St. Francis Christmas Themed events

Members of the community are invited to participate in a variety of events during the Christmas season at the University of Saint Francis:

Living Nativity Sunday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
In 1223 Francis of Assisi led a group of worshippers in the Italian village of Greccio in their celebration of our Lord’s birth by re-enacting the first Christmas. Thus began the tradition of a Christmas créche. As Advent begins, the staff and students of the University present a Living Nativity as a witness to the power of the presence of God’s love incarnate in the world. The character of Saint Francis will narrate the Christmas story and those gathered will sing “Silent Night.” The Living Nativity will be staged in the amphitheater next to the Pope John Paul II Center on the shore of Mirror Lake. Parking is available off Leesburg Road. No charge for admission. A petting zoo with the animals for the Living Nativity will be available for children from 5 to 6 p.m. free of charge at the Living Nativity site.

Lighting of the Lake Sunday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
Vigil lights will encircle the area of Mirror Lake closest to Spring Street for a shining symbol of Christmas. You may dedicate one or more luminaries at $10 per luminary to a loved one, in memory of someone special, in recognition of a special occasion, or just to wish a student good luck with final exams. Call 260-399-7700, ext. 6400 to order luminaries by Dec. 1. No charge for admission.

Star of Bethlehem 2009 at the Schouweiler Planetarium Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. and 7:30; Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. and 7:30; Sunday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. and 7:30; Sunday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.

Join us under the Mideastern sky on B.C. and follow the star of the Wise Men. During the live portion of the show, planetarium staff will guide you to the wonders of this winter’s Fort Wayne night sky. The Schouweiler Planetarium is located in Achatz Hall of Science. Parking is available off Leesburg Road. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and children under 18, $14 maximum per family.
Ceramics/Prints Invitational Exhibition Saturday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Jan. 17. Gallery hours are: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. (The gallery will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 3 for the Christmas holiday.)This national invitational exhibition will showcase 30 artists who work either in contemporary ceramics or printmaking. Notable artists include Yuji Hiratsuka, Brian Paulsen, Kurt Webb, Charity Woodard, Tom Bartel, and Scott Ziegler. A wide variety of subject matter will be on display ranging from figurative to non-objective abstraction. The exhibit is located in the Weatherhead Gallery in the Rolland Center off Leesburg Road. No charge for admission. For additional information visit www.sf.edu/art/.
Fair Trade Alternative Shopping Bazaar Sunday, Dec. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5:30.
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) present high-quality fairly traded handicrafts from disadvantaged producers all over the world at the Fair Trade Alternative Shopping Bazaar in the lobby area of the North Campus, 2702 Spring Street. What does it mean to say that these items are fairly traded? It means that the people who produce them earn a fair price, get access to credit and training, and maintain long-term relationships with organizations rooted in the principles of human dignity and economic justice.