Mark your calendars now for the weekend of Dec. 11th and 12th! We’re going to experience a “Night in Bethlehem!” Imagine walking through the marketplace of Bethlehem the time of the year that Jesus was born. Shopkeepers hawking their wares, beggars looking for help, keeping an eye out for tax collectors who want to take your last cent. All the while menacing Roman soldiers watch for trouble.

In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, a baby is born in what amounts to a barn. Daily life is consuming all those folks in the marketplace while True Life was coming into the world.

We’re going to reproduce the sights and sounds of that time at a “Night in Bethlehem.” It’s for everyone. You, your friends, the kids, the grandkids.

You can experience Bethlehem on Friday the 11th beginning at 6 p.m. or on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.

There will be “make and take” crafts and food!

Call the church office at 757-482-2213 if you have any questions.

Here’s a simple outline of what to do:

• Pray. Pray that God will touch the heart of every child who receives a shoe box gift, and that He will bring many children and families to faith in Christ.
• Pack a gift. A shoe box filled with small toys and other gifts can open hurting hearts to God’s love. Instructional brochures will be available at your church, or you can find everything you need online (see below).
• Give. Remember to give $7 or more per box to cover shipping and other project costs.

In the past two years, we’ve been very generous toward this wonderful program and have averaged almost one shoebox per person attending the church. This year, our goal is 100 boxes! We can do it! We can make a difference in the life of child we will probably never know this side of heaven.

Here’s the link to the website to download information to help you get ready:

Operation Christmas Child