Ages 5 to 2nd grade: barnyard animals (cow, black sheep, white sheep, donkey, small camels)
Kindergarten to 4th grade: angels
2nd to 4th grade: shepherds
3rd to 4th grade: Star of Bethlehem
3rd to 5th grade: lead angels, lead shepherds, Roman soldiers, Magi guides, Magi entourage
4th to 5th grade: Mary, Joseph, Innkeeper, Innkeeper's Partner, Angel Gabriel (speaking), King Herod (speaking), Magi, Narrators (speaking)
Roles are first come, first served. Magi families recruit two adults to carry the camel (khaki pants, dark shoes and socks).

Joseph, barnyard animals, shepherds, King Herod, Roman soldiers, Magi, Magi entourage, Innkeeper and partner: khaki or dark pants, dark T-shirt with no logo, dark socks or bare feet, no shoes
Mary, Angel Gabriel and all angels: white top, white leggings, white socks or bare feet
Star of Bethlehem: black leggings or pants, black long-sleeve shirt, black socks or bare feet
Narrators: Christmas church clothes (no costume provided)
Camel legs (adults): khaki pants, brown or dark shoes
First Kids provides costume pieces on Christmas Eve before rehearsal. Costume pieces stay at church.

8:15 am: Youth volunteer meeting with Dorian
8:30 am: Adult volunteer meeting (youth watch volunteers' kids)
8:45 am: Everyone arrives to put on costumes
9:00 am: Rehearsal
10:50 am: Sanctuary doors open
11:00 am: Children at the Manger begins in the Sanctuary
After the service, please return all costume pieces to your assigned dressing room.

Any child ages 5 through 5th grade can create the cover for the Christmas Eve bulletin.
Make it: a drawing, painting or 2D collage. A landscape (wide) shape fits the bulletin best.
Label it: include the student's first and last name and age, but not on the design.
Send it: email a flat scan or photo to Leah Bailey at lbailey@fumcdallas.org, or drop it off at the Welcome Desk.
Due: Tuesday, December 1, at midnight.

Children at the Manger is livestreamed. All participants and their parents must give consent to be livestreamed on the role registration form.
If you can't consent for safety or peace of mind, let Leah know and we'll find an off-camera way for your child to take part.

This service happens because of MinistrySafe-certified adults who guide our kids. Any member of our congregation who is certified, or willing to become certified, can help. Volunteer roles are on the same sign-up as the children's roles.
What you'll do: help with costumes, keep track of your group, get kids to the stage on time, then join the service. Come to rehearsals as the directors ask.
Roles: animal guide, angel guide, shepherd guide, lead role guide, narrator guide, costume organizer, photographer, camel carrier
MinistrySafe is our child protection program. When you register, you'll get a link to the online course and questionnaire. We'll tell you if your certification or background check needs an update.
Volunteer training is Christmas Eve morning.

A huge thank you to this year's leaders. Children at the Manger is extra special because of their work.
Meggie Gilstrap, Director
Erin Chapman-Meyer, Assistant Director
Emily Guynes, Costumes