The Colossal Puppets are in town and will tell the Nativity story of Jesus at First Church West Hartford in a big way on Sunday Dec. 17, 2017!

By Joy Taylor

The nativity story is often called the greatest story ever told. In West Hartford, First Church takes that literally.

The larger-than-life, handmade Colossal Puppets have arrived at 12 South Main St., from Litchfield, and are ready to help tell the nativity of Jesus during the Sunday morning services on Dec. 17, at 10 a.m.

“Christmastime is when our community is seeking warmth, family time, perhaps a church service and good news amidst the busyness of the season,” explained Senior Pastor Geordie Campbell. “I can’t think of a better way to offer an extravagant welcome to folks than through creative story-telling during a Sunday worship service.”

No matter how many times you’ve heard the story of Jesus’s birth, you’ve never seen or heard it like this.

The giant, colorful puppets are on loan from St. Michael’s Parish in Litchfield, CT, and have been part of their Epiphany services in January for several years. The puppets were re-designed in recent years, under the creative direction of Susan Aziz and with the help of many dedicated volunteers.

The collection of puppets appearing at First Church include angels, shepherds, sheep, kings (both good and bad), and the Holy family. Volunteers from the congregation will present the pageant-like-you’ve-never-seen-it under the direction of Music Director Jim Boratko.

The public is welcome to celebrate the Christmas season at First Church by attending the Colossal Puppet pageant at 10 a.m. on Dec. 17.

Two Christmas Eve services (without puppets) will take place on Dec. 24: The first is at 4 p.m. with beloved Carols, and Tender Light; the second is at 9 p.m. with Candles, Carols and Communion. Visit the church website for more information, and follow them on Facebook.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!

Colossal Puppets will be part of a really big Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 17. Photo courtesy of Jennifer deSimas