Monday morning, June 13 marked a significant event in the Forest Grove (Ore.) Church. For the first time in many years, the Forest Grove Church held Vacation Bible School. It began months earlier when Robyn Cottrell felt a calling to do something for the community and to introduce the concept of a loving God accepting everyone. Several weeks prior to the launch date, Cottrell stood in front of the church with requests for help and supplies. A core group stepped forward donating time and materials.
Monday morning arrived, and an apprehensive group of adults and teenagers gathered for last-minute instructions and assignments. Dennis James, photographer, donated his time and equipment to produce photographs of each child. The photographs became part of a popular craft frame. Parents arrived earlier than planned to guarantee their child's participation. Jeannine Ballard and Cheryl Ryerson led registration.
Opening worship was led by the rousing and enthusiastic musical group BET (Brianna Finch, Evelyn Moore and Tracy Danielson). Song service was followed by worship from Cottrell. The youth chapel was decorated with shrubs, trees, blocks of letters and words for the memory verse; and backdrops illustrating a beach-bash theme.
Following worship, children were divided into groups by ages and named: Sharks, Dolphins or Whales. Groups participated in crafts, recreation and snacks.
On Friday evening, parents were invited to a special program with a slideshow for the week. Special thanks to Robyn, Matt, Jeannine, Cheryl, Tonya, Marla, Louise, Clair, Laura, Donna, Cecelia, Priscilla, David, Tracy, Evelyn, Brittany and Dennis.
The BET musical group leads song service at Vacation Bible School for the Forest Grove (Ore.) Church.
