God's Big Backyard -- Day 4

Last night was the final day of Vacation Bible School. The Bible story was about Peter healing a lame man, and then Eric and Colleen Hegg took the kids into the library to show them the Domino Effect ... how one nice action can spread and affect many other people. There were water balloon battles and ice cream sundaes and making clay feet, to symbolize walking in Jesus' footsteps. Chaplain Sarah came and talked about her experiences in Africa, and how many children go to bed hungry every night. We ended with a slide show of the week's events, and then a rousing chorus of "Big Backyard," which the kids will sing in church on Sunday.

God's Big Backyard -- Day 3

One of the best parts of Vacation Bible School is the dinner that we share before the sessions start. Teachers, parents, helpers, children all gather for a simple meal that allows time for us to get to know one another and enjoy some conversation, a cookie or two and a smile.
Today's Community Corner activity was serving the neighborhood by picking up litter around the church, and then along the high school lot and the library sidewalk. The Bible story for the day was about Zacchaeus climbing the tree to see Jesus, then coming down to have Jesus over for dinner and announcing to Jesus that he would share his wealth with the poor. The craft was to make a Community Bag to collect clothing, old toys, and housewares to donate to a local charity. The trees on the bags are Zacchaeus trees, made by tracing the children's helping hands, then by gluing real leaves on the bags.

God's Big Backyard -- Day Two

Today the children learned about serving neighbors. In Community Corner, Barb Backus told the children about making meals for Advent House. Then they made cards to send to our parishioners who are serving in the military.Then they made and decorated pots and planted basil in them to give away to neighbors. The Bible Story for the day (told with great animation by Eric Hegg) was the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the snack included making a rocky road for the Samaritan out of graham cracker, chocolate pudding and marshmallows for rocks. It culminated in a wild game of fox and rabbit designed and led by two of the children. You can see what it looked like in this short movie ...

God's Big Backyard -- Day One

It's the first day of Vacation Bible School! Eighteen children gathered in the sanctuary this evening to begin four days of learning how to serve God by serving others. Today's theme was "serving our families." The children learned about how Miriam helped to keep her brother Moses alive. They made snack packs to take home to their families and "service kits" to wear on their belts. There was lots of singing and fun. More tomorrow!

Vacation Bible School -- God's Big Backyard

All Saints is hosting a Vacation Bible School this summer, for our own children and also for any kids in the East Lansing area who want to come join in the fun and learning. "God's Big Backyard" teaches kids how to serve Jesus, their families, their neighbors and their communities. There will be singing, crafts, stories and fun for children age 3 through 5th grade.

The VBS will be held from 5:45 to 8:15 on the evenings of July 7-10, to accommodate working parents. A light supper will be provided, and the rest of the evening will be devoted to learning more about how to serve God and others. On Sunday, July 13, we'll get to hear some of the songs from the week in our 10 a.m. service.

If you are interested in having your child attend, call the church office at 517-351-7160 or email allsaints-el "at" sbcglobal.net. (not making it an official email link to cut down on spam ... substitute the @ sign for the word "at" ...)

I am excited about offering this opportunity. Vacation Bible School is such a fun, happy and rewarding time in a parish.

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