Our annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) starts today, and as our staff has prepared for this experience with the children of our congregation and community, we have shared our own memories of VBS.
“I love the fun, laughter, and community with the children that comes with VBS. On top of that, I love watching the grown ups enjoying the moments, playing the games, singing the songs, and doing the dances. Most of all, I love that the next generation are hearing the gospel presented at a level they can understand. That helps shape a lifetime of serving and loving the Lord.”
Rev. Dr. John Fullerton, Senior Pastor
“Vacation Bible School with all its detail and needs was my favorite time of the year in Children’s Ministry! Seeing all the children from the different communities enjoying a fun week of learning more about Jesus and building relationships with each other is overwhelming. They always wanted two weeks of VBS, not just one!”
Jo Ahearn, Executive Assistant/former Children’s Ministry Coordinator
“Growing up with parents who always volunteered in children’s ministry, VBS was always a summer staple. From attending as a young child to volunteering as a teen, the controlled chaos of VBS was always something I looked forward to each summer. Now, being a part of children making those memories is my favorite. Seeing the awe in their eyes when they see the stage and allowing them to simply be kids together is something I love watching and being a part of today.”
Anna Butler, Director of Children’s Ministry
“Growing up, my mom was the music director at our church, which meant her kids got plenty of exposure to the choreography, music, and drama. To this day I still get songs stuck in my head from Ocean Odyssey, Amazon Outfitters, and Rickshaw Rally. There are probably embarrassing videos somewhere.
Sam Carlton, Classic Worship Arts Director
When I started college, I broke my finger but had already agreed to provide live music for our first live VBS band. That year, I played piano in a cast and had to be creative with what I could do with the one usable finger on my right hand. I’ll never forget Big Apple Adventure.”
“I love hearing the children singing the songs from VBS for months and months after VBS.”
Libby Chappell, Special Needs Ministry Coordinator
“I never went to VBS growing up. My first experience with vacation Bible school was when I volunteered at FPC when my girls were little. One year, the theme was Psalm 23. On the last day, we were in the sanctuary and Pastor Jim asked the kids to stand and recite the Psalm with the hand motions. I remember jumping up, standing with them, so excited to participate. I learned as much as the kids did that year. VBS is a great way to grow our faith at any age.”
Jackie Hansen, Administrative Coordinator
“I loved the singing, laughing, running, playing, doing crafts, learning about God, both as a child and as an adult.”
Sandie M., Older Adult Ministries (OAM) Coordinator
“I grew up in another faith tradition, and VBS was a summer staple. It was a time when those in leadership were silly and relatable to us as children. It allowed us to bond with those leaders we might not be involved with otherwise. It’s beautiful to watch that play out here at FPC with our leadership and children.”
Michele Trice, Communications Coordinator