This week (June 14-18) our building was (literally) overrun with hordes of kids, leaders, and youth helpers as we hosted our 2nd annual four-church Vacation Bible School with Centenary UMC, Central Pres, and Trinity Lutheran. The theme this year was Fun Run, taken from 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” An average of 45 kids learned, sang, played, and crafted each day as they explored five of Jesus’s “I AM” statements–a then we finished the week with a celebratory half-mile color run. Everyone ended up tired, happy, and colorful!
Meanwhile, the grownups held their own VBS classes at Centenary, studying the same themes as the kids. Everyone reached the finish line tired but happy . . . and humming the songs in their sleep!
Many, many thanks especially to Orbie Bryan, this year’s coordinator, and her magnificent four-church team. St. Stephenites leaders included Anne Buchanan, Don Bryan, Jane Conner, and Linda Airhart, plus youth leaders Kelsey Bryan, Sarah Bryan, and Kate Murray. Drew Downs and Dorothy Drummond led one of the adult classes. Kim Wagley saved our lives on Sunday by helping decorate and solve tech issues, and Dennis Dieken very graciously made sure the AC was on each day–a crucial component on this hot, humid week. Then there were those who brought socks and donated financially to our VBS mission, the Shoe Bus. Thanks so much to everyone who participated. Now we’ll take a well-deserved rest and start thinking about next year!