Pasadena Vacation
Bible School:
An Expedition to Jesus

PASADENA—New Hope Christian Fellowship, a Pasadena congregation of the Worldwide Church of God, was host for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) July 27 through 29. Forty children, preschool through sixth grade, participated in the three evening sessions. Children went to age-appropriate centers such as games, Bible lesson, snacks and crafts.

“Treasures of the Nile, On an Expedition to Jesus,” a VBS program by Standard Publishing, was used as the theme. Using ancient Egypt as the setting to discuss the many events that happened there, the expedition’s characters set off on a quest for treasures. By the end of the Bible school, the lessons made clear that the greatest treasure of all is Jesus. 

On Sunday, July 27, the focus was God Empowers. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). Monday focused on God Acts. “The Lord is … not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Tuesday focused on God Saves. “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Thirteen of the 40 children who attended were new to any WCG congregation. Sixty-one volunteers from the New Hope congregation, teens to seniors, served the children, with an additional 28 prayer partners praying for various aspects of VBS including one-on-one prayer partners for each area leader.

Children give generously

The children were given plastic banks in the shape of an ark before VBS began and each evening during VBS. They were told to ask family, relatives and friends for coins to give as an offering. The children donated $341.37 in cash over the three days of VBS. The money raised will provide two sheep and some smaller animals to needy Native American families through Heifer International.

VBS comes to church 

Parents of the children who attended were invited to church the Sunday after Vacation Bible School when a special service took place.  The congregation joined in singing the songs the children learned during VBS, skits were performed by the VBS drama team and certificates were given to each child. Maryann Stevens.

Vacation Bible School participants
and staff. [Photos by Christine Leon]

Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2003