Craft shops make “A Night in
Bethlehem” an interactive experience
By Rev. Charlene Dart for what may turn into an annual event for the
Assc. Pastor, First UMC Monett Kiwanis Christmas party. This idea was found
The First United Methodist Church in on Group Inc. Web site and has become a big
Monett hosted “A Night in Bethlehem” last success for this church. We hope to have the
advent season in their Family Life Center. The program grow each year and be able to reach
Center was turned into a hands-on Holy Land out into our community to those that do not
experience. It was offered free to the commu- know Christ.
nity with over 400 people showing up to take There were a couple of reasons that this was
part in the two night event. Several shops were such a big success. The first was that when you
setup to make the transformation authentic. walked into the Family Life Center it was like
This was all geared toward children but walking back in time with everything trying to
adults enjoyed this event as well. All shops were be as authentic as possible. The second reason
set up to let the children have hands on experi- was that the whole church got behind the event
ences that would have happened at the time by participating and helping. It takes many
Jesus was born. From the jewelry shop and people to make this a success and we were
being able to make a necklace to the woodcarv- blessed to have great participation.
ing shop where a dreidels was made. The basket We hope by telling the story that we reach
shop and the bakery shop were a big success as those that do not know Christ but also to
well. There were a total of 11 different shops remind all of us what really is important at
and well as a census booth. this time of year. We would love to answer any
The shops were all closed down in the questions about this event. Please call Charlene
middle of the evening to see a live performance Dart, associate pastor, at (417) 235-7444 if you
of the Christmas Story and the birth of Christ. would like to know more.
We offered a closed event night for the Kiwanis
Christmas party for unprivileged children.
These children had more one on one experi-
ence with all of our shop workers as well as the
Christmas story.
This year we will be expanding this event
into our sanctuary for the three evening events.
It will be open to the public on December 16
and 19 from 6-8:30 p.m. and on December 17
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