Kettle Falls Church Holds Immersive Vacation Bible School

By: Marilyn Morgan

Sunday afternoon, on June 25, 2022, fifty children registered for Vacation Bible School at the Kettle Falls Church, titled “Jerusalem Marketplace.” 

The children were immediately immersed in the experience beginning with being assigned to one of four tribes, each child then chose a shepherd’s robe from a large collection provided by the Deer Park and Linwood churches. Thirty adult volunteers, who came from a variety of churches, also wore robes while they assisted with crafts, registration, and other responsibilities led by Marijke Schlittenhart. Several structures built from cardboard boxes were covered with plastic, sticker windows, and bricks setting the scene, which added to the experience.

The VBS continued with the children traveling in their tribes to learn about Christ’s journey. It began with a trip into Jerusalem, then to the cross, and on the last day, his resurrection. Each child enjoyed activities such as crafts, one of which included making a small usable saw for themselves from two strips of wood and a file. At a herb and spice booth children could make sachets and play with the pestle and mortar. In a bakery the children made different kinds of breads every day, and enjoyed them once they were baked. 

At the synagogue school, the pastor taught Hebrew and wore yarmulkes. Short recreational periods at the village playground provided times for children to use their energy.

After a light meal with fruit and sandwiches, they went into the church auditorium, sang, and listened to stories about Jesus’ journey from birth, to death, and then resurrection told by Chris Reeves before heading home.