christian Care Ministries to help fund their community assistance efforts, said Fr. Jonathan Filkins.
Over the years Ewald has added three-dimensional elements to the puppets, especially for those of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Some of the farm animals are as old as 15 years.
Ewald moved to Picayune from Kentucky less than six months ago for four reasons, the presence of the Anglican church, the availability of an Amtrak station so she could see her family, warmer winters and the close proximity to beaches.
Since she is new to the area, this will be the first time the performance will be offered in Picayune.
Filkins stressed that the performance is not a worship service and Ewald added that the show is suitable for children and adults.
“We’re not doing the Muppet show here,” Ewald said. “We’re doing a serious production.”
St. Barnabas Anglican Church is located at 201 Norwood St., in Picayune and is the oldest functioning religious building in the municipality.