As most of you may know, I coordinate the VBS program for our church, Stairville UMC, Faith UMC and, as of last year, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship. I have always tried to put together the best VBS possible and have been so happy with the people that lead and assist in the program. Through all the years, it has always amazed me that all I needed to do was find a program and the rest would be handled by volunteers. I never worried or had to “coax” these terrific assistants to get their part of the program in order. Crafts, games, lessons, snacks, whatever – was all taken care of by the person in charge of that area. I am very grateful to everyone with whom I shared these projects.
For this year, however, I am stepping down from coordinating. I have discussed with most of the volunteers that with the added duties of not having a permanent pastor, I have not even begun choosing a program. By this time most years we have had several planning meetings. At the last Consistory meeting, I had this issue put on the agenda with the suggestion that our churches join with St. James’ Lutheran Church for this year’s VBS. The Consistory has allowed me this option for this year.
I have contacted the VBS Coordinator for St. James, Diane Bloss, who is very helpful and understanding and provided registration forms and background information on their program. It will be from June 20 to June 24. It is a morning program, 9:00 am to noon Monday through Thursday and 9:00 am to 12:30 pm on Friday (to practice for the evening program). There is a $5.00 donation per child to cover the cost of the materials and a daily free will offering to cover refreshments for the VBS Evening Program on Friday at 7:00 pm. Registration sheets are on the table in the narthex and May 8 is the deadline for early registration. The registration fee after May 8 will be $10 to pay for the cost of expedited shipping for those materials.
The VBS program is Cave Quest by Group Publishing. This is an excellent program and we have used Group’s materials in past years. The concept is the same as ours, with the children going between different stations, lessons, crafts, games, snacks, etc., in their groups.
I seriously encourage you to continue to make Vacation Bible School an important part of your children’s summer events. The people of St. James are very welcoming and want us to join them in this fun and educational Christian program. Until next year, your VBS Coordinator,
