From August 27-29, 2024, the FCJ Christian Life Centre hosted its Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children aged 7-11. The three-day program, called ELEMENTAL, aimed to foster appreciation for God’s creation while learning to love God the Creator and following the way of Jesus. The children were also encouraged to recognize how their choices and actions impact the natural world. These moments served as an opportunity for the children to reflect on their role as stewards of the earth, bring it back to God’s loving creation.
Each day began with a gathering in a circle of friends, where they would break into smaller groups to talk about the element of the day and connecting it back to God’s creation. Everyday, the children revisited their memory verse from Luke 10:27 where it said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and your neighbour as yourself.” On the final day, they shared the verse with their families through a heartwarming song and dance presentation.
Each day was a gift of learning new stories from the Bible related to the element that the children explored, these are:
The Creation Story – reflecting on the origins of the world.
The Woman at the Well – discovering the importance of water.
Jesus Calms the Storm – reenacting God’s power over nature.
Moses and the Burning Bush – marveling at God’s presence in the fire.
These stories not only engaged their imagination but also nurture their understanding of God’s work through the elements of earth, water, wind, and fire.
The days were filled with games, activities, and crafts! The children showed their individuality by creating painted sticks, wind chimes, and decorating tote bags – all of which they proudly took home to show their families. They also spent time outdoors, enjoying the beauty of the FCJ Centre’s grounds through running, playing, and walking – except on Day 2, when rain brought the activities inside.
The event was more than just a fun filled event for the children it is also a journey of faith, friendship, and discovery about God’s love towards nature.#
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