Palatine Methodists to host Annual Bethlehem Marketplace for Family Fun

The First United Methodist Church at 123 N. Plum Grove Rd. in Palatine will hold its annual Bethlehem Marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. Their fellowship hall will be transformed into the thriving marketplace of Bethlehem at the time of Christ's birth. For no admission charge you can experience the excitement of this lively market, featuring many ancient crafts: baskets, candles, dreidels, leather, spices, and others. But this marketplace is unique: guests don't just buy the crafts, they actually make them themselves! Guests may buy bags of "Roman" coins ($6 or $9) and exchange these for the fun of creating these many crafts found in first-century Bethlehem. Children may earn a little surprise for proving their Bible-times knowledge after reading the many 'culture posters'. The kids have fun learning while they enjoy making the crafts.

Participants may also enjoy foods found in the Bible at "Rachel's Inn" at the market. For a modest sum, feast on the perennially favorite lentil soup, flatbread and honey, grapes, apples, dates, cheese, hummus & pita chips, dried meat, dried fruit, and cookies.

The highlight of the day is the live nativity. Watch as the wise men enter the marketplace seeking the newborn king. Listen as King Herod interrogates them for the baby's whereabouts. Then follow the men as they search and then find the stable. Hear the wondrous story of the miraculous birth of Jesus. Watch the setting come to life as travelers visit the baby Jesus. Then raise your voice to God, as everyone sings favorite hymns of joyous celebration.

Not only is this event a wonderful place to spend quality time together as a family, but it's a great way to kick off the Christmas season in fellowship with people from throughout the Palatine community. Come be a part of it!