King's Bazaar    Tentative schedule     Committee information

The latest Bethlehem Event was this year!
Dec. 20-21, 2008
Read about it in The Lutheran

Church production revisits the city where Christ was born:

A manger - with a live baby - is just one of the many recreations in a unique production of what took place in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. In December, 2008, a large part of English Lutheran Church was turned into "The Bethlehem Event." A cast and crew of around 300 recreated the city of David at the time Christ was born.

"You get the idea of what it was like the night of Christ's birth," says Donna Fink, who has worked with the production since its first run in 1980.

A 70' x 14' mural that includes city streets, a wash house and a peek outside the city walls served as the backdrop for the indoor Bethlehem. Goat herders - herding live goats - goldsmiths, perfumers and cheesmakers took part in retelling what happened. Planners relied on historical accuracy and detail to make the recreation of the first Christmas a memorable experience for hundreds who came from throughout the Midwest.

The event will ran on a Saturday and Sunday. Throughout December, the church offered special presentations.

Admission to all events was free.

Read the article in the La Crosse magazine
(pages 26-28) (pages 29-31)
[Article courtesy of "La Crosse Magazine."]


View more pictures from the 2004 Bethlehem Event!

December events

	2	Area Pastor’s event, Noon
	6	Final construction of town, Morning
	7	All-church Luncheon, Noon. Features an authentic Middle Eastern lunch in the area set up like Bethlehem. Viterbo University Professor Kelle Lynch-Baldwin will speak on “A Glimpse into the World of Jesus.” $2 kids, $5 adults. Reservations required through the church office, 608.784.9335
	10	Confirmation event, 6 p.m.
	15	Media Day, 10 a.m.
	17	Confirmation event, 6 p.m.
	18	Women’s Luncheon, Noon. Features an authentic Middle Eastern lunch in the area set up like Bethlehem. The Rev. Dennis Johnson will speak on “The Status and Role of Women in First Century Palestine.” Admission is $16. Reservations required through the church office, 608.784.9335
	20	The Bethlehem Event, Noon-5 p.m. No admission. Arrive early to assure travel through the city.
	21	The Bethlehem Event, Noon-5 p.m. No admission. Arrive early to assure travel through the city.
	25	Christmas Day church service in Bethlehem
	10	January 2009 8 a.m. Takedown (Tentative)

Committee Information:

Click here for information on the Bethlehem Event of 2000!