Enlightening and entertaining kids, and sometimes adults, over the summer these days can be an elaborate, expensive undertaking.
By EBONY WINDOM
Published June 12, 2004
The sanctuary at Joyful Spirit Lutheran Church underwent an extreme makeover.
But it was only temporary.
It's a jungle in there. Complete with tiki hut, palm trees and a 12-foot volcano, the wacky scene got oohs and ahs from youngsters who came for vacation Bible school this week. In keeping with the theme "Lava Lava Island: Where Jesus' Love Flows," volunteers offered Bible lessons, music and crafts in a creative way.
Lava Lava Island is Group Publishing's ready-made vacation Bible school program. It's popular among area churches.
St. Andrew's Episcopal and Holy Cross Lutheran, both in Spring Hill, are also using Lava Lava Island for vacation Bible school this summer.
Youth leaders are clamoring for the Lava Lava Island starter kit, which comes with Jungle Gym Games, Sing and Play Bay and Tropical Treats. It eliminates the guesswork.
The 40 volunteers at Joyful Spirit, in New Port Richey, went the extra mile. They created the tropical scenery and made the volcano to look like the real thing. Streams of red and orange foam resemble lava. With the touch of a button, water-based smoke billows from the top.
Months of preparation went into this project, with one goal in mind: to enlighten and entertain.
"(We're) building a foundation," said the Rev. Jerry Nordsiek, who leads the church. "It's just like teaching kids their ABC's. It's something that sticks with them. Here, they're learning simple Bible stories ... We're planting the seeds and letting God do the work."
Kids poured in last week for the free program and brought their parents.
The program was held in the evenings. Parents joined in Bible classes while their kids hung out at the "island."
Vacation Bible schools are offering a free alternative to costly summer camps. Some churches even provide snacks and freebies.
Joyful Spirit wrapped up its summer program Thursday, but other churches are readying their own version.
Living Word Church in New Port Richey will kick off God's All-Star Champions on Monday . Organizers will use a sports theme to illustrate Bible lessons. Volunteers helped to create colorful scenery. One pictures a man climbing a mountain. Another shows a soccer player. Kids can learn about "sharing the good news," "telling the truth" and "trusting God's protection."
Cook Communications Ministries offers the program in either the King James version or the New International Version. Kids can memorize Bible verses and gather for story time each day. They'll be treated to pony rides, too.
It's a far cry from vacation Bible schools of the past, says Judy Santinga, director of the children's ministry at Living Word. Nowadays, they pull out all the stops.
"We keep our children moving all the time so that they don't get bored," Santinga said.
Everyone is welcome.
In previous years, the program has drawn more than 100 children. This year, Living Word seeks to attract youngsters who aren't regular churchgoers, too.
Vacation Bible school is an outreach ministry. This year alone, Living Word paid more than $900 for the four-day program. The church's sponsorship program paid for most of it. Volunteers say it's all worth it.
"It is my main goal to see boys and girls accept Jesus into their hearts," said Santinga, 64. "I explain the way of salvation to them. We encourage them to read the Bible."
Kids can take home their own Bibles. They'll get a CD of recorded Bible stories and songs to keep them going until next summer.
Vacation Bible school will begin Sunday at University Church of the Lakes, in Land O'Lakes. Youngsters can take part in Son Games 2004. The program highlights the adventures of Paul as he demonstrates how to be "one of God's most valuable players." Organizers will offer crafts, music and a Bible lesson each day.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS
University Church of the Lakes offers "Son Games 2004: The VBS of Champions" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday at 21235 Carson Drive in Land O'Lakes. The program is free and open to kids age 3 and up and teenagers. To register, call (813) 948-4358.
Living Word Church will present "God's All-Star Champions" from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday at 5151 Rowan Road in New Port Richey. Kids 4 and older are welcome. The program is free. For information, call (727) 845-8877.
Chancey Road Christian Church, 34921 Chancey Road in Zephyrhills, offers "Power Up!" from 6 to 9 p.m. June 21-25 for kindergarteners through adults. The program is free, and dinner is offered each night. For information, call (813) 788-4881.
