Nearly 100 Attend VBS
A fantastic time was had by all at the Summer Splash Community Vacation Bible School (VBS), said the announcement from Monticello Presbyterian Church, host for the event.
This year almost 100 children attended and over 60 volunteers helped. It was held last Monday-Thursday at Monticello Presbyterian Church, 246 East Washington Street. This community VBS has been hosted on a rotation schedule by the Monticello Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches for years.
Elizabeth Strawn and Beth Whitmire were at the helm as they guided participants through the stories of Noah’s Ark, Moses Crossing the Red Sea, Jonah and the Whale, and Jesus Calms the Storm.
Wes Tanner and Stephanie Kelly led the opening assemblies, Susan Haynes and Jill Dyer led the arts and crafts, Ashleigh Kelly led the games, Christina Hess and Linda Aldridge led the drama section, Leah Wilson and Beth Whitmire were in charge of snacks, and Lisa and John Stork led the Missions emphasis. There were many other volunteers who made a substantial difference as well. There are simply too many to name, said the announcement.
The mission focus was support of the Living Waters for the World project that provides training and filtration equipment to deliver clean water to people in poor countries. More than $150 was donated by the youngsters to help out.
A special treat was to have Pete Griffin from the Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center who showed some of God’s creatures (snakes, tortoises, and alligators) that Noah would have had to preserve on the ark. He taught the participants how to be good stewards of creation and help to preserve these animals today.
As Pastor Kathi Parchem laughingly said, “I think this is the first time we’ve had snake handling in the Presbyterian Church!”
In addition, the Jasper County Fire Department brought a truck for the children to see and to enjoy being sprayed with clean water. The 19 foot water-slide was a big hit as well. This was a community event for the children that they will remember for years to come.
