Simpsonwood United Methodist Church: "To Know Christ and To Make Him Known"

Dates and Times:
December 12, 2008 (7- 9 PM)
December 13, 2008 (7- 9 PM)
December 14, 2008 (6- 8 PM)

Location:
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center
(Across the street from Simpsonwood Church)

Come and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas as you journey to the gates of ancient Bethlehem. Walk Through Bethlehem, a stroll-through village and nativity scene, recreates the atmosphere of Bethlehem as it might have been the night Jesus was born. After the census taker registers visitors, Roman guards allow you to pass through the gates to visit some 30 interactive shops lining the streets. Visitors will find that the story teller, campfire and live animals including a camel add to the atmosphere of the village. Join the Wisemen and shepherds as they follow the star to the stable

where baby Jesus is lying in a manger. According to Lora King and Nola Jackson, co-chairpersons of the event, "the natural beauty of the Simpsonwood Retreat Center makes our walk-through village unique. Visitors both young and old will be inspired by hundreds of luminaries lighting the way to the interactive village and live nativity. We hope that each visitor will leave feeling the true spirit of this holiday. Our Simpsonwood UMC members truly enjoy producing this gift for the community and benefiting the Norcross Cooperative Ministry." Some 4,000 visitors are expected this year to experience this touching event set to live background music.

on the eve of Jesus' birth.
The special Christmas event is
for every member of the family.

Hundreds of candle lights will line the path to the "walls of Bethlehem."
The shopkeepers, Roman guards camel traders and merchants in the streets will be dressed for their parts, and care has been taken to ensure that the shops are realistic. You will also see the familiar shepherds, angels, Wisemen, live animals and family at the manger.
It takes more than 300 church members to re-create Bethlehem. Simpsonwood UMC members of all ages participate in planning, erecting, performing and supporting Walk Through Bethlehem.
During the 2007 Walk Through Bethlehem over 3,000+ people experienced the excitement.
While admission is free, canned food or cash donations will be accepted for the Norcross Cooperative Ministry. Last year, Simpsonwood UMC collected over 14 barrels of canned goods and an additional $2,500+ in donations. The church does not keep any of the donations.
Hot chocolate and cookies supplied by the UMW will be available at the end of each visitor's journey to further warm the spirits.
Visitors can enjoy live music of the season as they stroll through the streets of Bethlehem.