See the Bethlehem Event this year! Dec. 20-21, 2008

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. Coming in December, 2008, a large part of English Lutheran Church will, once again, turned into "The Bethlehem Event." A cast and crew of around 300 will recreate 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 run on a Saturday and Sunday. Throughout December, the church will offer special presentations.

Admission to all events will be 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!

Tentative Schedule for 2008:

12 October Cast and Crew Recruitment 9:30-10:30 am

18 October Lighting preparation

19 October Cast and Crew Recruitment 9:30-10:30 am

25 October Moving Day 8:00 am

26 October Reformation Day

1 November Construction 8:00am- 4:00p

2 November Cast recruitment/costume fitting

8 November Construction

9 November Cast recruitment/costume fitting

15 November Construction

16 November Cast recruitment/costume fitting

22 November Construction

23 November Cast recruitment/costume fitting

27 November Thanksgiving

29 November Construction

30 November Cast recruitment/costume fitting

6 December Construction

7 December Cast recruitment/costume fitting
                       Adult Forum
                       All-church lunch 
                       Speaker at services

10-12 December Confirmation events

13 December Construction

14 December Cast recruitment/costume fitting
                         Sunday School lesson in BE space

16 or 17 December Media Day

17 December Confirmation event

20 December Noon-5:00 pm (10 am makeup call)

21 December Noon- 5:00 pm (10 am makeup call)

25 December Church service in BE

10 January 2009 8:00 a.m. Strike

Committee Information:

Click here for information on the Bethlehem Event of 2000!