YAKIMA, Wash. -- Away in a manger isn't away anymore.

It's right here in Yakima.

The Yakima Seventh-day Adventist Church is offering "Journey to Bethlehem," an outdoor, walk-through Nativity scene this weekend.

The event runs 5 to 8:30 p.m. today through Sunday on the church grounds, 507 N. 35th Ave.

"It's our gift to the community," said Debbie Gilbert, leader of the project.

The church has re-created the town of Bethlehem, with more than 14 stops representing the inn, blacksmith shop, manger and other aspects of the Biblical city. Guides will lead visitors on an entertaining tour of the city to experience the Nativity story as if they were a part of it.

A dress rehearsal Thursday night showed how much enthusiasm church members put into learning their roles.

Near the torch-lit entrance guarded by menacing-looking Roman soldiers, a circle of gossiping women loudly warned visitors away from a pottery shop: "Don't buy any of the pots," one called out. "They're cracked."

Farther in, above the recorded sounds of sheep braying, a man hawking fish reminded passersby Jesus ate fish -- and they should, too.

In all, about 120 church members are taking part, many in period costumes hand-made by other church members. Apart from the gossips and street vendors, there's the three wise men, a brightly illuminated angel, shepherds, a rabbi, tax collector and an inn keeper who describes the Virgin Mary as "huuuuge" with child.

There are live animals, too -- from horses, a miniature cow, lamb, sheep and goats, to a Jerusalem donkey (named for the dark cross on its back) and a even a rented camel.

Gilbert promises the camel is tame enough to pet, since he was once part of a petting zoo.

This is the first time Yakima Seventh-day Adventist has mounted anything like this -- and months of planning have gone into the project.

While not mentioning specifics, the Rev. Kristopher Loewen, associate pastor, indicated expenses are well into the thousands of dollars, with large outlays for lumber, costume material and electrical wiring.

"We really think this is a powerful, important story, and we want to tell it and give something of value to the community," Loewen explained.

The Rev. Harry Sharley, senior pastor, began talking about the idea last winter, and by early spring plans were in full motion.

Many threads came together when Gilbert agreed to be project leader in March. "She's done incredible work; she's amazing," Loewen said.

Most of the members of the 300-plus congregation have taken on key roles, learning lines, creating costumes -- a crew of women has been sewing three days a week since May -- building sets, working on technical issues and finding props. Also helping are members of Connection, a Seventh-day Adventist church located downtown.

"Because this is so elaborate and difficult, there's no way we could have pulled it off without the majority of the church behind it," Loewen pointed out. "It's brought everyone together."

To brave outdoor temperatures, predicted to be in the mid-teens, visitors to the Nativity project should dress warmly for the 30-minute tour, Gilbert advised, while church volunteers will be relying heavily on long underwear.

When guests first arrive, they'll be greeted in the church lobby with musical entertainment, performed by singers and musicians from different churches. Then small groups of about 12 visitors at a time will tour the Bethlehem scene, with hot chocolate served at the end.

As time-intensive as the project has been, this won't be the last time the church offers "Journey to Bethlehem."

"Our vision is that we'll be doing this for many years to come," Loewen said, who plays the part of the grouchy innkeeper.

In keeping with the role, he hasn't shaved since June. "My beard is out of control," he said.

Authenticity to the era is being emphasized, with no wristwatches, eyeglasses and the like.

Still, a few touches of modernity are hard to avoid. At one point during Thursday's rehearsal, the power went out in the tour's last stop -- leaving Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the dark.

Quickly, an iPhone came out of somebody's purse and a call was made for help: "Hey, we're down at the manger and the lights went out."

* Jane Gargas can be reached at 509-577-7690 or jgargas@yakimaherald.com.

If you go...

WHO: Yakima Seventh-day Adventist Church

WHAT: "Journey to Bethlehem," a walk-through Nativity scene and story

WHEN: 5 to 8:30 p.m., today through Sunday

WHERE: On the church grounds, 507 N. 35th Ave.

WHY: To share the Christmas story with the community

ALSO: It's free and wheelchair accessible

INFORMATION: 509-452-2041