Journey to Bethlehem Set at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church

VILLAS – Join us on Sat., Dec. 3, 2011, from 1-4 p.m., for an awesome, hands-on, fun family experience: experience Bethlehem as it was when Jesus was born! For the 3rd year in a row, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church will be transformed into the city of Bethlehem, complete with shops and people dressed in the manner of that time.
The public is invited to journey to Bethlehem and explore the main street as it would have been at the time Jesus was born. There you can register for the Census and talk with the Roman Soldiers—but don’t cause any trouble or they might throw you into the dungeon!
Stop by the Live Turtle Nativity and discover the story of the birth of Jesus: you can be an angel or a shepherd and offer a gift to feed baby Jesus!
Visit the Wise Men at the Oasis and hear about their journey as they followed the star to Bethlehem. Life in those times wasn’t all work and no play: the Toy Shop has lots of interesting toys to play with and you can make a toy to take home! Visit the Leather Shop and learn about the variety of leather items. Then, make a leather keepsake to take home! At the Pottery Shop, you can learn about this very old and important craft. Try your hand at making a clay item to keep! Basket weaving can produce beautiful and helpful items. Try making a basket for yourself! Learn how to play a new game at the Game Shop and take one home to teach your friends! Visit the Paint Shop and paint the toy you made at the Toy Shop, or paint other items available!
Music is always fun. Make some music at the Music Shop and dance along if you wish! Don’t forget to stop at the Bakery & Sweet Shop for freshly baked bread and sample other delicious foods of the era. Then get a cold drink at the Well (and hear the gossip going around town)! Try to find Baby Jesus in the Stable before you return home.
Main Street will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.! Don’t miss this spectacular, creative, fun, family event!
Admission is free (although donations are joyfully accepted). Holy Spirit Lutheran Church has served the community for many years, feeding 1000 people a year for 25 years. The church has given away hundreds of free adult and children’s bibles, hosts vacation bible school in the summer, and presents this unique and creative tour de force, Journey to Bethlehem, each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving weekend. Pastor Leah Lavelle inspired this event, and the whole congregation gets involved. Come Journey to Bethlehem: a visit to enjoy and remember!
For more information about this wonderful adventure for the whole family (children, parents, grandparents, friends), call (609) 886-2414 or (609) 553-5353!