by Ruth Seidel

I’m an in-betweener: I have grown children but no grandchildren yet. It’s been a while since I attended Vacation Bible School or had a 3 year old on my lap and I’m so glad I took my creaky knees and grey hair to Bethany’s Son Harvest County Fair!

I’ve never been part of a more prayed for and planned for VBS. I was trained and met the other leaders several weeks ahead of time. There were people of all ages; some helping all week and some coming just a day or two.

I loved gathering early each morning of VBS with the other leaders for coffee, a word of encouragement from the Bible and prayer by one of the pastoral staff.

Heading up to “The Playful Pigs” with my co-teacher + 2 energetic middle school youth helpers; the morning flew by sculpting playdoh, building blocks, enjoying a delicious snack created by the snack crew, making the craft we were provided and telling a Bible story. What a fun crew!

Before we knew it , it was time to make our way to the “The Pasture”. What a surprise to learn that the Recreation team plays with the children outside while the teachers take a 25 minute break and enjoy a snack inside “the grange”!

After the break, we were greeted in “The Barn” by the music team jumping, clapping and signing words of truth put to music. Four of the senior high youth helpers amazed and amused us with skits reinforcing the spiritual fruit of the day. “Farmer Whitney” taught the children the joy of giving (the children raised over $1,320!) and “Ruby Rooster” kept the hoe-downs moving right along with joy and humor.

Thanks for the wonderful week! I got to know some amazing new church friends from age 3 to 93! I felt so cared for and I appreciated the excellence with which each part of the program was put on. Thank you, co-directors Laura Montagner, Kylie Kypreos, Kristin Wilhite and children’s ministry staff!

The seed of the Word of God was planted with love and laughter. Where do I sign up for the next VBS?