Vacation Bible schools getting into full swing
THOMSON - Nothing says summer quite like vacation bible school.
Thomson Presbyterian Church is one of the churches that has already conducted its vacation bible school, and according to Youth Director Reiggin Hilderbrand, all went well.
"It's been a great success for us for the past several years," he said. "We keep seeing improvements with it."
Like many vacation bible schools, Thomson Presbyterian offered several small classes that dealt with arts, crafts, and even drama.
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Hilderbrand estimated that between 40 and 50 children attended this year's program, but such a number wouldn't be possible without the generous help of the community.
Mega McCarty makes a T-shirt during Thomson Presbyterian's Vacation Bible School arts & crafts class.
Photo by Elwood Hamilton
"We've been really blessed with the fact that a lot of the people in our church are teachers who have summers off and who can help out during the morning hours," he said.
Thomson Presbyterian had some extra incentive to serve as many children as possible. Church leaders are trying to raise money for a couple to travel overseas to Wales to perform missionary work.
"We're taking up a love offering; the children are bringing in change and bills to cover their moving expenses," Hilderbrand said.
The church's goal was $1,000.
The majority of vacation bible schools in McDuffie County have yet to begin, and preparations are being made to make each school a success.
"Our theme this year is "Lighthouse Kids: Shining God's Light," said vacation bible school director for First United Methodist Church Liz Brunner. "The stories all have to do somehow with light."
I love it, this is something I look forward to doing every year," she said. "It's a kind of family affair for us and that's what makes it special."
First Baptist Church
June 23-27
9 a.m.-noon
595-4252
Bethel Baptist Church
July 14-18
6:30-9 p.m.
595-5403
Springfield Baptist Church
July 14-18
6:30-8:30 p.m.
595-5829
Marshall Baptist Church
June 23-27
6-8:30 p.m.
595-6715
Sweetwater Baptist Church
June 23-27
6:30-9 p.m.
595-2832
First United Methodist Church
June 9-13
5:30-8:30 p.m.
595-3936