There are any number of different teaching methods, each one designed to match each individual's learning style. Kinesthetic learning or experiential learning involves touching and performing hands-on tasks.

For some, that particular type of learning allows participants to understand subjects on a deeper level and remember them longer. It's the style of learning that the Mennonite Life Visitors Center will employ during its upcoming workshop.

"Through my own background in education, I enjoy seeing people engage in a learning experience and just seeing the light bulbs go off," said Laura Metzler, who's been the Mennonite Life Visitors Center's manager for four years. "I like seeing people engaged. It's just fun to see people learning. We can learn so much better when we engage the other senses. It's a hands-on experience with this structure."

The Mennonite Life Visitors Center, which is located at 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, will host its second annual Tabernacle Kit Workshop on Saturday, March 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. The educational and interactive workshop is ideal for small groups, families, homeschoolers and Sunday school classes.

There is a fee involved, and space for the hands-on class is limited. To register visit http://www.mennonitelife.org/events/list or call 717-393-9745.

"It's an invitation to anyone who want to engage in a more personal relationship with the Lord," said Metzler. "My biggest hope is that (people) learn the heart of the story of the tabernacle. It's a story that's as relevant today as it was in biblical times. Most of the people choosing to come have a basic understanding of it. But when you're working with your hands, it takes the meaning to a different level. We would love for people to know that a replica of (the tabernacle) exists in Lancaster. It's kind of a hidden secret in the county."

The tabernacle kit event will begin with a showing of the 30-minute film "The Biblical Tabernacle Experience," followed by the 90-minute workshop. From the kit, participants will build a scale model of the tabernacle described in Scripture using simple materials like wood, pegboard, four pieces of fabric, prefabricated miniature furniture and glue.

"A tabernacle is a very basic structure used as a dwelling place for God to live," said Metzler. "It was portable. It wasn't like the temple. As people hear about it, they will learn how it was built. (The workshop) teaches people how to approach Him and live with Him. It's a way to see how we relate to an invisible, holy God. People can worship Him, and you're actually in His presence."

Metzler, Mennonite Life Visitors Center administrator Paul Garber and three other staff members will serve as instructors for the workshop.

"Staff will be there floating around, working with people and answering questions," said Metzler. "We would love for people to engage in the story of the tabernacle in a fresh, new way."

Mennonite Life was established in 1958 as the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. Mennonite Life, which is sprawled over two campuses and is supported by 20 staff members and countless volunteers, welcomes 45,000 visitors from Lancaster County and beyond each year.

"Not enough people know about our mission," said Metzler. "There are many people who know we are here, but they don't know what we do or what we're about. Some people know pieces of the Mennonite story. We want to help churches and families know how we can offer hope and healing."

"Our mission is to share the story of how God journeys with His people," she continued. "We want to share that story with local people and beyond. We want to share our Mennonite life and Mennonite story."