Letter: Thanks for making the live Nativity a success

Dear Editor:

The first United Methodist Church in New Madrid would like to thank all the individuals and business who had a hand in making the live Nativity at the church become a reality for our community and surrounding area.

We couldn’t have achieved this goal without the monetary support from the following sponsors: gold sponsors: Edward Jones, CPC Commodities, Ben and Heather Johnson, Harvey Graham and Associates Realty, Bobby and Julie Aycock, Methodist Men and Methodist Ladies; silver sponsors: Riley Farms-Ryan and Liz Riley, Bank of New Madrid, Kay Rebstock; and bronze sponsors: Kathy Broughton, Ginger Jones and Ann Pounds.

We also want to thank Ben Johnson Sr. who spent many hours designing and building the stable.

Special thanks to Saundra Cope and Jenny Cope fore presenting the idea to the Methodist Men and Ladies’ Groups. Without their assistance in obtaining sponsors, setting us up with Jays Semo Safari from East Prairie and help in so many other ways, the live Nativity would not have been a reality.

Big thanks to the New Madrid Police Department for traffic control and the New Madrid Municipal Power crew for setting up the temporary power for all the lighting.

An extra special thanks to Ginger Jones, president of the Methodist Ladies, who took up the reins and pulled it all together. Also thanks to all the Methodist men and women who dedicated their time and energy in so many different ways to make this a reality. This includes decorating, lighting, costumes, signage, shirts and sweatshirts, feeding and cooking for the participants, moral support and of course lots of prayers from Pastor Lippstreu and the congregation.

Most of all, thanks to all the visitors to the live Nativity and their generous donations. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, our wish is that the live Nativity brought joy and hope to everyone who experienced it. Merry Christmas and happy new year to all.

Harvey Graham

New Madrid