CLARKS SUMMIT — Clarks Summit United Methodist Church went anchors aweigh with its island-themed VBS (Vacation Bible School) called “Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus.” And anchors were just one of the arts and crafts projects kids made to go along with the theme. Older kids made them out of aluminum while the younger ones made them of tissue paper.

The children also created seahorses out of paper plates, as well as boats. The older kids made them from straws while the older ones used pool noodles. The arts and crafts were taught by volunteer Colleen Kostiak.

Another theme-related activity was an outdoor game called Storm Surge where khad to run back and forth to collect and pour seeds into their bowls, and run to their “shelters” before volunteer Jacqui Brust ended the countdown.

“I loved working with the kids during the week playing games,” said Brust.

During Storytime, Pastor Andrew Weidner read Bible stories to the children. Each day, a different story’s moral is that Jesus rescues us when we worry, when we feel lonely, or when we feel powerless. The story about the crippled beggar, who was healed by disciples Peter and John, reminds us that when we feel powerless, Jesus rescues.

Weidner also read other Bible stories, including “The Lost Coin,” “The Lost Son,” and story about the crucified criminal, whom Jesus forgave.

“It’s a good time for kids we don’t normally see to hear about God in a fun way,” he said. “We act out the stories.”

Musical director Loriann Kerber taught dance moves in the sanctuary, which had a beach decor with a cabana and a hammock. The music was accompanied by Kerber’s mother Shirley Valentine on piano, Mollie Conrad on guitar, and her grandfather George Conrad on drums.

Kids at the VBS supported Keystone Mission, which helps hungry and homeless people in Northeast PA, by donating money to the cause. The VBS’s monetary goal was $1,250 and Weidner promised to shave his head if the kids reached the goal. Although the kids didn’t quite make the goal (they raised $400), Weidner still agreed to get all his locks shaven off during the ice cream social July 22. Church member Marissa Draim did the honors as the children watched her give Weidner his haircut and felt his smooth head after.

The kids of the VBS also helped the community by making and setting a “Caring Cupboard” inside the church. The cupboard allows people to donate non-perishable foods such as canned or boxed items. Glass-encased items are not permitted for donation.

This idea was thought up by the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church Mission Team, which set up another “Caring Cupboard” near the elevator of Clarks Summit Borough Hall. This cupboard is for people to either take or donate food. Non-perishable foods are also accepted and there is 24-hour access to the cupboad.

The Caring Cupboard’s purpose is to help feed the poor or low-income families in the community.

Kids practice dance moves to music at Vacation Bible School. From left, are Bennett Chapman, Madilyn Duc, Benjamin Bradway, Brynn Chapman, volunteer Nicole Olver and Maevis Jord.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_CSVBS1.jpg.optimal.jpgKids practice dance moves to music at Vacation Bible School. From left, are Bennett Chapman, Madilyn Duc, Benjamin Bradway, Brynn Chapman, volunteer Nicole Olver and Maevis Jord. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Amira Lindsey, left, and Jackson Bradway race to pour seeds in a bowl as they play Storm Surge.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_CSVBS2.jpg.optimal.jpgAmira Lindsey, left, and Jackson Bradway race to pour seeds in a bowl as they play Storm Surge. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Elizabeth Rumage, left, and Ryleigh Kelly pour seeds in a bowl during a game of Storm Surge.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_CSVBS3.jpg.optimal.jpgElizabeth Rumage, left, and Ryleigh Kelly pour seeds in a bowl during a game of Storm Surge. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Children listen as Pastor Andrew Weidner reads from the Bible story during Storytime.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_CSVBS4.jpg.optimal.jpgChildren listen as Pastor Andrew Weidner reads from the Bible story during Storytime. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Kids made anchors during one of the VBS days. Younger kids made theirs of tissue paper (like the one of the left) while the older kids made anchors of aluminum foil.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_CSVBS5.jpg.optimal.jpgKids made anchors during one of the VBS days. Younger kids made theirs of tissue paper (like the one of the left) while the older kids made anchors of aluminum foil. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Providing musical accompaniment are Shirley Valentine on piano, Mollie Conrad on guitar and Mollie’s grandfather George Conrad on drums.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_CSVBS6.jpg.optimal.jpgProviding musical accompaniment are Shirley Valentine on piano, Mollie Conrad on guitar and Mollie’s grandfather George Conrad on drums. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Kids watch as Marissa Draim does the honors of shaving Pastor Andrew Weidner’s head, the incentive for kids to bring monetary donations for Keystone Mission.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_CSVBS7.jpg.optimal.jpgKids watch as Marissa Draim does the honors of shaving Pastor Andrew Weidner’s head, the incentive for kids to bring monetary donations for Keystone Mission. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Kids run to avoid being sprayed with colored water for a color run that was held during an ice cream social Sunday after church services.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_CSVBS8.jpg.optimal.jpgKids run to avoid being sprayed with colored water for a color run that was held during an ice cream social Sunday after church services. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

By Ben Freda

for Abington Journal

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or by email at news@theabingtonjournal.com.