The Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme for 2016 was “I Just Wanna Be a Sheep.” Throughout the week there were services, crafts, activities, and games that explained and illuminated the animal imagery found throughout Scripture, especially Psalm 23. By week’s end, participants had interacted with sheep at a farm, as well as the shepherd of our Archdiocese, Archbishop Melchisedek. Indeed, all turned out to be amazing sheep for our Lord.
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Daily Recaps
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5
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VBS Gallery
View photographs from this and other recent Vacation Bible Schools.
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Director’s Introduction: The Lord is My Shepherd
by Dn. Mark Oleynik
The Scriptures are rich in references to the animal life and agriculture in the lands of the Bible. This is understandable since it was addressed to simple nomadic men and women who lived off the land. Obviously, much has changed over the centuries.
It is probably safe to say that most readers of the Bible do not have much, if any, knowledge of such things as goats, olive growing, yokes, and soil. Without any agricultural experience, it can be difficult to grasp (especially for children) scriptural truths if the meanings and lessons of the stories are missed.
To help provide some “farm” knowledge to our children, this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme will focus on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The students will study the “Shepherd’s Psalm” (Psalm 23) and learn about the traits and characteristics of sheep (they are fascinating). The objective of this VBS is to reveal why sheep are so prominent in the Bible (sheep are referenced over 500 times) and to learn what one of the most beloved psalms really means. It promises to be terrific week of scripture, songs, games, crafts—and even a tour to sheep farm!
VBS will be conducted the evenings of June 13 through June 17 and is open to children who are entering Pre-K (i.e., one year before Kinder-garten) through sixth grade in Fall 2016. Each day will begin with dinner. Parents are also encouraged to attend Daily Vespers and pray with their children on the Wednesday and Friday of VBS week, beginning at the special time at 5 p.m. Registration is open now through June 5.