Community Event at Libertyville UMC

Libertyville is a small community outside Farmington, but it is rich in history. The local historical society partnered with two of the churches in Libertyville, including the United Methodist Church, for an afternoon of history and outreach. The congregants at Libertyville UMC worked to bring a sampling of the first Christmas by turning the church basement into a corner of the Bethlehem marketplace. After being registered for the tax by Caesar’s decree, Families could visit a booth with old tools, a basket shop, a weaver’s shop where children could create their own woven craft, a bread maker’s shop where children could knead bread dough (and have a baked sample to eat), and encounter a shepherd who was asking about a baby born in a stable. And there was a stable with a mother and her baby.

Women of the church provided cookies and hot cocoa on the blustery afternoon of the event held December 9th from 1 to 3 p.m. Approximately 35 people visited the church. Information about the church and its history were available, and the sanctuary was open for reflection and prayer.