Organizations host Community Vacation Bible School
Buoyed by a successful first year, the Fairchance/Smithfield Ministerium and the Community Alliance of Christian Women are working together again to host the second Community Vacation Bible School from 5 to 8 p.m. July 19-23. The Vacation Bible School will be held at the Light and Life Campgrounds, located on Route 857 in Fairchance, across from the Sweet Pea’s gas station. It is open to youths ages 4 to 13. A child must be registered with an adult in attendance.
Many local churches from several denominations are working together to offer this program free to their community. The Vacation Bible School promotes no religious denomination but is Christian-based.
“Our Bible school is unique in that it’s a collection of churches,” said Nan Chess of the Community Alliance of Christian Women.
This year’s participating churches include Haydentown Christian Church, Church of the Nazarene, located off Route 857; Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Fairchance, Trinity Methodist Church in Fairchance, First Baptist Church of Fairchance, First Presbyterian Church of Fairchance, New Geneva Baptist Church and the Fairchance Free Methodist Church.
The idea for a community Vacation Bible School came about after the July 2008 creation of the Community Alliance of Christian Women.
“We wanted to strengthen our Christian community and to further the mission of Christ,” said Chess. “We started thinking, ‘What can we do to further this?”‘
The organization came up with several ideas, including visiting nursing homes in the community. They support the troops with a drive to collect funds or materials to be sent overseas.
They created Coins for Change, in which members donate money that is given to local schools so children without means can purchase materials during their school book fairs. They have supported fire victims. They have purchased school clothing for students in need.
And they always aimed to offer a community Vacation Bible School.
“It’s a way to reach kids because it’s a fun experience and it’s Christ-centered,” said Chess. “We hope it will whet their appetite for Christ-like living and maybe arouse interest in a church.”
Chess noted the efforts of the Rev. Paul and Betty Ann Lesher of Fairchance Free Methodist, who secured the use of the Light and Life Campgrounds for the Vacation Bible School. The campgrounds have a dining hall, cabins if it rains and recreational facilities.
Last year’s event attracted between 80 and 100 participants.
“It gives me chills thinking about the experience,” said Chess. “It’s a lot of work but to see kids growing in Christ, it’s worth it.”
More information is available by calling the Fairchance Free Metho-dist Church at 724-564-5000.
Participants can register on Monday at the campgrounds, but anyone who is not pre-registered is asked to come early.
A closing program will be held at 7:45 p.m. Friday, July 23.