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Print magazine

Wrangell Hosts Winter VBS

By Howard Williams, Howard Williams, December 20, 2013

Wrangell Church recently hosted a mini Vacation Bible School, themed "Hay Day for Jesus" and centered around harvest time. The church was transformed into a farm, complete with barn, pasture, vegetable stand, cows, and even a live rabbit and chicken. Excitement began to mount as kids got to sit on a real saddle and have their picture taken. Joy filled the faces of young and old alike as they entered the sanctuary.

The theme emphasized Jesus as our friend and highlighted the Bible stories of Joseph, Zaccheus and Jesus' resurrection. Imagine the children's disappointment upon having to pay half of their chocolate-filled gold coins to Zaccheus and then their surprise at receiving four times what Zaccheus had unlawfully taken from them after his conversion. The lesson had quite an impact upon them.

Chad Angasan from Togiak brought his love for Jesus, enthusiasm around kids and awesome musical talent to this year's program.

Charleen Williams, who organized the event, says, “This was a tremendous team effort in outreach. Our youth and most of our adults participated in one way or another.”

The program's timing is unique. “Here in Wrangell numerous churches conduct VBS programs during the summer," says Williams. "We are trying something a little different by having a mini VBS during the winter on two nights, ending with the Sabbath services." The program was followed by a picnic lunch, to which parents were invited. Organizers believe the program was successful, and they look forward to doing it again.

Everett, a 6-year-old attendee, said it best: “It was so cool!” He was ready to come back for more.

Howard and Charleen Williams, Petersburg and Wrangell churches pastoral team

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Kids don farm-style hats during Wrangell's harvest-themed Vacation Bible School.

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Music and stories emphasize Jesus as our Friend during the mini VBS.

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Even the staff dressed to match the harvest theme of the Wrangell "Hay Day for Jesus" VBS.

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Featured in: January 2014

Author

Howard Williams, Howard Williams

Wrangell Church pastor
Section
Alaska Conference

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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