St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids welcomed local families to a free “breakfast in Bethlehem.”
After registering for the census, whereupon you could be assessed taxes in 4 B.C., guests could enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the Christmas story.
Scenes replicating a traditional bazaar and home in Bethlehem were arranged in the entryway.
A recreation of a Bethlehem market greeted guests at St. Johns Lutheran Church on Saturday, Dec. 6. “This is the closest replica we can get to what a bazaar would’ve looked like,” said Pastor Chad Berg. He poses with the scene creator, Renee Ahmann. On the other side of the market, there was a replica of a home.
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Connie Fondow said St. Johns typically holds this event every other year. The church’s board of evangelism coordinates the affair, now in its third year.
They anticipated about 140 people, she said of the meal served by “Bethlehem townspeople,” garbed in realistic costumes. “Our board of parish fellowship cooked the breakfast,” Fondow said.
About 40 volunteers helped in total, according to Fondow.
“The costumes were mostly created by Laurie Kimball,” she said.
Congregation members told the Christmas story through a drama called “The Savior is Born!”
Mary was played by Paula Eischens, Joseph by Jerry Eischens and the angel Gabriel by Steven Stromme.
Doug Kingsley, Rod Helm, Jeff Hilgemann portrayed shepherds, while Mike Poole, David Vik and Tim Ranisate were the Three Wisemen.
The narrators were Pastor Larry Harvala and Pastor Don Fondow.
The brief play included musical selections by vocalists and musicians, including Matt Kaufenburg, Melissa Koch, Lynn Just, Cheryl Hilgemann, Sarah Kaufenberg, Donna Neumann and Mary Harvala.
Children, ages 4 to fourth grade, were treated to their own Christmas story, craft making and cookie decorating. Each received a gift bag.
About 40 congregation members displayed their Nativity scenes in the church’s sanctuary.
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A gallery of Nativity scenes filled the sanctuary. Fondow said 40 congregation members shared these collections for the day.
“Some are from around the world, are heirlooms or personal treasures for families,” she said.
A family photo opportunity with a Bethlehem-themed background was also available.
1/7: The Three Wisemen – portrayed by Mike Poole, David Vik and Tim Ranisate – carry gold, frankincense and myrrh and greet visitors to St. Johns Lutheran Church.
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2/7: The angel Gabriel speaks to the shepherds in this dramatization by St. Johns Lutheran Church.
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4/7: About 40 congregation members displayed their Nativity scenes in the church’s sanctuary.
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5/7: Children’s activities included decorate Christmas cookies at St. Johns Lutheran Church.
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6/7:
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Guests left with a gift box and devotional book “to prepare for God’s birth,” said Pastor Fondow.