Description of idea:

Taking an available empty classroom, all walls were painted to represent a "Bible times" village. Additional hand-made or donated props (papier mache well, benches, plants, trees, baskets, etc.) help make the room come alive. Children, teachers, and presenters dress in costume each week. Using the Marketplace 29 A.D. program as a guide, each week shows a different aspect of life when Jesus was on Earth. Skits, hands-on craft demonstrations, music, dance, food, and holiday celebrations have been incorporated into our Junior Church program. Many church members have shared their talents with this program.

 Reasons for choosing this format:

• Need for a very different type of program for Junior Church.
• Wanted to use Marketplace 29 A.D. program, but church lacks any outdoor space.
• Wanted more hands-on type of experiences for children.
• Program must interest a wide age group (pre-school through 3rd grade)

Considerations to be made when planning:

• Indoor room size (Is there enough room to demonstrate crafts? Dance? Play games? Build a hut for Succot?)
• Get permission if you plan to paint your walls.
• Cost of materials to prepare room (paint, etc.). People donated some items (Sewing group donated material for outfits).
• Tap resource people in your church who paint, weave, dance, do carpentry, etc.
• Plan your weekly programs well in advance to obtain necessary supplies, craft demonstrators, and actors. (People demonstrating crafts have donated supplies for childrens' projects)
• Have extra help when doing craft demonstrations
• Our Junior Church time runs 35-50 minutes, so each week's presentation must fit that time frame.
• Because our program is indoors, not every aspect of the Marketplace 29 A.D. program may be feasible (i.e., live animals, brick making, etc.)