Vacation Bible School has impacted a lot of lives in Brookings. “People remember Bible School,” said Gretchen Knutson, director of children’s ministry at Brookings First UMC. “I hear stories from people all of the time about VBS.  It is very impactful and important to do it well.  It is an awesome way to have people experience the Bible and God’s lessons.”

Brookings First UMC Vacation Bible School (VBS) had over 80 kids attend “Passport to Peru.”.  “It was a chance for everyone to look outside of their local community and country and learn about God through many different cultures,” said Knutson. “It was truly a unique experience.”

VBS at Brookings First UMC started at 5:15 p.m. with a meal, then everyone participated in an opening.  Participants were assigned to “crews” during the opening time.  The crews were mixed by various age levels.  It was a chance for kids to be with someone that they normally would not be in school or Sunday school with.  Attendees then moved into separate age groups for learning, games and crafts including preschool—3,4,5 years of age and elementary age—grades Kindergarten through fifth. Everyone came together in their crews for a closing and headed home around 8 p.m.

Kids and adults had this to say about “Passport to Peru”.  It was fun to watch how everyone really participated. I really liked getting to know different people. I love all the things I get to do and make.  It is fun to get to know the children.

Over 60 adult volunteers made it all happen.  “We have wonderful volunteers who made it all happen. Our schedule helped us get the volunteers needed. We offered the program in the evening. It opened up the opportunity for parents and other adults to be involved,” stated Knutson.

One of the things that stood out at Brookings First UMC was the decorations and the stage set. “We have awesome, awesome sets. I am grateful for the men who built them, especially Bill Miller. It is truly a gift to the church, the kids and everyone. Finding guys to build the sets is a great way to engage some people who might not be involved in this ministry,” noted Knutson.

Brookings First is offering their stage set to other churches. If any church is interested in a really great set and can make arrangements to pick up the pieces in Brookings, we will show you how to put it back together! Make a donation for the Miracle Offering (sunk cost, $500) and everyone wins! Contact Brookings First UMC by calling 605-692-4345  or e-mail office@brookingsmethodist.org.

The Kids Count Miracle Offering called for churches to have members volunteer in their local schools. A cash offering of over $45,000 was also collected. The money will be used to help fund grants to local churches for school partnerships. The total of the Kids Count Miracle Offering is expected to grow. Churches and individuals can send pledges and donations to JoAnn Schlimgen, Dakotas Conference UMC, PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301.

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