News Desks, Religion, Community Affairs Writers, Picture Desk

December 6, 2005

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND:

NATIVITY PHOTOS AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL.

GREAT CHRISTMAS INTERVIEW AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

After a blockbuster debut last year, Nativity Photos are back at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne’s CBD. The photos are a religious alternative to the ubiquitous shopping mall Santa Claus photographs and gives children the chance to dress up as Mary, Joseph, the three wise men – even baby Jesus - in a life-size nativity setting set in the idyllic surroundings of the Cathedral. Photographs cost from $20 inc gst for two photos which are delivered via mail.

Nativity Photos is the brainchild of Anglican cleric Reverend Howard Langmead of St John’s West Brunswick who wanted to offer a Christian alternative to the man in the red suit with the bag of plastic presents. The service is supported by volunteers.

“We’ve discovered a market for nativity photos – a big one,” says Reverend Langmead. “Even non-Christians took up the chance to celebrate Christmas with their kids in a fun, meaningful, non-commercial way which was great. Santa just better get used to it.”

The success has inspired similar ventures in Tasmania, Gippsland, and Young, NSW. “I look forward to a much busier year at the Nativity than last year,” adds the Reverend.

Reverend Langmead, who moonlights as a stand-up comic, media commentator and laughter workshop facilitator, uses modern approaches to spreading the word having previously taken the gospel to pubs and staging “God Expos”. He also has a website www.howardlangmead.com.au

The high-energy man of God is available for interview about Nativity Photos and other Christmas-related topics including:

§ the fight to put the Christ into Christmas in a material world;

§ the growth in demand for meaning in a world often thought to be secular;

§ how clergy feels about the “Once a Year Crowd”.

When: December 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 10am to 3pm.

Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Corner Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne.

MEDIA

Media is invited to attend the first session, Thursday December 8 at 10.30am.

Great vision of kids and (stuffed) animals. Interviews available. Pictures available to print media via email.

Media enquiries: Brett de Hoedt, Mayor of Hootville Communications:

(03) 9510 0848 / 0414 713 802 or hootville@hootville.com

Visit www.howardlangmead.com.au

Brett de Hoedt
Mayor of Hootville Communications
p | 03 9510 0848 m | 0414 713 802
e | brett@hootville.com

For the latest news visit www.hootville.com