Vacation Bible School
Here at Calvary Lutheran Church, we have had a Vacation Bible School (VBS) since 1958. Presently it is a week long program for three and a half hours each day. We usually start the program the week after school ends in June. Planning for our VBS starts in March with a VBS preview and once the theme is chosen it is in its planning stages till the opening day. Our program gets rave reviews from parents and children alike. We have even been asked to extend the program! All our staff is made up of volunteers that joyfully give of their time to this program each year. There are teachers for classroom lessons, teacher assistants, a music teacher, gym teacher, drama coordinator and behind the scenes crew, craft coordinators, snack coordinators, video crews, set up and clean up crews, registration coordinator. This program could not be possible without them.
Each year we open the doors to children that are four years old (Pre-K) up to and including 6th grade students. Each day the children see an opening skit, followed by daily lessons, gym time, crafts, music and snacks. Our 6th grade students in the past have gone off campus for a special last year trip. It could be to Eisenhower park, a restaurant for some pizza, or the dinner for some ice cream. Our last day is a huge hit with all the children, we have our "carnival" and the children use their skills at such games as Plinko, fishing, etc. and everyone comes away with a prize. The child's parents, grandparents, or special person is invited the last day as well, for a closing ceremony where the children sing songs that they have learned during the week. The children take home the crafts they have made, a VBS theme T-shirt and music CD, but most important of all, they take home the knowledge that God loves each and every one of them and that He sent His son out of love for us.
There is a daily offering where the money collected goes to children less fortunate. In years past the children had helped a local church destroyed by fire, children of missionaries receive school and church supplies and most recently children affected by hurricane Katrina.
This program is so rewarding. I have watched children start at the Pre-K level, finish 6th grade and come back each year to volunteer to help and even teach or assist in the classroom. If you would like to have the experience of a lifetime, whether to volunteer or have your child attend the program, please feel free to contact me at 794-5265 anytime after 9 a.m. & before 9 p.m. or e-mail me at Lollyksb@AOL.com.
God Bless!
Karen Bivone
VBS Director
516-794-5265
Lollyksb@AOL.com
SonRock Kids Camp: July 13-17, 2009
Please note:
Registration for 2009 is now closed except for Grades 5-6
Accepted by Jesus! Protected by Jesus! Saved by Jesus! Forgiven by Jesus! Living for Jesus!
Theme Verse... 1 John 3:1
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God;
Remember summer camp? The fun games, new friends, singing around the campfire... and the most important memory: making the life-changing decision to follow Jesus. Summer camp is the ideal place to lead kids to Christ.
Bring your kids to Calvary's SONROCK KIDS CAMP and give them memories that will last a lifetime!
Volunteer forms were included in last month's newsletter & there are more in the narthex... we really need your help! If you want to have a blessed & fun-filled experience, please volunteer to help out... there is something to do for everyone! Fill out a form & place it in the VBS mail slot in the mailroom. You can always call the church office at 516-735-1473 to get a form too!
Please consider having your child attend our VBS this summer to spend a fun-filled, Christ centered week with us. The cost is only $30.00 per child. Please call Karen Bivone (794-5265) or the church office (735-1473) with any questions.
A NOTE FROM THE VBS DIRECTOR
To everyone at Calvary,
Vacation Bible School has been such an important part of Calvary Lutheran Church.
For the past 13 years I have seen children & parents come through our church doors at the beginning of the VBS week and go out changed in some way. Children that started in our Pre-K program are now eager helpers! Our VBS program is well known and loved throughout our community... Praise the Lord!
I feel very strongly about this important program. I know that our lives have become hectic & complex, but I am asking you to please consider helping us! You will be surprised how giving time to the Lord and seeing the happiness of the children that attend, gives one a feeling of inner peace & joy! Please think about helping us and your church to make this, another great & inspiring one! Even if you cannot commit to a full week ... any amount of time will be appreciated.
Please remember, WE NEED YOUR HELP! l do not want to have to inform the many families who register for our program that we can not have VBS due to the lack of volunteers.
Thank you & God's Blessings,
Karen Bivone, VBS Director