At Shelemiah VBS, the instructors learn more than the students

by Lisa Tome
Contributing editor

    Best friends Penny Wallace and Shirley Murray Bailiff learned more than they taught recently.
    The women worked together leading a Vacation Bible School class at Shelemiah United Methodist Church in North East.

    "It's rewarding. The kids teach me things I didn't remember. It's fun and we learn more than we teach," said Wallace.
    Bailiff has been attending Shelemiah UMC since she was 11 years old. She has volunteered at VBS for the last 45 years. "This church is special. It's the people and it's where God wants me to be. He's made that clear," said Bailiff.  
    About 45 children, from ages Pre-K to Grade Six, attended the VBS.
    The theme was Son Spark Labs Show. Andrea Lee, served as director for the Bible School. She said that plans start in January for each year's Vacation Bible School.
  This year's theme mixed Bible lessons with Science lessons. Those lessons included creation, cause and effect, transformation, and more.
    Jon Repaal has the job of overseeing the special craft projects for VBS. This year, the children created Science-themed crafts. "I take care of the crafts. This year we made holders for test tubes," said Repaal. Those test tubes can then hold decorative items in the homes of the children. "They look forward to it (crafts), very much so," said Repaal.
    Local musician Rob Atkinson brought his talent to the church. He sang a rousing version of "Jesus Loves Me" and played guitar.
    Meanwhile, Jason Wallace, who was portraying the lab-coat wearing professor at VBS, was waiting to participate in a skit. Wallace has volunteered at the VBS for eight years. He said he enjoys the chance to be someone else for a while during VBS.
    "VBS is important. We may provide children, regardless of background with a church affiliation and give them a chance to feel God's love. This is a good chance to promote to children and have them know God's love," said Rev. K.C. Lee, the pastor at Shelemiah UMC.

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