***V.B.S. 2003***

Vacation Bible School at the Spencer Church was a hit again this year. Up to 20 children joined in the fun and fellowship each evening during the week of July 21-25, 2003. "God is a Friend to all the Children" was presented as the theme around which scripture songs, pledges, lessons, and crafts were centered.

On two evenings, visitors from other countries talked with the kids about God's care and love for His children. Jackson and Berhonda Kaguri and their little son Nicholas brought pictures of schools in Uganda and taught the children how to sing, "Yes, Jesus loves me" in Ugandan and Swahili. They encouraged them to pray for their little brothers and sisters in that faraway land and said those children were likewise praying for the kids in the Bloomington and Spencer churches. Dressed in the traditional garb of India, Janelle and Minda Ruba told stories of God's protection during Janelle's childhood in that country. They shared photographs and taught the children some phrases and a song in Hindi.

"VBS Class of 2003"

On another evening, Sarah Lowe, this year's Vacation Bible School Director, described life in Mexico, comparing the glitzy city life presented to tourists with reality in rural areas. She told of huts made of sticks and grass roofs, no running water, and less than adequate clothing.

The grand finale came on Sabbath morning, July 26, when the VBS students and staff conducted the entire Sabbath School program. With Lylyn Slough on the guitar, the kids sang many scripture songs that she had taught them during the week. Lylyn also witnessed to the blessings from God through this experience. Members of the Primary Class, taught by Charly Glidden, decided to present their memory verses with visual aids such as a costume or one of the many great crafts they made. The Kindergarten kids, taught by Carol Miller, dressed in white robes and crowns as they focused on the Second Coming of Christ. They illustrated a felt story while Lynn Miller read from The Great Controversy. Katie Iacobazzi testified to the Lord's working in her life as she developed inspirational and fun crafts for the kids.

Playing less obvious roles in the success of the VBS were, Eva Miller, who planned to teach the Junior Class (but did not have any students) and Laken Stephens. Eva stepped in whenever a job needed to be done. Laken offered guidance and an extra hand to the kids during craft time, clearly becoming of one the younger ones' favorites. Assorted parents and grandparents also filled in various roles as needed.