Leader Publications

Real Life Church’s plan to offer a live nativity scene is still alive and kicking, despite the Niles City Council’s denial of such a request on city property Monday.

Pastor Jared Eckerley said the live nativity scene is scheduled to take place as planned from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 23 on the Niles-Buchanan YMCA parking lot.

Real Life Church was asking the council for permission to use a portion of city property near the YMCA and to place a star on top of a flag pole on city property. It also requested permission to place luminaries on Front Street at Riverfront Park — also on city property.

Those requests were denied.

“We weren’t asking them much — they weren’t declining our event,” Eckerley said. “We just wanted to use some of the city properties in that area and expand it out a bit from the YMCA.”

Eckerley said he was not disappointed with the council’s decision.

“We have a great relationship with the city, and I trust we will continue to have a great relationship with the city,” he said.

Expect to see sheep, donkeys, goats and even a camel at the live nativity scene, Eckerley said.

Where did he get a camel?

“It’s not easy let me tell you,” he said, “but I can’t give away all my sources.”

Eckerley said he hopes the live nativity scene will bring the community together.

“Our goal is to take a moment of our busy lives and take a step back into Bethlehem and remember what the real reason for the season is – the birth of Christ,” he said.

Real Life Church meets at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.