With only a little more than three months until the start of the holiday season, local organizations are raising money to replace the Jackson Nativity scene that has become an uptown fixture for more than a quarter-century.

Jackson Chamber of Commerce executive director Brian Gerau said the 2009 holiday season was the first time in 30 years the Nativity scene has not been displayed. He said age and exposure to winter weather have taken their toll on the pieces.

"They were old, worn and had chipped paint. The clothes were deteriorating. You want to put something out you can be proud of," he said.

When the chamber started looking at purchasing a new scene, he was surprised at the cost. A Nativity scene with all of the figures and livestock would cost $13,000. Given current economic conditions, Gerau said, he could not justify the expense. The chamber is working with the Jackson Ministerial Alliance, a nondenominational group of Jackson religious leaders, to raise $5,000 to purchase a Mary, Joseph and Jesus to display this year. Currently the partnership has raised $3,000.

To date, all of the money has been raised through private donations solicited by word-of-mouth in Jackson's Christian community. In September, Emanuel United Church of Christ and the ministerial alliance will sponsor the first formal fundraiser, a 5K run and walk to generate the remaining money.

The Rev. Sam Roethemeyer, ministerial alliance president and pastor of Emanuel, said the alliance has been happy to work with the chamber to replace the set.

"It has been very nice to be able to encourage others to give and share in the project," he said.

Gerau said he is confident the money will be raised and that there will be a Nativity display this Christmas in Jackson.

More information about the upcoming 5K run and walk is available at www.emanuelucc.com.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

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