A Night in Bethlehem is an exciting outreach event designed to share Christ with our community. All of the building, sewing, reading and writing that has been taking place for the past nine months has all been in preparation for December 13 & 14.

From 1 - 6 p.m., on both days, guests will be welcomed into our Sanctuary where they will find authentic middle eastern music and dancing setting the stage. Two wonderful speakers have prepared presentations to be shared in the Family Lounge. Dr. Walter F. Taylor, Jr., Ernest W. and Edith S. Ogram Professor of New Testament Studies and Director of Graduate Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio will present "The World of Jesus’ Birth" at 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. His presentation will focus on the social, political, and economic scene for Jesus’ birth, and discuss the current understanding of where Jesus was born. Then, at 2:30 & 4:30 p.m., Dr. Bernard W. Bopp, Professor of Astronomy and Director, Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Toledo, will present "The Star of Bethlehem: An Astronomer’s Perspective." This presentation will explore, from an astronomical perspective, the variety of explanations for the wondrous celestial event, known as the "Star of Bethlehem."

Groups will be invited down to our large fellowship hall (Larson Hall) where they will proceed through the city gates and into an authentic marketplace as it would have looked, sounded and smelled at Jesus’ time. Shopkeepers include bakers, weavers, dyers, basket-makers, herb and spice sellers and more! There will be a synagogue, too. In addition to the hustle and bustle of the shops, live animals will add to the atmosphere. There will be an excitement in the air about the recent birth of a very special baby.

Visitors will leave the marketplace only to witness the greatest Christmas gift ever — Jesus, in a lowly manger within a dark cave located just outside the city.

A Night in Bethlehem is an exciting outreach event designed to share Christ with our community. All of the building, sewing, reading and writing that has been taking place for the past nine months has all been in preparation for December 13 & 14. See the photo gallery below for a sneak preview on the preparations.

If you have any questions, contact the church office at 419-536-8383. You can also for more information or Click here for directions to Hope.