Friday, June 22, 2012

June 17: Father’s Day, VBS Sunday & Family Carnival

June 17 was a day for special observances: Father’s Day and VBS Sunday.

At The Salvation Army church, we had a great worship service with so many families whose children were from our VBS program. The chapel was so full – there were no empty seats!

A video summary of the “VBS experience” was shown at the beginning of the service.  It included many highlights of the week: special visit from our favorite clowns, praise & worship, arts & crafts, recreation, Bible quizzes, and much more!  “It’s great for giving the parents a small taste of what their children experience this week,” says Joanna Estrada, Christian Education Director.

VBS kids enthusiastically performed two songs: "Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" and "Majestic.”  Plenty of proud parents had their cameras out and ready recording this special moment.

The message was given by Major Floiran Estrada, based on Deuteronomy 6:5-7.  After the worship service, there was a Family Carnival with refreshments, games, and prizes!  Games included Archery, Egg-citing Spoon Race, Bean Bag Toss, Hula-Hoop Competition, Ducky Pond, Roulette Wheel, Water Game: Cops & Robbers, Knock ‘em Down, and One-Shot Mini-Golf.  When not playing to earn tickets for prizes, children were jumping around in the bounce house.

The canteen was out serving refreshments: lemonade, hotdogs, and watermelon.  While the parents were relaxing under the shade of the tent, children couldn’t get enough of the games.  As the kids kept winning, the parents became bombarded with stuffed animal prizes.

It was a great time for family and fellowship.