Grace Presbyterian Church

VBS 2009 (August 3-7) was a wonderful experience thanks to the fantastic efforts of the dedicated staffs from Grace and Westminster. This was the second year we have combined our efforts and we hope to do so again next year. Each evening between 24 and 28 children (plus moms and dads) participated by dawning ancient robes and sashes to join their Roman family members. Extollo began with singing and movements. The favorite song was “Hello.”

Family Cassius, for example, wore red sashes and gathered for Family time during which there was emphasis on the Bible point of the day. Each child received a coin with the Bible verse of the day imprinted and a coin pouch.

After Family and Extollo time, families began their routine for the evening with visits to the Old Rome Market Place featuring remakable lectures about Roman aqueducts (complete with working model), Roman lifestyles and architecture. Wandering through the Market Place the children had the opportunity to purchase such delicacies as Rat Meat or an abacus with their denarii. Families visited with Paul chained to the oppressive Brutus. It was with Paul that everyone learned of his detention in Old Rome and hopes for the Underground Church. There was great excitement at the conclusion with Brutus announced that he too would forever be a Christian. The children became aware that the Church had to go underground and move to the countryside when the soldiers became a threat. Just as the first Christians had to move about to spread the good word, our VBS members learned that we need to spread the good word so the Church can continue to reveal the life and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.