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Coming December 17 & 18, 2022!Experience the sounds and smells of ancient Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI in December 2022! Much of the church turns into the village and many of its members and others become its residents for “The Bethlehem Event.” Cast and crew of around 300 recreate the city of David at the time Christ was born more than 2,000 years ago.
“You get the idea of what it was like the night of Christ’s birth,” says Paul Sannerud, who has coordinated the production that first ran in 1980, and has run nearly every four years since. Pete Bemis is taking over the planning of this massive event beginning in 2021. A 70x14’ mural that includes city streets, a wash house and a peek outside the city walls, serves as the backdrop for the indoor recreation of Bethlehem. Goat herders - with live goats - goldsmiths, perfumers, cheesemakers, bakers, and other townspeople retell what happened. Planners rely on historical accuracy and detail to make the re-creation of the first Christmas a memorable experience. The Bethlehem Event is from Noon until 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18. Admission is free, but visitors must register. Registration will be open to the public when we get closer to the event. During the event, a marketplace will offer items crafted by modern-day artists of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Gaza areas of Palestine. The store is an attempt to create awareness about the hardships artisans and retailers are facing currently in the Middle East. All profits will be given to support women, children and the elderly in Bethlehem. |
Here's what to expect...
... You will embark on a remarkable journey, experiencing what it was like in Bethlehem during the time of the birth of Jesus.
... Take some time to relax during the busy Christmas rush to spend time with family, friends, and others during this special trip. Visits average around an hour.
... Enjoy the smells, and have a chance to taste some of the foods of this time.
... Experience the bustle of Bethlehem - everything from dancers to live animals: goats, sheep, chickens, and more.
... When you step into the stable, you'll be amazed. You will know the "reason for the season."
... Take some time to relax during the busy Christmas rush to spend time with family, friends, and others during this special trip. Visits average around an hour.
... Enjoy the smells, and have a chance to taste some of the foods of this time.
... Experience the bustle of Bethlehem - everything from dancers to live animals: goats, sheep, chickens, and more.
... When you step into the stable, you'll be amazed. You will know the "reason for the season."
Members and friends of the congregation: We need YOUR help! It takes a village to build a village!
Take time this fall/winter to become involved in Bethlehem. It's a great individual or all-family project, and you have an opportunity to
make meaningful connections with other congregation members. Volunteers are needed all Saturdays from 9am-3pm, beginning October 15,
for constructing the set and providing lunch to the construction crew. There are opportunities to be part of the cast, or help behind the
scenes with logistics such as serving as receptionists and ushers, photography of construction and the days of the event, and more!
Click here to get to the ELC Volunteer Page and sign up today!
Take time this fall/winter to become involved in Bethlehem. It's a great individual or all-family project, and you have an opportunity to
make meaningful connections with other congregation members. Volunteers are needed all Saturdays from 9am-3pm, beginning October 15,
for constructing the set and providing lunch to the construction crew. There are opportunities to be part of the cast, or help behind the
scenes with logistics such as serving as receptionists and ushers, photography of construction and the days of the event, and more!
Click here to get to the ELC Volunteer Page and sign up today!
