Going Overboard is Good

PCWS just completed a fabulous week of Vacation Bible School with the theme "Operation Overboard:  Dare to Go Deep with God!"  Our ocean-themed week was fun for everyone and included Bible stories, creative crafts, music, delicious snacks, games and sports.

35 children from PCWS and the community joined us as divers for the week.  Each morning, they were greeted by our Dive Chief and Ocho the Octopus who welcomed them to VBS and shared the marine-themed lesson for the day.  Children learned about the ocean in Ocho's Cove and then heard about people in the Bible who had deep faith.  Hearing those stories helped the children think about what it means to have deep faith today and how to share that with others.

Each day, the children learned a Bible story, a Sea Scripture memory verse, and an ocean insight that taught them how to go deep with God.  They learned terrific songs and enjoyed singing together.  The creative craft team also helped the children make many fun marine-themed crafts throughout the week, and the kids were thrilled to show off their awesome creations to parents.

Sports and games were a big part of VBS too, with a Water Day and water balloon games being especially big hits.  Ocho the Octopus liked to hide all around PCWS and kids had fun searching for our eight-armed friend.  And as always, VBS brought out some delicious snacks to keep the kids going.

Another important component to the week was the mission project.  Each day children brought in offerings to support the Marion Medical Mission which builds shallow wells for clean water in Africa.  Thanks to the children's participation, we were able to raise funds to help build a well in Africa and bring clean water to people there. 

Our week concluded on Friday, July 27 with a performance of all the songs and skits the children learned during VBS.  Family and friends came to watch the performance and then everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch together.  On Sunday, July 29, the "Operation Overboard!" divers came together once again for Sunday worship and performed their songs and skits for the whole PCWS congregation.

"Operation Overboard!" was a great way for children to learn important lessons and to think about how they can connect with God and help others, all in a fun setting.  Many thanks to the VBS leaders and volunteers who gave of their time and considerable talents to make this a wonderful week for the children.  And many thanks to the children who came to dive in with us this week---we had a blast!

What Else Is Going On At PCWS:

• Our high schoolers are currently on a mission trip to Atlanta doing some home repair work for people in need in that community.
• Sunday, August 5:  Worship at 9:30am
• Sunday, August 12:  It's another "Jesus Has Left the Building" Sunday.  We'll have an abbreviated worship service at 9:30am and then people will go off to help with service projects at PCWS or in the community.  
• Sunday, August 19:  Summer choir rehearsal at 8:30am.  Like to sing?  PCWS has a terrific music program and lots of talented musicians.  Come join us for this summer rehearsal before worship.

Visitors always welcome at PCWS.  For more information, visit www.presbyws.org.