Bergen Community VBS '25

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This year the theme of VBS was ‘Magnified!’ Kids were encouraged to look closely at the details of God’s amazing world and magnify, or proclaim, the greatness of God. We held a 3 -day program August 20-22 from 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. with the opening and closing programs hosted by BEPC. Rotation sites were also housed at BUMC including the preschool/K group. Each day was filled with music, Bible stories, games, snacks, and missions. A hotdog lunch was provided to VBS kids and their families the last day after the closing program. We offered a 3-year-old playgroup for those siblings of older kids (ages 4- 13) attending. We had 54 total registrants with a 3-day average of 46 attendees.

Marty Hammack did amazing work transforming our sanctuary into God’s creation. Many volunteers were needed throughout the week to allow it to run smoothly and we are so thankful for the servant heart of each and every one who made this week great. Thank you to all who donated supplies for the snacks provided throughout the week as well.

BEPC and BUMC held a combined VBS celebration church service on Sunday, Aug. 24 in Hickory Park with good attendance. The kids participated in scripture reading, prayer time, and song. VBS director, Joy Hammond, led the worship hour with David Snell on sound and Pastor Brandt bringing the message.

As in years past, VBS supports a local and a world mission. This year the kids were challenged to bring in food items for the Mustard Seed Food Pantry housed at BUMC. We collected 103 items! We also collected 113 school supplies to be packed in Operation

Christmas Child shoeboxes. On Friday a pop-up ‘store’ was housed in the KidsQuest room and the kids were able to pack shoeboxes filled with soccer balls, stuffed animals, personal care items, toys, and pencil pouches filled with the donated school supplies. We packed 39 shoeboxes that will bless 39 children around the world. Each child was able to pray over their packed box for the child that will be receiving it. We collected $202 during the week that will be used for shipping of the shoeboxes ($10/box is the suggested donation per Samaritan’s Purse). During the missions time kids learned about the Operation Christmas Child shoebox program and watched videos that showed this program in action sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

It was an amazing week ‘Magnifying God’ with the children and families of our community.

Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me;

Let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 34:3