Vacation Bible School at Community Church

"Davey and Goliath's Camp Creation" was the theme for Vacation Bible School at Garden City Community Church the last week in June. The church has sponsored an educational and fun VBS for many years.

"This was a great week filled with inspiring young minds growing as they traveled each day through the activities of science, arts and crafts, music, and service projects to name a few. We had about 90 children attend the program," said Kate Digan, Church School Administrator. 

VBS leader, Paula Tusiani- Eng remarked, "VBS was filled with exciting experiential opportunities for service-learning. On the first day of camp, the children learned about the story of  God's creation and potted plants. They examined the touch, feel and smell of the soil, learning how soil is important to all earthly life. Then, on the second day of camp, children explored the story of the Good Samaritan. They talked about how they could be good neighbors to others, and then delivered their potted plants from the previous day to our church neighbors on Whitehall Boulevard and Kensington Road. On the last two days of camp, our children learned about giving by participating in a scavenger hunt about tithing in the church, as well as service projects to collect coins and toothbrushes for those in need. They also decorated bags for the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) in Hempstead."

"The program doesn't exist without our volunteer staff and we thank all the many helping hands who made this program possible," added Digan.

Leaders, Paula Tusiani-Eng and Christine Hanson had wonderful assistance from the following teachers and adult helpers: George Bashian (Licensed Minister), Laura Baymack, Mary Blume, Music Minister Frank Crosio, Ellen Danks, Kristen Ernst, Nancy Fardelmann, Michael Gambardella, Christine Hanson, Barbara Haynes, Barbara Helmus, Suzette Henriquez, Carolyn Herbst, Alison Hoge, Debbie Lazzaro, Kelly Marshall, Karin Melkonian, Katy and Will Mennicken, Guy and Sabrina Milone, Lucy Petrolpolius, Christine Philippides, Brandon and Jessica Powers, Pam Rivera, Anne Short, Melva Victorino and Martha Yasso.

Youth Assistants were Jaclyn and Stevie Baymack, Isabel and Rachel Cara, George Germano, Amber Henriquez, Paige Jordan, Corey Laisure, Patrick & Peter McDonnell, James Rumsey, the Schaubecks- Anna, Elisie and Emily, Miss Tierney, Samantha Tiger and Brooke and Jonathan Warhurst.

The Garden City Community Church is located at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Whitehall Boulevard. It is an “Open & Affirming” congregation of the United Church of Christ (Protestant), so no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey all are welcome. The Garden City Community Church is handicap accessible with ramps on the Whitehall Boulevard side of the church and a full elevator to the lower level.  Please call 746-1700, e-mail ChurchOffice@GardenCityCommunityChurch.org, go to www.GardenCityCommunityChurch.org or see our Facebook page for more information.   

(Photos  by Melva Victorino & Suzie Alvey)