The Hermiston Seventh-day Adventist Church erected a massive replica Jerusalem Marketplace Monday.
Andy Engelhart, along with other church members, worked on the structures about four weeks, then moved them from his home to the church's lawn.
The Jerusalem Marketplace: Where Jesus walked to the Cross is the theme for Vacation Bible School — a joint effort with Anchor Point Seventh-day Adventist Church.
"I drew up some basic plans out of some ideas from a book on Jewish traditions during the Roman times," said Engelhart, owner of Top Notch Construction.
Engelhart's wife, Charlotte, Zara Hardy, Betty Raly and Brigitte Mooney are directing the VBS. It will be from 6:20-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"This year we're transforming our church into a bustling Jerusalem Marketplace," the Rev. Sid Hardy said. "It's an exciting way for families to learn more about God's love and Jesus' sacrifice."
The program is open to children from 4-12 and their parents. Additionally, younger children are invited to participate, if accompanied by an adult.
"The best part is that they learn by becoming immersed in authentic Bible-times culture," Hardy said. "Families will witness real-life drama in the center of town and chat with shopkeepers."
Charlotte Engelhart said the marketplace includes a Jerusalem gate, a Synagogue School and shops with craftsmen and artisans, including a carpenter, a weaver, a musician and a livestock trader.
Each shop will provide children an opportunity to participate in crafts and the last will include a petting zoo – complete with live sheep, goats and llamas.
Andy Engelhart said part of the structures will be used later during the year for a walk-through Nativity around Christmas time.
"We'll need something from that same theme, so I thought that would inspire us and have a lot of it done before Christmas," he said.
