By Lori BODNAR

Families celebrated the holiday season by stepping back in time at CVCHURCH’s annual Explore Bethlehem event on Sunday, Dec. 11. Hundreds of people enjoyed the fun activities reminiscent of ancient times, such as candle-making, perfume-making, leather-working and pottery-making. The event was free to attend.

Due to the threat of rain, most of the activities were held inside. However, there was a covered stable outdoors that held a variety of animals that children could pet, such as goats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, ducks and swans. In the past, the event included camel and train rides but this year, because of the weather, games such as “Hoop D’ Camel” or “Bethlehem Train” were played indoors instead.

There were other fun activity games as well such as a “Shepherd’s Cakewalk,” “Fishing-in-Galilee” fishpond game, “Pick-A-Gift,” storytelling, sand art, dreidel-making, ornament-making and decorating craft crowns. Kids were given a “passport book” for their journey to Bethlehem where they could get stickers for the different activities they did or “places” they visited, such as Nazareth, Bethlehem and Egypt. The activities and traditional snacks provided a glimpse of early Bethlehem.

In addition to the fun activities for families, there was also free authentic food that offered a Mediterranean hint of Bethlehem such as pita bread, hummus, pickled beets, pomegranate, tzatziki, tabbouleh, dates and hot caramel apple cider. The food was donated by local restaurant Seasoning Alley. For dessert, families enjoyed donuts and sugar cookies, which children could frost and decorate.

Beth Krausse, the Children’s Ministry leader, helped organize the Explore Bethlehem event.

“We are offering a fun, safe, family-centered event that builds camaraderie and support for each other,” said Krausse. “We love our community and we really want to be someone you think of when life has its challenges.”

Kathe Wood, the ministry leader of innovation and the pastor’s wife, added, “We plan this event for months and it is a big deal to try to forecast if the event could be outside, which is what we really wanted to do for Bethlehem Day. What I love about the event is inviting an experience for people in December that truly is what the season is about. People get frantic and stressed by this time already. This season is not about buying gifts and presents. It’s about a simple celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.”

Many guests were happy to return to the event, which was paused due to the pandemic.

“We have been coming every year to Explore Bethlehem, except when COVID happened. It is a great event. I know some years they even had camel rides,” said Marina Khachaturova.

Third-grader Ethan Lee said, “I like the petting zoo, the treats, the lights and everything. It is my first time going to the Explore Bethlehem event.”

“I like that the event brings the community together and a taste of history. The event shows the true holiday spirit. I have gone for about four or five years,” Mark Carolin said.

Janice Yuh said, “I like that each station is unique and kid-friendly. The passport to all of the activities is fun. I like doing the pottery. It was very therapeutic. Thank you to the church for doing this.”

 “There are a lot of activities. I was drawn to the petting zoo and how the kids gravitate towards it,” said Barbara Lesure.

The Explore Bethlehem event concluded with a nativity scene reenactment with about 40 kids participating. Everyone then sang holiday songs. Scott Alvarez, the Mission Purpose director, gave concluding remarks, thanking everyone for coming and for the over 50 volunteers who put on the event for the community.

“The reason we do this is to have fun, connect, and celebrate the reason for Christmas,” said Alvarez.