The First Congregational Church of Wareham, whose motto is, “open hands, open hearts, and open minds,” held open doors to the community on Dec. 15, 10 a.m., for their Christmas Pageant, “The King’s Birthday.”

Rev. Stan Duncan began the service with traditional worship and hymns, and the Pageant followed after thanksgiving and dedication of the gifts.

A manger, hay, resting sheep and a sparkling night sky set the scene, as the children of the Church’s Sunday School and Youth Group dressed as Mary and Joseph, shepherds, wise men, angels and stars and recited their lines, completing the nativity magnificently.

“I really enjoyed the play. I thought it was really fun,” said narrator and 14-year-old Jeffrey Alford.

“It was a good show,” confirmed angel Haley Mortenson, 10 years old. “We practiced a lot. My co-stars helped me with my lines.”

Holly Miller, age 10 and narrator, sang a solo, “Oh Holy Night,” to conclude the pageant, and all were welcome to share in coffee and dessert.

Ruth Saunders, and Head of the Youth Group, Pam Miller, who together comprise the church’s Head of Christian Education, worked with several Sunday school teachers, church members and helping hands to create and organize the pageant. Dianne Enzian, costume coordinator for the pageant, was among them, helping to organize.

Enzian described the pageant, “It was a bit chaotic, as is expected, but it went great! There’s a lot more kids this year in the growing church group, so the pageant was bigger than in the past.”

Rev. Stan Duncan was extremely proud of everyone who participated in and made the pageant possible. “This is a really great church with really great people,” he beamed.

First Congregational Church continues to hold its doors open, encouraging “anyone of any background to come to the church,” said Enzian, “We’re a relaxed atmosphere, we’re accepting, and very much a family. We’re all about the heart of God here.”