[ Photos of the 2009 Manger Build ]

[ Photos of the 2011 Manger Build ]

This event will be here before we know it. On Saturday December 3 between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. dads and other men of the church will be able to teach handy skills to children and exercise their role of spiritual leadership. Since this is a "men's event" we have a couple of things to explain...

1. Single moms (or moms with deployed military husbands) who would like their children to participate who in need of a stand-in dad. Perhaps the child's father is unavailable, and a grandfather or uncle is not available. These ladies fill out the PINK card, find one on the bulletin board.
2. Men who don't have kids at home but would like to stand in as a positive male role model for children of single moms or with deployed dads. These guys fill out a BLUE card. 
3. All KGBC men with kids who want to participate, submit a WHITE card .
4. All KGADS men with kids who want to participate, submit a RED card .
5. All men with Cub Scouts who want to participate, submit a GREEN card.
6. We are organizing a "Mary's Coffee and Cocoa Cafe" while their children and husbands are sharing this manger experience together.
7. The cost is only $10 per manger. Bring the $10 with you on that day.

King's Grant Baptist invites dads and kids to drop in at the KGBC Pavilion between 8:30 & 10:00 am on December 3. [ Read FAQ's below ] [ Back to Men of Steel ]

It starts with a piece of wood...	Ok, lots of wood.
Add some tools.	And a guiding hand.
Maybe two hands to keep it steady.	Everyone gets involved.
Guidance is important.	For sons and daughters.
A strong whack of the hammer.	Wonderful sounds of pounding.
Plenty of room in this inn.	Dad's the hero.

All photos are from the Noble Warriors' website.

I'm a single Mom or scheduling will not allow my children's father to participate in December 3, can I build a manger with my children? 
No, we respectfully ask that you allow this to be an event where men work with the children. However, we want your children to participate. This would be a great opportunity for an uncle, grandfather or trusted friend to do something with the children. Additionally, we will have some helpers on hand to assist with children who's dads are unavailable for whatever reason.

What should I bring to the event? 
Nothing but a hammer that your child can use and a great attitude. Don't be anxious or in a hurry. Enjoy this time with your children.

How long will it take to build the manger? 
Depending upon the skill level of your children it may take as little as 20 minutes or as long as an hour to build the manger. The event is open from 8:30 am until 10:00 am so pick a time that meets your needs. We encourage you to take the kids out for breakfast and/or go shopping for a gift for mom either before or after building your manger.

What do I do with the manger after Christmas? 
If you don't plan to do this again, save it for next year. 

If you plan to make the Manger Build a tradition for your family we suggest you store the manger until just before Easter. Near Easter, take the manger out and disassemble it. Use the parts to build a cross. Use this to talk with your children about the fact that Christ came to the world as a babe in a manger with one job to do. He was to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The babe in the manger became the man on the cross. After Easter or if you don't plan to transform it into a cross, just take it apart and let your children drive nails in the board and build something else. There is little in life that fascinates children as much as using a hammer, nails and a few boards to build something.

Can I build an extra one with my children for a relative or friend? 
Yes, but you will need to register two times and pay two $10 fees in order to do that. We want to make sure we have sufficient material on hand. A manger is an awesome gift to share with a family friend or relative who would appreciate it but has no children.

I don't have children but I would like to be involved. Can I? 
Absolutely! We'll need help with coordination and preparation. We can even use help early to cut and prepare material. But perhaps the most important thing you could do is to find a mother with children whose father is unavailable to participate. You could bless her and them by suggesting that she bring the kids to the church. If you would like more information about how to plug in please call Scott Chafee at 757.340.0902 or send Scott an e-mail using this form. 

How much does this cost? 
The cost for participating in the event is $10 per manger. However, if finances are a hindrance to participation, please talk to Scott Chafee. We will try to arrange scholarships for those who need them.

How can I sign up? 
There is a signup sheet on the bulletin board for you to register. You may also send Scott an e-mail using this form.