Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church welcomed 70+ children each morning as the church hosted its annual Vacation Bible School June 27 - July 3. “Our VBS was open to everyone in the community who wanted to join with us,” said Sunday School Superintendent Derrick Frazier. “Year after year we see a good number of newcomers and returning VBS kids who remember the good time they enjoyed the year before.”
Children, teachers, staff, and helpers joined together each morning at 8:30 a.m. for a hot breakfast and three hours of bible study, history lessons, drama, arts and craft, music, and other activities. The curriculum focused on how God’s spirit gave momentum to the Civil Rights Movement in different places, drawing the people of God toward greatness through blessing, justice, truth, and reconciliation. The lessons promoted God’s power for life in building up the community, as persons are reconciled to one another and to Jesus Christ. “On the Move” Vacation Bible School featured activity centers that catered to all different learning styles through contemporary Christian hip hop music, daily Bible stories, multicultural heritage lessons, theme-related crafts, snacks, movement, and more. In the spirit of “going green”, registration was done online using the church’s website and a partnership with Cokesbury Publishing House. Additionally, the Arts & Craft teacher, Rev. Rosia Jackson used recycled items as she supported the curriculum with hands-on projects.
Holsey Chapel has been offering Vacation Bible School to area children for many decades. “This is a very exciting and dynamic outreach ministry for our church,” the pastor, Rev. Marvin J. Howard said. “It has really become a popular summer destination for children who attend our church as well as those who do not.” This year’s program allowed for the Bible school students to learn in several interactive ways. Crews of children rotated through four different stations: Hip-Hop Sanctuary for Music & Activity, Bible Study with re-enacted stories from the Scriptures, Heritage & Drama which introduced the children to the principles of the Civil Rights Movement, and Arts & Craft where they made memorable keepsakes from their VBS adventures. Each day ended with a recap of the focus lesson from the wise storyteller of the village, returning Griot Jim Turner.
“The goal of the activity centers was to get the children to understand that God loves them and that He is with them as he was for others in the past (biblical and contemporary),” said Director of Christian Education Charles Coney. “That’s really why we do it—we want children to learn to embrace the love of God just the way we have.” A group of about 20 teachers and volunteers led the children through the stations. “Biblical literacy is declining in our culture,” he said. “We want the rich examples of God’s love to become real and relevant to this millennium generation. From the courage of Deborah, to the work ethic of Joseph, if children hear these stories again and again, they can retain them and recognize them later on.” Christian Youth Fellowship Director Alice Blount said, “Many times, leaders ask the kids if they remember what they learned throughout the week, and they do. When it sticks in their brains and we know that we have accomplished our mission.” Children’s Church Director Susie Howard recently joined the Christian Education Team when her husband was assigned pastor last year. A high-performing educator, she has helped with several Vacation Bible Schools and comments, “I like seeing the kids challenged and through the week, they see how the life lessons we teach are applicable to their daily situations. They get a good experience and showcase all their talents in a positive structured environment.” Howard said, “Besides seeing Mr. Turner ‘look like an African storyteller’ with his kente garb, the major reward of the week is sharing God’s love with the kids. I enjoy seeing them active and excited about being able to share the love of God in a really fun, active way.”
A featured highlight of the school was Friday’s Closing Ceremony when parents, relatives, and well-wishers were invited to an 11:00 a.m. service. Over thirty adults “got on the bus” to visit the historical sites of the Civil Rights Movement and to reflect on the five key words of the week: Justice, Greatness, Blessing, Truth, and Reconciliation. They were captivated by the class presentations which included praise dances, singing, recitations, and skits. Each child received a certificate and 73% had special recognition for five days of perfect attendance. Teachers selected their STAR students and the Kitchen Team was awarded STAR medals for providing everyone with a hot breakfast and lunch.
The origins of Vacation Bible School can be traced back to Hopedale, Illinois in 1894. Sunday School teacher D. T. Miles, who also was a public school teacher, felt she was limited by time constraints in teaching the Bible to children. So, she started a daily Bible school to teach children during the summer. The first Bible school enrolled forty students and lasted four weeks.
Holsey Chapel is proud to follow in this legacy and looks forward to 2010Vacation Bible School Theme, “Praise Party: Worship God with Head, Heart, Hands, Feel, and SOUL!” Additional information and pictures can be found on our church website at www.cmefitzgerald.org .
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