Neighbors

Kids had fun learning at Bible School

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About 50 children worked on building their relationship with God as the Seaford United Methodist Church held its annual vacation Bible school last week.

This year’s theme was “Workshop of Wonders,” and the church altar was filled with tools for artistic and construction work, from a tool bench to a giant crayon box. The names of each group were also based on the theme, including hammers, screwdrivers, paint brushes, crayons and rulers.

Vacation Bible School has been an institution at the church for more than 30 years, according to its director, Isabella Cavaco. In addition to herself and her husband, there were numerous volunteers including adults and teens, who could easily be spotted in their green T-shirts.

“I really like just being with the kids,” said 15-year-old Becky Fraser, who is volunteering for the third straight year. “They’re so full of energy and they’re just so happy to be here.”

She also went to the program herself as a child. Even though she has moved from Seaford to New Jersey, Fraser said it was important for her to come back and help out.

Abby Brown, who will be entering seventh-grade, volunteers for the first time. “It seemed fun when I was in Bible school,” she said. “I like that you can help other kids.”

Brown had an important role to play — she was the puppeteer for Rivet, the blue doll who introduced the children each morning to the daily message. Each morning, everyone gathered in the sanctuary to sing, watch a video and learn about the theme. Over the week, children learned to imagine, build, grow, work and walk with God.

Throughout the morning, the children rotated through several stations including arts and crafts, science, Bible study, games and snack. Cavaco said that not all of the participants were members of the church. She explained that the program was Christian based and open to all children, Methodist or not.

“I just find it a beautiful experience,” she said, “where the teachers, the teens, the students can come together.”

The Rev. Steve Knutsen, the pastor of the church, said Vacation Bible School is an important program. “The church is kid-friendly,” he said. “That’s how we want to be known.”

Knutsen said he wanted the children to have fun and learn in the process. He noted that many of the kids and volunteers come back year after year.

The program ran from Aug. 25-29, from 9 a.m. to noon. Fraser said that the program was just as much a learning experience for her as it was for the children, and she hoped they walked away with new friends.