Surrounded by the sights and sounds of a Jewish marketplace, kids will learn about the days of Jesus Christ at First Christian Church’s Vacation Bible School next week.

June 1-5 the church plans to expose families to ancient Jerusalem.

“It’s all experiential,” Spencer said. “They’ll weave a mat … and get to play with dough. Each night they’ll get to make something.”

Tents set up along the rim of the hall will house bakers, jewelry makers and carpenters. Everything from the dreidels kids played with to the bread they baked for dinner becomes a focus each night. Spencer said the church wants the kids to get an in-depth look at Jesus’ life.

A group of church members gained the idea for this vacation Bible school after traveling to Israel last spring. Spencer said they immersed themselves in the life of Christ walking where he walked, praying where he prayed.

They wanted to share that experience with others, Spencer said, and this seemed like a good way. Those who made the trek plan to teach adults while the children learn inside their tribal tents and the marketplace.

FCC has held music camps and drama camps the last few years. This year the church decided to revert back to a more traditional format, but knew the VBS still had to capture participants’ attention.

“They’re going to be hearing the stories, they’ll be seeing the stories. It’ll be something they will hopefully remember for a long, long time,” Spencer said.

The event will be held each night at 5:30 p.m. Register by calling 991-5000 or visiting Fcc-bhm.org.