Vacation Bible School – West Side Hungarian Reformed Church Cleveland OH
“SHALOM HAVARIM! PEACE GOOD FRIENDS!”
JERUSALEM MARKETPLACE – 2008 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
WEST SIDE HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH
CLEVELAND, OHIO
The purpose of JERUSALEM MARKETPLACE, our first weeklong Vacation Bible School was to immerse our children in Bible-Times culture, to let them know what was it like to be child in those days when our Savior walked the earth.
The food they ate, the games they played, the clothes they wore, the lessons they learned, and the hands-on crafts projects they did connected them to ancient times and ensured an authentic experience. Each and every day ended the same way it began – with singing, dancing and celebrating at the Gathering. Everyone joined a Tribe, the Lions of Judah, the Deers of Naphtali or the Wolves of Benjamin. Tribes discovered meaningful traditions during their own private Tribe Times to realize the importance of how God-honoring people long ago kept close to the Lord. The adult Tribe Leaders, Dana Mayo, Manyi Kertész, and Liz Vannuyen led these quiet times, and did an amazing job! All Tribes wrote and proudly repeated their own rallying cry from the very first day, wearing their special Tribal bandannas.
Following the significant events of the Holy Week, from Jesus` triumphal entry to His glorious Resurrection, each day`s main theme was shared with the participants as if the events had just occurred. After the morning snack, and before the delicious lunch – children and adults alike enjoyed eating with their fingers! – Tribes visited three locations: the Village Playground, the Synagogue School and the Marketplace – where they tried their hands at fun projects. A huge “Thank You!” goes to these Shopkeepers: Tivadar Lukács (Carpentry), Dóra Solymosi (Weaving), Helga Gyermán (Musical Instruments), Aladár Solymosi Jr. (Jewelry-Making), and Jana Petrulis (Basket-Making, Pottery, Herbs & Spices, Candy). The dedicated work of our Gathering Leader, Judith Szentkirályi, and the Playground Leader, Minh Vannuyen also must be recognized. Everyone enjoyed the healthy meals: fresh flat breads were served daily with the dishes from the pan, as well as plentiful of fruits and vegetables.
We are extremely thankful for the food donations of Goldie Maxim, Ida Rózsahegyi, and the Lydia Ladies Guild! The financial support of our dear Church members is greatly appreciated! This VBS was an unforgettable event, filled with fun and joy, one, that helped everyone to commit ourselves to follow Christ in practical ways – today!
May God be glorified!
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