Church's village is tradition

Martinez United Methodist Church renews a Christmas tradition next weekend with its 10th annual A Walk Through Bethlehem Village.

//

The village is a living replica of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus' birth. The event runs 6-8 p.m. at the church at 3614 Washington Road.

It takes at least 50 church members to portray first century shepherds, scribes, carpenters and Roman soldiers in the re-created village, said event coordinator Linda Hatch. A Roman census taker will tally visitors to the village, which includes livestock, a carpenter's shop, a candle maker's shop and a restaurant.

"Some people we have come through say this is their family tradition," Hatch said.

About 700 visitors entered the village last year, he said.

Hatch hopes to continue the church tradition of featuring a couple and their newborn child to portray Joseph, Mary and Jesus in a manger.

"Every year we have been blessed to have (a child), either a member's child or a member's friend's (child)," Hatch said.

The event and parking are free, but the church is urging visitors to bring nonperishable food for donation to the Golden Harvest Food Bank.

For more information, call (706) 863-6541.