Milton church plans first Bethlehem walk

The address is 280 Highway 8, Milton. Everything will be moved inside if it rains.

Rev. Jennifer (Jen) Garbin says a group of about 20 children and youth ranging in age from six to 13 show up each week for the Group. And, she says, “They are incredibly civic minded. They don’t want to just sit around and eat popcorn and watch movies; they want to do something for the community.”

She continues. “Last year was the first year we did something big at Christmas, which was a full play. This year, I saw a Bethlehem Drive where people can actually drive through it but we wanted to be more environmentally friendly so we decided to do a Bethlehem Walk.”

She adds with a laugh that You Tube was very helpful. “We’re building at least eight structures. They’re basically 6X6 foot facades.” Some will be made of wood while others will be made of fabric and other materials. The Group members are also sewing their own costumes.

Bethlehem will feature, of course, the stable and manger, where a couple and their real baby will act as Mary, Joseph and Jesus, a Rubber Tree Shop, Shepherd Shack, blanket seller, and Wisemen’s Tent, to name a few examples. “Our hope is to get some live sheep” in addition to what should be a seven-foot high paper maché camel, she says.

She says the children and youth, as well as some adults are busy rehearsing their lines. Shepherds, complete with homemade beards, will lead members of the public through the various Bethlehem sites where costumed actors will greet them with “little vignettes,” she says. The tour, of course, ends at the manger. Carol singing, hot chocolate and hot cider will follow. The event is open to anyone and people are encouraged to wear costumes to give the site a market atmosphere. Freewill offerings for Habitat for Humanity, as chosen by Group members, will be gladly accepted.

Rev. Garber says the Bethlehem Walk is giving Group members something different to do at Christmas and they are learning skills such as sewing and carpentry as well. “It’s been rewarding for me. It’s good to watch them because many don’t have an opportunity to do this at home. They’re a really cool bunch of kids. I’m really amazed to see girls hammering and the boys at the sewing machines.”

Rev. Garbin says the church has only spent about $20 on the project because of donations of all materials, time and expertise, including carpenters, and electricians for the lit scene, from the area.

In addition, area residents have donated the use of such props as old wooden hay wagons and barrels, she says. “The only thing we don’t have is sheep. We’re hoping someone will step forward.”

She also says the meaning of Christmas is important to stress. “Being the church, it’s what we’re teaching. I believe Santa has a big part too - caring and giving and keeping an eye on each other, in positive ways of course. I also think it’s important to be able to watch and hopefully step back in time through the eyes of a child. Because of all the work, it will be powerful folks.”

The After School Group meets 6:30-8 p.m. each Monday. Members hope to expand the Bethlehem event each year.

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