'Picture a Christmas' presented by youth

FALLBROOK — On December 16, the Fallbrook Second Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was treated to an exceptional primary youth nativity Christmas program entitled “Picture a Christmas.” The performance was a combination of live singing and slide show starring the same 12 talented youths ages 4 to 11. The nativity scenes were filmed in advance by local photographer Alene Ahrend and were shot on location at the residences of Patsy Needham and Alene Ahrend. Other locations were shot at various hills throughout Fallbrook. The “burro” was a miniature horse owned by Patricia Greenwood. Devon Alkema and Sarah Engebretson portrayed Joseph and Mary. Tanner Moffat, Kainan MacDonald and Samuel Flor aptly portrayed the Wisemen. Samuel Flor also doubled as the innkeeper. The shepherds were Parker Frame, Wyatt Poulson and Mason Housekeeper. Parker Frame also doubled as King Harod. The angels were played by Olivia Engebretson, Emily Engebretson and Ryen Weaver. The baby Jesus was played by Zarick Scott Ray MacDonald. At the actual performance John and Matthew Washington and Ashlynn Jones joined the entire cast as a choir of singing angels.

The slide show was accompanied with music and the children sang four songs from the Children’s Songbook, including “Picture a Christmas,” “Away in a Manger,” Stars Were Gleaming On a Hill,” “When Joseph Went to Bethlehem” and “Once Within a Lowly Manger.” The music accompaniment was by Christopher Grimmick on violin, Debbie Spackman on piano, Gary and Lynette Wood on recorders and Clark Moffat on the synthesized oboe and bassoon. The narrator for the event was Braden Frame.

Prior to the performance the audience was delighted with a meal of country honey-baked ham and mashed potatoes prepared by Wayne Gregory and Henry Miller. The tables were decorated with greenery filled with ribbons and paper-doll cutouts of the children in their character costumes.

The entire performance, under the direction of the Activity Council for the ward with Kathy McDougle as chairman, was touching and memorable for everyone who attended.