Virtual Time Travelers Visit Bethlehem in Manitouwadge
Bethany Pentecostal Assembly “A Night in Bethlehem” volunteers. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
One of the more than 40 volunteers from Bethany Pentecostal Assembly who generously gave their time and effort to put together the wonderful experience. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Saturday, December 7th, parishioners from Bethany Pentecostal Assembly welcomed local residents to a “Night in Bethlehem”. This being the 3rd consecutive year which church members organized the very special evening of virtual time travel, there were many new additions to the set and activities making the experience even more wonder-filled for visitors, than previous years.
A team of more than 40 volunteers arrived at the Manitouwadge High School at 9am to begin the arduous task of assembling their village, and all the ‘little extras’ (crafts, food, music) which together, transformed the school into a a scene out of biblical Jerusalem. Throughout the day, it all came together, months of preparation culminating in an incredible evening – the Bethany Pentecostal Assembly’s Christmas gift to Manitouwadge residents. Walk-throughs began around 6pm as any individuals or groups with special needs, including seniors or those who are less mobile, were permitted to enjoy the experience at a more accommodating tempo. At 7pm the doors were opened to the general public. Adults and children of all ages, families, couples, and friends enjoyed the fun evening which began with an opportunity to dawn era costumes for a photo op using a beautiful “Night in Bethlehem” backdrop.
Wait times, unfortunately, were much longer than past years; the volunteers, wanting to improve on suggestions from previous years that walk-through groups had been too large resulting in difficulty hearing the guides leading through the village. For some the were hour long waits from the time they entered the high school lobby to when they were finally led by their guide through the first portion of the tour. The wait however was quite rewarding as participants walked through, visiting the many ‘storefronts’ in the village; including the Bakery, Carpenter, Scribe, and nearly a half dozen others, on their own time. At each of the stops, crafts, activities or foods to enjoy. Soldiers, beggars and others were met along the way as well one of the most enjoyed 2013 additions: a villager who pulled a cart, complete with chickens, behind her throughout the village, entrance and waiting area. Also new to 2013 was added audio which really added to the feeling of being in ‘another place and another time’.
It is important to note that the entire evening including deserts and refreshments at the end of the tour, gift bags with pop-out and magnetic nativity scenes, a book about the miracle of Jesus’ birth and other goodies, a framed version of the previously mentioned photo which is mailed to each person or family (organizers generously provide a copy for each household within a group); all at NO COST to attendees! Thank you to all those who worked many, many hours to offer their neighbours and friends such a unique experience which, for many in Manitouwadge, is becoming a Christmas tradition.
Please visit again in a few days, or SUBSCRIBE to our youtube channel to be notified, when the video footage from the evening has been added…
