Just as in years past, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will feature a live Nativity scene in front of the church, located at 1700 E. Empire St.

And just like the past 25 years, the live Nativity will start Dec. 21 and run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Christmas Eve.

But for the first time this year, the church is opening up the Nativity to volunteers from outside the church.

“This is an effort to reach out to the community,” said Spencer Smith, director of public affairs for the Durango stake region.

People can go online and sign up for one of several 30-minute slots. Nativity attire will be provide, in addition to hot chocolate and cookies.

“Join others from our community to dress as an individual during the night of Jesus Christ’s birth at the live Nativity in front of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Empire Street in Cortez. Join this 25-plus year community celebration of the Birth of the Savior of all mankind,” the website states.

Smith said that volunteers should arrive about 15 minutes before their scheduled shift, so they can get dressed for their part. They should also dress warm.

Live animals are also apart of this re-enactment.

“This is a way to look outward instead of inward, and we want to share and celebrate our common belief with the community,” Smith said.

The church will try to include everyone in the live Nativity who wants to be in it.

“Sometimes we have five wise men, sometimes two,” Smith said with a laugh.

In addition, the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently launched a national website at www.justserve.org. Once on the site, you can type in “Cortez, CO” or the ZIP Code, and local volunteer opportunities will pop up, including the opportunity to volunteer at the live Nativity. Currently, the site also has three other local volunteer opportunities for: the Child Advocacy Center, the Bridge Shelter and the 4 States Ag Expo.

Smith said the site is easy to use and helpful for any community member who wants to give back to the community or for an organization that needs volunteers.

“Hopefully, this will become a good tool for the community,” Smith said.