THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 14, 1994 TAG: 9407130168
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL
CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
TRADITIONAL SUMMER VACATION Bible School has been around for years. But despite its age, it's still alive and well.
``It remains one of the most effective evangelism programs for kids there is,'' said Todd Estes, minister of education at the First Baptist Church, which recently enrolled more than 250 students in its version of the summer program.
The Nansemond River Baptist Church posted similar results June 26 through July 1, with about 250 students.
Both churches chose to offer an evening program for students of all ages.
``Evolving,'' ``creative,'' ``fun'' and ``exciting'' were buzz words for leaders of both programs. Each summer, it's like a new surprise package - the same spiritual contents but often in different wrappings, they said.
``Our message is still the same,'' said Estes. ``But our methods have changed.''
This year, First Baptist started each night's program with a $1-per-person snack supper, which made it much easier on working parents and parents who were also Vacation Bible School teachers.
After dinner, director Beth Madsen and her 60 volunteer workers transformed their meeting space into ``Celebration Park'' - a theme park celebrating Christ through five yearly holidays.
``Everything's done in creative ways,'' Estes said. Nightly programs opened in true party flair with a six-foot fluffy white rabbit named C.J. acting as emcee.
And while kids learned about their Christian faith through holiday festivities, Bible lessons and creative crafts, adults had classes of their own about their Baptist heritage and the beliefs of other denominations. Several local ministers served as guest speakers for the sessions.
There are many benefits to a night school, Estes said.
``It's cooler, more relaxed, more workers are available, everyone can participate and there's more excitement,'' he said.
First Baptist closed its weeklong school with a picnic at Sleepy Hole Park. A newscast-style video presentation helped capture some of the lessons and the spirit of the program.
Nansemond River's Vacation Bible School director, Pat Todd, has participated in the summer programs since childhood. Training and supervising 70 teachers and workers was a part of her responsibility this year.
``Vacation Bible School can only be as good as your teachers and workers,'' Todd said. ``And ours were really wonderful.''
This year, the children at Nansemond River visited ``Son Country Farm,'' where they studied the Fruit of the Spirit - the spiritual character qualities found in Galatians 5:22-23.
Throughout the evening, classes moved to different learning centers for craft projects and refreshments. And while the kids visited the farm, older youths stretched their minds through a study on Christian apologetics, ``Don't Check Your Brains at the Door.''
During the same two-hour period, more than 50 adults enjoyed a verse-by-verse study of ``Hosea: God's Redeeming Love,'' led by Pastor Tim Piland.
A Friday night family hot dog supper closed out the week's session, followed by a barnyard show featuring class presentations from visitors to the Son Country Farm.
During the family night program, parents and friends had a chance to view the artwork and crafts designed by the children.
``We are encouraged by the numbers that attended our school who are not members of our church,'' said the Rev. Jimmy Thurmond, minister of education at Nansemond River.
Estes also noted the visitors who attended the First Baptist summer school.
``With our kids bringing other kids, we had three times more children than we normally have on Sunday mornings,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by TRUDY CUTHRELL
The Rev. Jimmy Thurmond and Bible school director Pat Todd wrap up
the summer event at the Nansemond River Baptist Church.
by CNB