The week in late August featured a boys-versus-girls competition to see who could raise the most money – judged by the weight. The offering was weighed each evening and by the second night, the girls were ahead by 10 pounds, says Pastor Pete Erickson.
The boys rallied, however, with a dramatic come-from-behind victory that saw them bring in more than 50 pounds of coins on the final night, when 97 children were present. “One boy brought a sack filled with 3,000 pennies,” Erickson says. “He could barely carry it.”
The mission board added incentive by pledging to match what was received. In the end, the church raised $1,753.08.
Children also had the opportunity to travel back in time, as the church was transformed into a Bethlehem village. The tribes of Israel were divided by age groups, preschool through fifth grade, and children received costumes on opening night that they would wear throughout the VBS week.
Interspersed among games and dramas, the children also ground wheat for bread and made mosaics, perfume and toys. More than 70 volunteers worked on the program.
To learn more about this special VBS emphasis or the other ministries and activities of the church, call Erickson at 906-774-5611.
