BETHLEHEM REVISITED

December 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2017

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” ~ Luke 2:10-11

Each year 2,000 people walk the hills and trails of the local farm, stepping back in time to “Bethlehem Revisited.” A living nativity experience that seeks to bring to life the “good news of a great joy.” It is an outreach event that invites surrounding communities to join a guided walking tour in which the group interacts with prophets proclaiming the coming One, watches as a girl named Mary learns that she will be with child, navigates their way through the crowded town of Bethlehem, observes shepherds out in a field as they become part of an amazing visitation, and stops a moment at the manger where Mary and Joseph wonder at the miracle of the Christ child. The tour continues with scenes from the life of Christ and the overwhelming truth and hope of the Resurrection.

Tickets will be available November 13 at Noon at Manhattan Running Company, Staples, Kaw Valley State Bank in Wamego and Grace Baptist Church. Friday evening begins at 6:00 and will run till 9:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday evening will begin at 4:30 and will run till 9:00 pm.

Facts

No red carpet… just trails of hay and dirt. No dignitaries…just the residents of the stable. No gold lined crib…just a hand-hewn wooden manger that the sheep and donkeys had been eating from. Yet in the presence of these simple creatures the God of the universe was born. Guests who visit Bethlehem Revisited will experience the story that comes to life, as they trudge the paths, smell the “reality” of a barnyard, hear with their ears the crowd in the inn, the donkey’s bray . . .the simplicity of the greatest event of all times, the incarnation of our Saviour. For some, it may be the very first time that they have heard or seen this message; for others it is the first time their imaginations have been baptized with the truth of Incarnational Reality; for others it is simply a time for their imaginations to be stirred once again into a sense of worship of the One they serve. The birth of Christ is more than a historical event: it has crucial relevance for every man, woman and child.

This event includes a cast of nearly 100 costumed people, live animals, and narration played out on a farm in the Flint Hills of Kansas. It begins for the guests as they arrive at the Welcome Center in Keats Park, Keats Kansas. There they will be met by hosts who will direct them into a heated building where they will be welcomed with hot chocolate, home made cookies, and live music. From the Welcome Center guests will take a short bus ride to the farm where their guide and his assistant will lead them on their approximately forty minute walk through the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Come listen to Moses, David, Isaiah and others foretell the coming of the King. Walk through the crowded street of Bethlehem where vendors are oblivious to the momentous occasion of your visit. Come see the busy innkeeper and the young pregnant couple who were denied residence by him. Watch the angels tell good news to shepherds. Come witness the empty cross and the open tomb and hear the next chapter of the story.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost to attend?

Bethlehem is a free event; there are no costs for attendees. We offer this Christmas activity as a ministry to everyone in the community.

Do I need to bring my ticket?

Please do. We provide tickets for those who wish to attend. The tickets are for particular nights and times; they help us manage the group sizes and give the attendee a better chance of getting in a group in a timely manner.

Where and when can I get my ticket?

Tickets will be available at Staples, The Manhattan Running Company, Kaw Valley State Bank in Wamego and Grace Baptist Church, beginning November 14, until they are depleted.

Groups of ten or more may request time slots by contacting us starting in the beginning of November. We will not be able to accommodate those requests after November 10. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please let us know by e-mailing us at office@gracebchurch.org.

How long does it take to complete the tour to Bethlehem?

The tour should take about fifty minutes.

How should I dress to attend Bethlehem Revisited?

Since it is winter and you will be outdoors for the entire journey, plan to wear layered, warm clothing; shoes should be sturdy and comfortable. Hand warmers, scarves, mittens, etc., are good ideas.

Is there any accommodation for those who cannot walk the trails?

Bethlehem Revisited is equipped with two upholstered carts to assist our guests who find it difficult to walk through the entire experience with the groups. The Welcome Center should be advised of the need when the guest arrives and the cart will be ready to take 1-2 people through when the group arrives at the farm.

What about cancellations due to weather?

If there is any doubt that the tours may be cancelled due to weather, check with the Grace Baptist Church web site or call Nancy Swihart 785-539-1373.

Directions

Bethlehem Revisited begins at Keats Park. Keats is located 5 miles north west of Manhattan, Kansas. From Manhattan, follow Anderson west to the town of Keats.

The living nativity experience of Bethlehem Revisited is a free event, but tickets are required. This event will always take place the first weekend in December.

August 12, 2017

God’s Love Present in Our World — Cladach Publishing

As a publisher, I love to publish books and stories that demonstrate the love of Jesus … stories ever fresh, personal and creative … stories of a love that has power to change lives and change history. Many Cladach books tell of lives changed by this love. In Creation of Calm, we read how God’s love transformed pain and loss into beautiful art that brings calm to others caught in life’s storms. In Hostage In Taipei, we read a true, extreme account of God’s love working through believers literally caught in the crossfire, eventually overcoming violence and hate. In Face to Face, we read of Love personified who, unlike everyone else, looked at a woman broken and spiritually oppressed, saw her heart, and released her with his words of love.

via God’s Love Present in Our World — Cladach Publishing

July 7, 2017July 7, 2017

The Misty Flats

I learned the poem The Way in my youth.

