Hide and Seek Nativity

A nativity scene with a difference has been delighting children in Portsmouth tasked with finding the hidden characters.

Audience participation was the name of the day for locals, in the Copnor area of Portsmouth, recently as scores of people took part in a novel hide and seek nativity event, an irresistible combination.

Organiser Catherine Burt, from the Compass Project Portsmouth (a New Places for New People initiative) explained five sets of nativity characters were hidden outside shops and businesses for families to find.

Children from the 8th Portsmouth Girls’ Brigade and the 4th Portsmouth Boys’ Brigade entered into the spirit of the event and brought the nativity to life by dressing up as the individual characters. The cast members loved wearing their costumes, handing out stickers and waving at cars going past.

Each set of nativity characters had a word related to Christmas and, once all five had been collected, participants had to share them with the Compass team in College Park in order to receive a little festive sweet treat.

Shops ranging from a florist to a funeral service and bakery, together with a firm of accountants and the office of the local MP, took part in hiding the characters. Local businesses were very supportive, with many displaying posters promoting the event. The shops hosting the nativity characters were especially keen to get involved, some even treating appreciative cast members to biscuits!

Around 120 people, children and adults, took part and Catherine says: “It was a great day and lovely to see so many smiling faces celebrating the real meaning of Christmas together.” Despite large numbers turning up, some people didn’t know it was taking place until they happened to pass by and speak to the nativity cast. This led to one keen dad and daughter duo even running the route and completing it in just 15 minutes, luckily just before the event came to a close.

The activity was well received by the local community – all those taking part said it was great fun! They were also keen to find out more about The Compass Project, which is part of the Methodist Church’s New Places for New People initiative. The scheme focuses on forming new Christian communities for those not yet part of an existing church or who may not feel comfortable in a traditional church setting. It’s an effective means of connecting with new people and encouraging Christian exploration and community. The aim of the project is very much to be part of the community, and, without a designated building, inclusive family-friendly events like these help to attract people and foster a sense of belonging.

Project Lead, Catherine, feels strongly that “we’re trying to build community, not just put on events”. Nonetheless, she acknowledges that events like the Hide & Seek Nativity are a great way to attract people and help to “introduce families to the Christian faith in contexts and ways that are relevant to them”.

In the past, the local Methodist church used to organise a walking nativity in the area, attracting hundreds of people, but it didn’t enable chatting to people individually. However, this year Catherine noticed that the slower pace of the interactive Hide & Seek Nativity, along with refreshments being served in the park, “provided an ideal opportunity to have more time to chat with people, build relationships and share more about the hope and joy of Christmas”.

There were beaming faces in the local shops and businesses too, as they were treated to leftover chocolate angels at the end of the day!

Catherine adds, “Thank you to Beceries, The Flower Shop by Alison, Neon Numbers, Amanda Martin MP, and Searson Family Funeral Service for hosting our characters! And thank you to the the 4th Portsmouth Boys' Brigade and the 8th Portsmouth Girls' Brigade for dressing up as our cast.”

More information can be found here:www.facebook.com/compassprojectportsmouth