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Youth find fun, faith at VBS
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Children dance to biblical tunes during Vacation Bible School at First United Methodist Church last week. - photo by NANCY ANGEL / The Journal

The final bell has rung for schools across the county, but that doesn't mean learning is on hold. For many students summer is the perfect time to attend vacation bible school at their local congregations and reconnect with their faith.
Some local churches have already finished their VBS programs, starting the summer with fun-filled activities and Bible stories.
Calvary Baptist Church had VBS attendees go “Tell it On The Mountain.” The VBS program transported the children on expeditions to the top five mountains, while teaching about God.
“The children are really excited this year,” said CBC secretary Heather Sturdivan. “They’ve been singing songs, playing creative games and learning how to build a better relationship with God.”
CBC did something unique this year, too. The children at VBS raised money to buy soccer balls for kids in Africa.
“The kids are collecting spare change from home and at the end of the week we will purchase as many soccer balls as we can,” said Sturdivan earlier this month. “We have a group at CBC that is going on a mission trip to Africa this month and they will be taking the balls with them.”
“Kingdom Rock” was the theme for this year’s VBS at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Each day, children were introduced to Bible buddies and fun activities along with serious learning about their faith.
“Children are building relationships this year,” said Good Shepherd Director of Youth Ministries Jennifer Delamotte. “They get to meet new kids and be able to be themselves. But most importantly, they’ll be able to feel the love of Jesus.”
The summer has just begun and churches throughout the community are planning Vacation Bible Schools, many open to the public.