This holiday season, come with us on a journey of a lifetime. Experience Bethlehem like Joseph & Mary. Walk the city, smell the spices, hear the voices in song & worship. Free Admission! Free Refreshments, Live Animals and a Petting Zoo!
Thursday, December 1st from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday, December 2nd from 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Saturday, December 3rd from 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Location: First Reformed Church of Portage, 7905 S. Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002
What is Bethlehem Journey all about?
That is a BIG question…
For three evenings every year our church joins together to gift our community with a marvelous production known as “Bethlehem Journey”.
What to expect
When you arrive, likely you will be greeted and directed to the sanctuary. Once in the sanctuary, your children will be offered a child pack that has a coloring page and a small snack.
When it is your group’s turn to take the journey, you will begin your journey with a leader and will be led through an interactive play that takes place mostly indoors, but there is a short period where you will be outside in the stable and by our live nativity. Your journey will be centered around the journey taken by Mary and Joseph as they travelled to Bethlehem, eventually giving birth to Jesus in a stable.
Can I bring my children?
In a word – YES! This play is full of fun for all ages. The kids have a fantastic time in the market, and they love the live animals (camel & sheep).
Of course, we are telling the story of Jesus’ birth, so there are more serious parts as well, but rest assured that no matter what your age – you will be both blessed and entertained.
Are you going to “preach” to me?
We are a church speaking about the birth of our Savior – that can’t change. But this is also our gift to the community. This event is meant to present the history behind Jesus’ birth in an entertaining way that everyone can enjoy, whether they attend church or not.
What to wear
Dress for the weather. Expect to be outside for approximately 10 minutes to see the star of the show – Baby Jesus and the live animals. Please note that 90% of the journey is inside.
How much does it cost?
This is a FREE event; however, we do incur expenses as we build sets, and provide cookies and hot chocolate for the 1,000 (or more) people that participate every year. If you feel moved to give, we will kindly accept a free will donation. If you do not want to donate, that is just as wonderful as this is a FREE event! We hope that you enjoyed your journey and will share our program with friends and family. Any monies collected above our costs will be donated to a local charity.
We hope to see you again this year and every year!
Merry Christmas!