To every man there openeth
A Way, and Ways, and a Way,
And the High Soul climbs the High Way,
And the Low Soul gropes the Low,
And in between, on the misty flats,
The rest drift to and fro.
But to every man there openeth
A High Way, and a Low.
And every man decideth
The way his soul shall go. -John Oxenham

Those “Misty Flats” were my bane. I was pretty confident that I would not choose the Low Way because of my relationship with Jesus, but the fear of those “Misty Flats,” an apathetic and hazy existence, seemed to dog my heels. So easy to fall into an indifferent, lethargic, or bored attitude to this life that God has placed in our hands. Higher ground, Lord, lift me up!!!

The Way

May 15, 2017

Formal Invitation

Here is the scoop: We are celebrating the release of Searching for the Sacred: On Kitten Creek with a signing party in the barn. Consider this your formal invitation to join us. I have, to the best of my ability, recorded what God has done and is doing here on Kitten Creek. So many have been a part of this story. Please come and join us as we celebrate.

“Not to us,oh Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1). Click on the word “invite” and you will receive your formal invitation! invite

April 19, 2017

Save The Date!

The publication date will be MAY 27th! We are planning a book signing party IN THE BARN. I know May is a busy month, but would love to have you all come and celebrate with us! More details are to follow.

April 10, 2017April 10, 2017

On Kitten Creek

It is coming! My “baby” will be delivered the beginning of May! For an introvert, this news is both exhilarating and dismaying. My purpose in writing was to share all God has done; however, in doing that I had to become both vulnerable and honest. So now, the dismay I feel comes from my exposure. The story these pages tell is the story of a simple walk of faith, sometimes mixed with doubt, but always moving upward and onward. The exhilaration I feel comes from knowing that, in my own inadequate words I have told the story of our walk with God on this humble farm on Kitten Creek Road. My hope is that our story will be an encouragement to others who long to see God’s hand in their daily existence. You will be able to pre-order on https://www.amazon.com/Kitten-Creek-Searching-Sacred/dp/194509902X/.

April 3, 2017April 3, 2017

So Much Happening on Kitten Creek

Milestones: Two weddings. Our grandchildren are growing up. Brother/son/grandson, EJ, was married to Jena on March 18. The next weekend sister/daughter/granddaughter, Emmaline, was married to Sam. Words do not suffice in expressing our joy and thankfulness. Emmaline’s pictures are not available to me,yet, but here us a link to EJ’s and Jena’s wedding pictures. The pictures relate the joy of the couple and also of those who love them. http://www.miravisuphoto.com/austin-wedding-photography-blog/

Actually, there were three wedding in that one week. Our dear neighbors, the Bascoms, were also celebrating a daughter/grandaughter wedding. The original farm acres were filled with guests and celebrations.

We are now in relaxation and recuperation mode.

December 7, 2016

Miracles

“Angel lived!” Susie, the market place supervisor and owner of the little lamb, Angel, was ecstatic when she called last evening. The last I had heard down at the “prayer house” on Sunday evening was, “There is a bottle lamb up in the market that is dying.” As I grabbed some medication to send with Anya, the message-bearer, she explained that the lamb was very sick: its tongue was cold, and its breathing was shallow and slow. It was dying. The children in the market place who had carried the lamb for two previous evenings and the adults who had watched and loved the baby lamb were saddened. There is something about an innocent little lamb that grabs the hearts of us all. Sincere prayers went up-yes, even for a little lamb.

And Angel lived!

The story of Angel is but a parable of the many miracles we witness as we watch God work during Bethlehem Revisited. Yes, our culture may be near death, those He loves may be grasping for fresh breath, and, as it did Saturday evening, the cold rain may fall, but– He lives!! And we rejoice in the stories of lives changed, minds enlightened, souls refreshed again this year. Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

November 16, 2016

GEARING UP FOR BETHLEHEM REVISITED 2016

November: the focus on the farm is now Bethlehem Revisited: two work days and one rehearsal. We are so thankful for about fifty volunteers who came to help us spruce up the paths, clear grass and weeds from the fire pits, rebuild the annunciation station, repair Bethlehem village, hang signs, mow weeds, put up the clothes racks and hang all the costumes, etc., etc..

One of my favorite memories is of young boys (all nine and under) taking off with shovels, clippers, and rakes under the immediate direction of Caleb, our nine-year-old grandson. What grandparent wouldn’t find delight in this scene? Of course, this young crew is the first in line for lunch, but we are honoring our future tech crew, are we not?

November 3, 2015November 2, 2015

Oh Holy Night?

Where is peace? Where is it hiding, when our world is overwhelmingly disjointed and we feel the need to hold it together?

I was feeling the need to hold things together one December in the early 90’s.

