Bethlehem Marketplace coming to Algonquin church

Braiding rope for belts. Grinding spices with mortar and pestle. Coating nut-stuffed dates with sugar. Hardly the activities of a modern-day marketplace, at least not at any market in this ZIP code.

But back in Jesus' day? In Bethlehem? Absolutely, and kids can get a taste of the action on Saturday, Dec. 13, when Christ United Methodist Church in Algonquin presents its first-ever Bethlehem Marketplace.

"I think it's a wonderful experience for the children at Christmastime," said church member Janet Kleckner, who helped with this same project for 19 years at her previous church in Palatine.

Kleckner has long been wanting to bring Bethlehem hustle and bustle to Algonquin and found plenty of enthusiastic support from friends when she was ready to make it happen.

To learn what the little town of Bethlehem might have been like at the time of Jesus' birth, children are invited to come to the church, 9009 W. Algonquin Rd., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

"It's like an open house," Kleckner said.

There's no admission charge, and participants are given a bag of wooden "coins" to use in the different "shops" they can visit.

Kids from about three through 12 will be able to stamp leather in the leather shop, make bead bracelets in the jewelry shop and play a dreidel game in the music and game shop. They can make their own belts, grind their own spices, stuff and roll dates in sugar, and knead bread - but not bake it.

"We don't have the facilities to bake bread," Kleckner said.

At the other stations, participants will be able to take what they make.

"And everything the children do, there is a related place in the Bible where this is done," Kleckner said. "We will give them the Bible verses."

Bethlehem visitors also can hear tales from the story teller, look for where the Christ Child lies in a manger and watch for any shepherds, Roman soldiers or Magi who might happen to be in town.

And they'll want to keep an eye out for another fellow, too - that nasty ol' tax collector - or they may need to hand over a coin or two from their bag of money.

And to all a good night: If your congregation has the desire to warm someone's holidays but needs a good project, you might want to talk to Mark Hewson. He's trying to round up new pajamas and slippers to make a cozier Christmas for 100 residents of Central Park Towers in downtown Elgin.

Hewson, a member of Springbrook Community Church in Huntley, began a relationship with the Section 8 housing high-rise four years ago as a telephone technician with RAM Solutions, Inc. "When I was out there, the coordinator was telling me that she was thinking about doing a Christmas party for the seniors," Hewson said. "I asked her how I could help."

The first two years he collected blankets for Central Park residents, then towels the following year. Other churches have partnered with him, and Hewson again is looking for others to come alongside and brighten the holidays for these folks.

"It's not like helping the poor; that's not what our angle is," Hewson said. "It's more like being family."

He said he looks forward to spending time with residents at the Dec. 19 Christmas party where the gifts will be distributed.

"Usually the Housing Authority has money budgeted for dinner, but that budget's been cut," he said. "We prayed and tried to figure out if we should do anything, and as it turns out, Good Shepherd (Hospital, where Hewson's wife, Mary, works) donated five hams, and that should be enough."

Springbrook families will supply trimmings and sides for the Christmas dinner, and the Housing Authority is coordinating entertainment. Elgin merchants donate hygiene products and other gift bag items, but there's still a need for some of that comfy nightwear. You don't have to attend the party to participate.

Call Hewson at (815) 455-9509 if you'd like more information - or specific names and sizes.

"This year I want to call (residents) out by name, to be able not only just to 'throw the stuff over the fence,' which is what we've done in the past," Hewson said, "but we want to call their name, and we'll have children deliver to them.

"I don't want them to feel poor; I don't want them to even hear the word," he said. "They're rich in different ways."

Ethical gift giving: If international justice issues are what inspire you, you'll want to know about the Peace & Justice Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.

You can pick up fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate or browse among fair trade crafts and gifts and other items like calendars, bumper stickers, T-shirts, buttons, posters and "all kinds of peace and justice paraphernalia," said bazaar chairwoman Betsy Ducote.

"The sale is a benefit for Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice," she said. This group also is sponsoring the event, having stepped up after the church was no longer able to organize the annual sale.

• There is only one more column between now and Christmas. Remember, if you want us to know about your concert, outreach or other special event, please email me by Monday, Dec. 8, at cmchojnacki@yahoo.com, and I'll use what I can.