An island paradise turned out to be the setting for Vacation Bible School in the Lents Church’s Activity Center in Portland, held July 7–11 using the SonTreasure Island program introduced by the Oregon Conference.
The VBS set came alive with colorful wall murals that included sea creatures, sand, a rowboat and even treasure chests. Mark (aka Big Kahuna) opened the session to which the children and leaders responded, “Ahoy.” Next, Captain Cookie headed the Puppet Crew, who shared their attempts to find a hidden treasure. Then VBS attendees sang along with a musical video highlighting messages from the week’s Bible stories and memory verses from the “love chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13.
Following the opening session, three age-based groups rotated through four stations. The Bible stories were told by Kate and Vern told Bible stories, and the kids played games like musical questions, charades and sit-down beach volleyball.
Denise and her sister, Debbie, led crafts, choosing different ones for each of the three groups. As a two-day project, the fifth- and sixth-graders made candles with sea shells, jewels and a variety of colored wax from which to choose.
Dwayne and Samatha led recreation. The children did goggles relay, a shark-chasing-crab circle game, and more. Polly and her sister, Angie, showed the children how to make sea-themed treats. For example, the children used graham crackers, frosting, candies and fruit leather to make a beach blanket treat.
Prior to the VBS week, Denise Edmond, VBS coordinator, and her team planned a fun advertising event with church-wide participation. Members distributed helium balloons with VBS invitations attached to children at three area parks.
Four happy guys, including one from the community, play a volleyball game with a beach ball.
Steve Madsen, Lents Church pastor, with Alex, Jonee and Diego Reyes, prepare balloons advertising VBS.
A church member, Ivadell, serving an island guide for the first and second graders, gets a hug from her great-granddaughter Stephanie.
