First United Methodist wraps VBS

STAFF WRITER

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First United Methodist Church is finishing its Vacation Bible School study tonight, which began on Monday for children as young as three years old through students in the fifth grade.

Staff photo: Kurt Munz-Raper

Taryn Wood (on stage) takes participants “surfing” during Vacation Bible School sanctuary.

The mission of the program, according to volunteer Kelsey Prince, is to help the Dig Deep organization, which provides water to Navajo reservations in New Mexico.

Sixth grade students and up helped volunteer for the VBS. Volunteer Logan Hebert, 15, elaborated on the goals of the program.

“(We want) to spread the word of Christ to kids and hopefully their parents, as well,” said Hebert.

“I want to educate the kids about God, and that he loves them, and hopefully have fun with it,” said volunteer Taryn Wood, 13. Wood said it is beneficial to the youth participating to learn about God at an early age since they will grow up understanding His lessons.

Participants engage in activities including crafts, music, games, dinner and Bible stories, according to Kelsey Prince. The volunteers also teach the participants about the Dig Deep mission and its importance.

VBS Director Katrina Prince also commented on the nature of the event. “We are reaching out to kiddos, showing them that God’s good and church is a good place,” said Katrina Prince. “We like to touch hearts.”

Participant Eden Cochlin, 6, enjoys the activities and teachers at the program. Cochlin said she enjoys the songs sung at the event and shared her favorite song verse, “God is great and awesome.”

Shakayla Crank, 10, also enjoys the Bible school. “The dancing is really fun,” said Crank. “We do movements, we do a pop-up dance, we get to be in the front. I like to pay attention to the people that are dancing.”

“We get to learn about God and the arts and crafts we get to do,” said A’maya Holton, 8. “We get to learn about His story, how many people he can help and the things he does for people.”

Tegan Hardin, 9, spoke about the lessons he is learning. “God always helps,” said Hardin. “He’s amazing.”

Maggie Wooldridge, 9, has similar thoughts about the VBS. Wooldridge said it is important “to believe that God is there and he’ll always help us.”

“We’ve made surfboards, we’ve played charades, (and) we did story time and learned dance moves,” said Wooldridge.

Kelsey Borden, 9, enjoys the friendly environment. “I like playing outside, and that everyone is really nice to me,” said Borden.

Katie Arellanes, 12, spoke about the collaborative efforts of the VBS. “Everyone is really devoted to what they do and it’s really awesome, said Arellanes.