Vacation Bible School has been a memorable part of summer at St. Michael’s for decades. From its beginning, VBS was organized and run mainly by volunteers who worked together to create a meaningful, spirit-filled week for the children who attend.
Looking through the St. Michael’s archives (carefully attended by Ginny Unanue), the first record of “Vacation Church School” is from 1988. Mrs. Joan Webb, the Children’s Minister at the time, organized a wonderful event for 13 school-age children and 10 toddlers and preschoolers. Around the year 2000, St. Michael’s again welcomed 20 school-age children for Vacation Bible School. Over the last 15 years, VBS has become an annual event, and attendance has multiplied. We now accommodate 80+ students, including a thriving preschool program and teen leadership program! Last year, roughly 70% of the participants came from the local community, making VBS the largest family-focused outreach of our parish.
This event would not be possible without the help of our entire parish family!
Dozens of volunteers help in all areas of preparation and execution. Starting in the spring, volunteers donate gift cards, shop for supplies, and design decorations. The weekend prior to Vacation Bible School, a team transforms the campus to fit the theme. Throughout the week, teens and adults sacrifice their time as registration assistants, photographers, crew leaders, and station leaders. When the week concludes, still others clean the entire campus so that everything is ‘back to normal’ for Sunday morning worship.
As God’s favor continues to rest on St. Michael’s Vacation Bible School, there is need of an increasing number of helpers to fulfill His purposes! With the variety of ways in which to tithe your time, talent and treasure, there is an opportunity for everyone. Team VBS urges you to prayerfully consider how you can be a part of Vacation Bible School this summer.
Click here to register to volunteer!
Written by Becky Gleason, Children’s Minister and published in the 2016 Spring Messenger.
