August 6-9 the Peace Community Centered was transformed into Jerusalem Marketplace. For the 4 nights of Vacation Bible School, an average of 40 youth experienced life during the time of Jesus. Each evening started with a kosher meal and a welcome that included singing and dancing. The youth then participated in tribe time where they learned about Jewish traditions and did Bible study together. Then all the tribes, including our newest tribe this year, the “Little Levi’s” (those children age 5 and under) attended synagogue school. A short drama was presented each evening depicting an event during the week before Jesus’ death and resurrection culminating with Jesus appearing at the Marketplace the final evening.

Following synagogue school, the shops in the Marketplace opened for visitors. Each tribe visited two shops each evening; those shops were carpentry, weaving, spice, jewelry, candy, music, and pottery. The evening closed with more singing, sharing favorite/memorable evening activities, discussing the drama, and the ever popular ‘tribe cheers.’ Each of the 8 tribes became more and more creative every evening; Simon says, put your hands on your head; Simon says, put your hands down. Simeon says ‘Go in Peace and Serve the Lord.’

Many hands and willing hearts participated in Jerusalem Marketplace. Volunteers were many and included the meal preparers/clean-up crew, the shop keepers, the Marketplace decorators, the tribe leaders, the drama ‘troupe,’ Brent Emery, our Synagogue School teacher and his friend Dave, who shared music, and Shirley Ray, Coordinator Extraordinaire. What a wonderful week to bring Jesus alive and into the hearts of so many.