In the spring of 1995, Rotary lights contacted First Lutheran and asked them to become part of the Rotary Lights display at Riverside Park. First Lutheran contacted other area Wisconsin Evangelical Synod churches to enlist their help in staffing the Diorama at Riverside Park. The combined group staged the Diorama for two weekends during December of 1995. The Diorama in 1996 expanded to four weekends and now has added the first two Fridays to the production.

The Diorama includes 20 area W.E.L.’s churches, with a volunteer staff of 800 plus members. Each evening’s performance requires 180 to 200 people to staff all of the roles, plus a costume and props crew of five people. The mission of the W.E.L.’s churches involved, is to spread the true meaning of what the Christmas Season is really about. The birth of Jesus Christ.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Another year has gone by, and another Live Nativity in Riverside Park was a success. 2006 was a great year for the Diorama. We experienced a huge increase in visitors to the park this year. Because of God's blessing of such mild weather, we were able to witness to many more people.

Volunteer turnout was amazing! A BIG thank you to all of the many volunteers who make this effort such a rewarding experience. God has certainly blessed our outreach project with hundreds of caring Christians who enjoy spreading the Gospel.

The Diorama Steering Committee appreciates all of the hard work that each individual puts forth toward this labor of love in reaching out to our community to bring the true meaning of the holiday season to all of the visitors to Riverside Park.

I would also like to take this time to thank each and every person who helped in any way. You all are truly motivated by God's love.

If you are willing to serve on the Steering Committee, or would like to help in another way, please contact your pastor, Loren Molling @ (608) 526-4124, or Patrick Molling @ (507) 725-5209.

Your servant in Christ, Loren M. Molling, Steering Committee Chairman