If you're still looking for something to do after all the snow is shoveled... If the most fun you've had so far in getting ready for the holiday is elbowing your way through the store... If you've been looking for unique and inexpensive entertainment for the family but haven't been able to find it at the movie theater...
I'd never been to Elmbrook church but had heard a lot about it, was eventually going to get there. I'd never been to a live nativity either but yesterday my son and I visited Elmbrook's Bethlehem Marketplace and experienced the past and the future.
The Marketplace took us back 2000 years. We were given four coins each and could buy food, jewelry or spices with them. Or we could help the beggars. Almost everything was detailed authentically; papyrus making, stone cutting, woodworking, pottery and animal raising with real animals. We probably lingered close to an hour, interacting with the volunteers, trying to bargain for a better deal. My favorite part? The scents; olives being pressed, frankincense, spices...
When we'd seen enough of the past I asked a gentleman if he wouldn't mind showing us a little of the future, and he did so gladly. Elmbrook Church is what I'd call high tech. We saw the 3000 seat sanctuary with the high capacity sound system and theatrical lighting with projection screens. We also had to see the amphitheater, chapel, bookstore and library. I'm informed seven to eight thousand people attend weekend services and, on at least 3 nights per week, all 100 classrooms are used.
Bethlehem Marketplace ends it's run on Dec. 17th and is held only every three years. For $3.00 everyone gets four shekels to spend and one to keep at the end. As you leave the Marketplace you're offered one or more of the 60,000 cookies the church provides during the nine day run. The entrances are timed to allow 60 people in at a time and reservations are recommended. We had no trouble at all seeing it the same day we reserved, but because 40,000 people are expected throughout it may not always be that way. The number to call is 262-796-5730
