More than 100 influential leaders gathered for the ninth Annual Community Leader Luncheon sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Apex on Dec. 6. Those attending included leaders from state and local government, churches, universities, police and fire departments, disaster relief agencies as well as service and volunteer-based organizations. Attendees included N.C. House Majority Leader Rep. Paul Stam and Rep. Tom Murry, in addition to Mayors John Byrne, Jackie Holcombe, Dick Sears and Ronnie Williams.

According to Harry Maxwell, leader of the Church in southern Wake County, the goal of the event was “to break bread with individuals and organizations that provide such valuable Christian based service in our communities, making them such a great place to live, work and worship.”

The luncheon was the inaugural event of the annual Apex Nativity Celebration, with its 875 Nativities, and numerous musical performances by local church and school groups.

Mary Ann Pillar, Nativity committee chairperson, expressed her pleasure, “that so many in our community would come to our event to feel the spirit of Christ and Christmas” and hopes that they “make this an annual family tradition.”

Overall, nearly 7,500 people attended over the three days. The culminating Handel’s Messiah Sing-in was hosted by the Apex Nativity Choir and Orchestra on Dec. 8.