School may be out, but many area churches offer a spiritual alternative during the summer – Vacation Bible School.
Long a summer staple in communities throughout the U.S., Vacation Bible School – or “VBS” as it is known to most church-goers – is a way of teaching children about the Bible in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Gadsden County churches prove no exception. In the coming weeks, nearly every major local church will host its own VBS program.
One such church is First Baptist Church of Havana, where Vacation Bible School is already underway this week.
“Vacation Bible School gives our church the opportunity to do outreach to the community,” Havana First Baptist Pastor Eric Erskine said. “It is a big effort for the church, as we probably have at least 40 adult volunteers helping us out this week.”
Beth Meggs, VBS director at Havana First Baptist, said their program includes games, snacks, crafts, skits “and, of course, Bible lessons.”
“There always is a connection between the Bible and the theme of every activity, allowing the children to discover God in a creative, fun way,” Meggs said.
It’s a similar story at other local churches. At Salem United Methodist Church in Havana, Vacation Bible School will take place between Sunday, June 10 and Thursday, June 14,
The theme of Salem’s VBS this year is “Rolling River Rampage.”
Over in Quincy, the Celebration Christian Center’s VBS, June 19-22, will be themed “Mighty Fortress: In Jesus, the Victory is Won!”
“Kids will learn that God is their refuge and strength. Friends may fail them, and they may not ace their test or make the team, but God promises to be their rock and their salvation as well as their fortress and sure defense,” said Arie Sailor, the church’s director of ministries.
These are but a few of dozens of Vacation Bible Schools happening around the county this summer. For more information, visit your neighborhood church.
By Randall Lieberman
randall@prioritynews.net