Escondido Bethlehem Walk

December 13-15, 2019

First United Methodist of Escondido
341 South Kalmia Street
Escondido, CA 92025
Free, fumcescondido.org/bethlehem-walk/
Reservations are highly recommended

December 13, 2019, 5:30-8:55 p.m.
December 14, 2019, 4-8:25 p.m.
December 15, 2019, 4-7:55 p.m.

Bethlehem Walk tours begin every five minutes during designated times. Reservations are highly recommended and are provided priority entrance in the tour groups. You are welcome to come to our event as a Walk-in. As a walk-in your waiting time may differ according to time and day. Because Bethlehem Walk is outdoors, participants should dress appropriately. The event will not be cancelled due to inclement weather. The event is family-friendly and handicapped accessible. Bethlehem Walk guests are encouraged to bring donations of nonperishable food items for Interfaith Community Services.

BETHLEHEM WALK FUMCE will host the 30th annual holiday tradition of Bethlehem Walk on Dec. 13 to 15. Free to the public, Bethlehem Walk invites visitors to experience a re-creation of the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem Walk is set in the time of Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor who decreed that a census be taken and set in motion the event we now celebrate as Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Upon entering the lively city, the thousands of visitors that come to Bethlehem Walk each year embark on a guided tour through masterfully-staged open areas of the church grounds. With live artisans, animals, merchants, prophets and Roman soldiers, visitors become part of the nativity story as they make their way through bustling streets to the inn and, finally, to a real, newborn baby kept warm in a manager. FUMC ESCONDIDO 341 S. Kalmia St. Escondido, Ca 92025 (760) 745-5100 church@fumcescondido.org PRESCHOOL (760) 745-6849 jmoore@fumcescondido.org Tuition and Fees Job Application SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10-11 AM in the Sanctuary 12:15 AM in Spanish in Sanctuary SUNDAY SCHOOL 8:45 AM for Adults in English 10:30 AM All Ages in Spanish First United Methodist Church of Escondido

Bethlehem Walk is an annual event presented by First United Methodist Church, in cooperation with other local churches, as a gift to the community. Areas on the Church grounds are converted to a replica of Bethlehem village as it might have been at the time of Christ.

As you leave the church sanctuary, you'll go back in time 2,000 years. You'll be escorted by one of the church's guides, who see you safely through Bethlehem and protect you from unfriendly Roman occupiers. You'll be warmly received by the residents of Bethlehem, as you tour the shops of various merchants and craftsmen, a scribe's office, the village synagogue, and the inn.

Listen to villagers discuss the recent bright star in the heavens, the recent arrival of three visitors from distant lands who are following a portent they have seen in the stars, and whether these occurrences have any connection to the prophecies of the coming of the messiah.

After your visit through the village, return to the 21st century, where you have an opportunity to reflect on your experience and share fellowship. You may also learn more about First United Methodist Church and its programs and missions, as well as enjoy some refreshments after your journey.

Bethlehem Walk is a FREE event. Because the event consists of guided tours at scheduled times, reserve tickets so that you can attend at your desired day and time. While walk-in traffic may be accommodated, reservations are given preference. There is no guarantee (time & space permits) for walk-in visitors. Reserve tickets as a group, with one person designated as the group contact. You  need to reserve one ticket for each person in your group, including children.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.