The Nativity scene
After a rousing success last year, Lutheran Church of the Master in Carol Stream will once again host its Bethlehem Faire, allowing the community to experience the sights and sounds of the streets of Bethlehem as encountered by Joseph and Mary during their travels.
The free event is open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 4 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at the church, 580 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream.
Last year was the first time the church had staged the event, and the congregation was thrilled with the response, said Anne Kohutko, chair of the faire.
"For our first year we had 900 people come through, and most weren't affiliated with our church," she said. "It's a great opportunity for evangelical outreach."
The faire will once again include live animals; booths for the fishmonger, carpenter and potter, among many others; pesky beggars; Roman soldiers; and Joseph and Mary with their baby.
Last year, the cast did an admirable job of staying in character, Kohutko said.
"One woman came through and demanded that the fishmonger tell her where he bought the smoked chubs," Kohutko said. "He stayed in character the entire time."
The event requires about 150 people to stage, but most volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
"We had people sign up for the first night," she said, "and they wanted to come back for another shift during the weekend."
The faire in 2006 came about as the result of a chance phone call to Fox Valley Christian Church in Batavia, which had staged a Bethlehem experience for 20 years.
Kohutko wanted help with a script for a smaller event, but Fox Valley had decided not to hold it last year because of moving into a new church. Two semi-trucks of sets and costumes and plenty of expertise were available to loan to Lutheran Church of the Master.
"They called back this year and said they definitely aren't going to do it again," Kohutko said. "It's all ours now."
The visit to Bethlehem ends with refreshments, and information about the church is available in the hospitality area.
The faire walking tour requires about 20 to 30 minutes, and the experience encourages participants to focus on the important messages of the Christmas season, Kohutko said.
"This helps everyone focus on the fact that Christmas is not just about Santa Claus. The commercialism is not why we celebrate Christmas. This gets people in the right mood for the holidays," she said.
The event is free, but all visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Northwest DuPage Walk-in Ministry's food pantry at the church.
For details, call (630) 665-3384.
Living Nativities
Live Nativities will be presented at these churches in DuPage County.
• St. Mary's School students will present a live Nativity at 5:15 and at 5:45 p.m. today at the church, 140 N. Oakwood St., West Chicago. The PTO also is holding a cookie sale. For details, call (630) 562-9660.
• Lutheran Church of the Master will present its Bethlehem Faire 2007 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 4 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at the church, 580 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream. For details, call (630) 665-3384.
• Trinity Lutheran Church will present its live Nativity at 6 and 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 at the church, Curtis Avenue and Warrenville Road, Warrenville. The annual event includes a narrative, musical and stable animals for petting and feeding. For details, call (630) 393-9104.
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold its 15th annual live Christmas Nativity Pageant from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every 30 minutes Dec. 8 and 9 at the church, 7201 Woodridge Drive, Woodridge. Musical groups will perform during the free program. For details, call (630) 852-0962.