Community coming together for VBS

Vacation Bible School season is just around the corner, with several churches gearing up for this special time of the year. But, with budgets tight, and attendance a challenge with so many different events, a community of churches in Shafter has decided in the past couple of years to combine their efforts, giving them the opportunity to reach more kids while still giving them the fun that they have come to expect at VBS.

This is the fourth year for a Community VBS, which will be held this year June 20-24 at Shafter's Ford Theater. Kids entering the K-6th grade are welcome to join the event as they sing fun songs, do cool crafts, play some crazy games, enjoy snacks and learn about Jesus. Admission is free.

This year, the VBS theme is Zoomerang. It is a sanctity of life VBS in the land down under. At Zoomerang, according to Director Chris Starrh, the kids will marvel at the unforgettable wildlife, culture and beauty of Australia while exploring the wonder and value of life, from the lives of preborn babies to eternal life in the kingdom of God.

During this pro-life VBS, kids will discover that life is valuable. From the tiniest to the oldest, each person is made in the image of God- wonderfully designed to know Him and to live for Him.

Starrh said that they use this event as an outreach to the community and its children in order to share the good news of Jesus, promising freedom from the slavery of sin and eternal life.

The committee is made up of members from various churches in Shafter contributing their own unique talents to the program. The Valley Bible Church provides the treasurer, registration and crafts, as well as lending their secretary. The New Hope Church provides the Bible teachers, kindergarten teachers and assembly director. The Southern Baptist Church provides games and outreach. Church of Christ provides the snacks.

Volunteers from these churches will act as crew leaders, guiding the kids to the various stations and encouraging them in the Lord. Starrh said that there are too many to name, but all of them are under the leadership of Effie Heppner, who "does a fantastic job of organizing everyone and everything for the week."

"Community VBS is a very special week for all of us who attend and volunteer, and we are so very thankful to the Lord for the resources He has given us to make this happen, Heppner said.

"So come on and join the gang and bring your boomerang and Zoomerang with us for a fun-filled week as we learn how are all precious in God's eyes."