Using the land for our Bethlehem story had been a vision of my heart for years. It seemed that God had given us land with the story written into its very geography. I was directing the “performance” of our not-named-yet nativity once again. My gifts do not necessarily lie in directing, but I determined to do my best. Judd, the behind-the scenes’ director was loyally helping me.

The majority of our cast that year was college students. Students are great: they are fresh, enthusiastic, creative, and energetic . . . and this particular weekend they were also stressed because we had chosen to do the event the weekend before finals. That was one mistake.

The other mistake was we had only one rehearsal. So on the day of the event, just an hour or so before people were to arrive, there was a touch of bedlam. It began when the guys with the microphone for Mary who was to give a wonderful soliloquy from Max Lucado’s Jesus Came Near arrived late and didn’t have the proper equipment.

As I was problem-solving with the tech guys, the sheep, who were in the pen next to us, decided not to leave the security of the barnyard to go up the hill with the shepherds to their designated “set.” The encouragement that always worked for me, a bucket of grain, worked to no avail. These sheep were being asked to follow very active, loud young men dressed in strange clothing. In their sheep-like rebellion they refused to co-operate. The biblical application was evident, “My sheep know my voice,” and these voices were not the familiar voice of their shepherd.

Leaving the microphone quandary, I helped the would-be shepherds find ropes and get the sheep going in the right direction. I stood at the top of the hill until the sheep were in place around the shepherd’s fire.

Going back to check on the progress of the microphones, I was sidetracked by a truck stuck in the driveway to the pasture. The driver was spinning his wheels while several other students were hand pushing from behind. This truck would provide the shining lights on the angelic host. Finally, gunning the motor, the driver made it up the hill. Unfortunately, no sooner did it approach the shepherd’s campfire than the sheep, already on high alert, became terrified and frantically ran back down the hill to the safety of their pen.

Since the sheep now had ropes that the shepherds could easily grab again, I left the shepherding to them. They would certainly earn their title of shepherd by the time they got their sheep back up the hill.

From the manger scene, I made my way to the top of our two-story barn where the guests were to be seated, the prophets were to make their prophecies, and the crowd would be introduced to a desperate Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay. The benches had been organized in rows facing the large roller doors. We were in pretty good shape now, and I was beginning to feel comfortable.

With a half hour left before the guests arrived, Judd and I dashed to the house to finish cleaning up from our evening meal. A few cups and dirty dishes were left on the counter. I ran some dish water in the sink and grabbed a cup to immerse in the hot soapy water. “Hurry” is not my strong suit, in fact, I have a tendency to be quite clumsy as my mind becomes disengaged from my fingers. As I started to dunk the last cup into the water, it fell from my fingers. Without thinking I grabbed it as it shattered in the sink.

Pulling my hands from the soapy water I looked at the blood beginning to spurt from the middle finger on my right hand. Not good! Trying to stop the bleeding, we realized that this was going to require some “doctor” attention. A trip to the ER was out of the question at this point. Judd decided we should call our “doctor in residence” Charlie Bascom.

It only took a few minutes for Charles to arrive. Looking closely at my finger, he agreed. ” Yes, this should have some stitches, but . . . perhaps we could apply a butterfly band-aid and find something to stabilize the finger.” Looking around the kitchen he queried, “Do you have a spoon?” Of course we did, thinking this might be a joke. After cleaning the cut and applying a band-aid Charles reached for the spoon we had pulled from the kitchen drawer. Applying the spoon to my finger, he began wrapping it tightly.

Now I sported a spoon on my finger with the bowl of the spoon protruding from the top. There was not time to commiserate or to ponder how to adapt to this new appendage. The show must go on!

Quickly, I pulled on some woolen Army gloves. They would somewhat hide the strange specter on my finger. Donning my Army jacket, I rushed out to the barn where the guests were already assembling.

No sooner had I stepped in to the barn when my neighbor Sharon rushed over to me with a kind gentleman in tow. She excitedly introduced me. “Nancy, I would like you to meet my priest, Father D. I have been telling him about this, and I’m so excited for him to meet you.”

“Welcome, Father!” I smiled as I stuck out my right hand to shake his. Retrieving my hand as quickly as I had offered it, I blurted out, “Oh, I’m so sorry! I can’t shake your hand; I have a spoon on my finger.”

No sooner did those words leave my lips than another guest came up to talk. The crowd closed between me and the priest. I never saw him again that evening. I have no idea what that poor man thought. I wonder if he lay awake that night trying to puzzle out the strange response. “She said, ‘I have a spoon on my finger?????'”

There was no turning back; no time for explanations. The program was about to begin, and the past was the past. The audience took their seats, and the lights were dimmed. The first prophet made his appearance, and the evening’s performance had begun.

“Ah, Lord God,” I breathed, “please bring your presence and peace to this place and to the guests.”

Yes, there was an inordinate amount of chaos going on about me, but at the core of it all, God was offering His message of transcendent truth.

And . . . the evening had just begun!

To be continued. . .