TRAVERSE CITY -- Bethlehem will be re-created in Traverse City next weekend, complete with food, animals and music.
First Christian Church presents its annual "Taste of Bethlehem" event Dec. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Dec. 6 from 3 to 8 p.m.
An army of around 150 volunteers works throughout the year to pull the event together, according to Diana Dumouchelle, chairperson. She said they expect close to 2,000 people to attend this year.
The trip back in time features a Middle Eastern village as it would have been 2,000 years ago, complete with sheep, chickens, donkeys and goats. There will also be a live nativity scene, craftspeople, music and food.
"We started out thinking about how we could get people into the church who normally wouldn't come into a church," Dumouchelle said. "With the Taste of Bethlehem, they can come when they want and leave when they want.
"You hope you touch some people who come through the door," she said, "but it's always a great way to start the Christmas season. It's the real meaning of Christmas."
The indoor village, in the great hall of the church, is where the food is -- and the three wise men and a live nativity scene with infants born parishioners within the last year. Food this year is expected to include what people ate during Jesus' time -- smoked fish, stuffed grape leaves, honey cakes, figs, pomegranates, oranges, grapes, goat milk and cheese, hummus, pita bread, olive oil, almond-stuffed dates, and tea and punch, stored in a "well" for dipping.
A Roman soldier will "guard" the event and the Rev. Paul Holland, pastor of the First Christian Church, will portray a rabbi.
Also expect to be counted by a census taker. You may have to pay the tax -- one gold coin.
"We like to have people write their names on a scroll," Dumouchelle said. "That way, they'll be registering the way Mary and Joseph did."
An edited, 18-minute version of "The Nativity" will be on a continuous loop in the sanctuary. "People like to have a quiet place," Dumouchelle said, "and it's a really great, authentic movie."
Music at the Taste of Bethlehem will also be authentic to the era, Dumouchelle said. The musical group Evergreen will be playing harps; Hammer'd will be playing hammer dulcimer and the Sylvan Winds will play wooden recorders, similar to flutes. Dancers from Beledi will perform Middle Eastern dances.
Craftspeople will be making and selling wares true to the era, ranging from wood carvings to woven baskets. Herbal soaps, spices and lotions will also be available.
"It's not the same every year," Dumouchelle said. "We keep researching and changing."
She credits the entire congregation with making the event, which is in its sixth year, a success.
"We have a very supportive church," she said. "Pretty much everyone has to give up their weekend. But it's nice. We set it up the weekend before and it looks fine, but then the people arrive and looks like a town. It takes on a personality. People are happy and joyous."
Taste of Bethlehem is free, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds go to supporting next year's event.
First Christian Church is at 3686 S. Airport Road, next to Best Buy. For more information, call the church at 946-4074.
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