Lakewood Ranch church recreates 'Night in Bethlehem'

As River Club's Martin Medley walked through the parking area of Living Lord Lutheran Church with his grandson, Parker

Rhodes, Dec. 7, they stopped to visit barn animals, listen to a choir and visit booths where they could build Christmas ornaments and bracelets, color candles and even play instruments.

It wasn't a typical night, but it was a special one at Living Lord Lutheran Church in Lakewood Ranch. It was "Night in Bethlehem," an evening meant to recreate the town of Bethlehem the night of Jesus' birth. 

Beside the barn animals, Erika Schmidt and Connor Schrand portrayed Mary and Joseph.

As Medley walked nearby, Living Lord Lutheran Deacon Tara Friedrich stopped them as part of the census.

"We're being counted," Medley told Rhodes.