Christmas Puppet Show Raises $1,244 to Support Local Housing Crisis

Middletown, Rhode Island: United Congregational Church has donated $1,244 from its Christmas puppet show to support the local housing crisis. The funds were raised through a freewill offering collected during three performances of The Nativity of Christ last week. The puppet show brought together families and community members for a reenactment of the nativity story, featuring life-size puppets, music, and lighthearted comedy.

The donation was presented to James Winters, Founder and Director of The Housing Hotline in Newport, RI. The Housing Hotline is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Newport County. According to their website, donations provide rental assistance to prevent eviction, utility assistance to avoid shutoffs, and motel vouchers for those experiencing homelessness.

Since its founding in 1978, The Housing Hotline has helped 130,000 people, Winters told the audience at one of last week’s performances. He described the donation as “the biggest Christmas gift” and “such a blessing.”

“It seems fitting,” said the Rev. Patricia Berry, the church’s Bridge Pastor, “that a puppet show reimagining the Holy Family’s search for housing in Bethlehem would support the local housing crisis here.”

The United Congregational Church revived its beloved puppet show tradition, after a seven-year hiatus, to commemorate the beginning of the church's 330th anniversary celebrations. By bringing the nativity story to life alongside a charitable cause, the event not only embodied the true spirit of Christmas but also highlights the church’s commitment to serving and meeting needs in the community.

The puppet show can be viewed on the church’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@unitedcongregationalchurch1695.

About United Congregational Church: The United Congregational Church, located at 524 Valley Road in Middletown, RI, is a Christ-centered, inclusive community dedicated to embodying and reflecting the love of Christ through worship, small group ministry, service, and faith in action. They are a member of the Rhode Island Association of the Southern New England Conference United Church of Christ. All are welcome. Learn more at www.uccmiddletown.org or ucc1695@aol.com.