It's Vacation Bible School Time!

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a summertime religious tradition for Christian children which dates back to the late 19th century. According to Wikipedia, the first VBS was taught in 1894 by a Sunday school teacher named D.T. Miles in Illinois. Ms. Miles, who was also a public school teacher, Wikipedia says, envisioned a special time set aside during the summer for children to study the bible.  

Several churches in our area are offering Vacation Bible School this summer. Below is a list of those that have announced their VBS schedule.

First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell

“Babylon – Daniel’s Courage in Captivity”
June 25 through June 29   
6 to 8 p.m.
326 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell
973-228-0576   
All children who have just completed 1st-5th grade are invited to join us for a fabulously fun week exploring the ancient city of Babylon, where Daniel showed great courage in captivity!  We will be discovering the Babylon Marketplace, playing on the Palace Playground, chatting with Daniel about God, and having a great time exploring with our tribes!You can check the following website and register online at: www.groupvbspro.com/bvs/hl/firstprescaldwell  and then send your $40 to the church.

GRACE CHURCH IN NUTLEY

“Adventures with Jesus”   
August 6 through August 16
9 a.m. to noon 
200 Highfield Lane, Nutley 
973-235-1177
Stories will include Mary and Elizabeth; Zacchaeus; Jesus Enters Jerusalem (Palm Sunday); and Paul & Silas (jail). Tuition for the nine-day program for Non-Parishioners is $45 for the first child and $40 for each additional child.  Parishioner tuition is $40 for the first child and $35 for each additional child.
Download the VBS Sign-up Form.

Grace Presbyterian Church

"Operation Overboard - Dare to Go Deep with God!"
June 25 through June 29
9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
153 Grove St., Montclair
973-744-2565
Grace invites children, age 3 through those entering sixth grade, to join us for Vacation Bible School. It’s a fun-filled week where children learn about their Creator and share in real-life lessons that prepare them to walk with Christ faithfully. Drama, games, Bible story-telling, crafts, singing, even science experiments are all ways through which boys and girls experience God’s love.  Please contact Pastor Rachel for more information and join us for this fun and important ministry!

The Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair  

“BAOBAB BLAST!”
June 25 through June 29 
6  to 8 p.m.
53 Norwood Ave., Upper Montclair
973-746-3854 
Go on Safari to discover the wonders of God's great creation! Your children will explore their connections with God, family, friends, and others around the world with Bible stories, games, music and a science experiment or two. All children kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome. The cost is $50 per child, which includes dinner each evening. Contact Melody Williams, Director of Christian Education, at 973-746-3854 or melody@pcum.org for information and to register.

The Caldwell United Methodist Church in Caldwell in partnership with 
St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Essex Fells

 “Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God"
August 6 through August 10
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Caldwell United Methodist Church
8 Academy Road, Caldwell
Dive in and discover God’s underwater universe! Kids journey miles below the water’s serface into God’s Word to find what true faith is all about. West Essex Vacation Bible School is open to children aged 3 (must be toilet trained) through those entering sixth grade. Payment is $40 per child when registered before July 1st, and $45 afterwards. Additional children in the same household may be registered for $5 less. Please submit a separate form for each child.   You may pay online using PayPal or simply register online and pay by check. Please return your check to the church office at either Saint Peter's or Caldwell United Methodist Church. To get more information or to register, visit www.overboard.cokesburyvbs.com/westessex. 

NEW LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH

“Vacation Bible School”
June 25 through June 29
91 Dewey St., Bloomfield
973-228-5888
There is a $3 registration fee for which the proceeds will go to the Pizza Night on Friday. Please contact Sr. Denise Dean or Deaconess Vicki Sims for more information.

Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church

“SKY” VBS
August 27 through August 30
9 a.m. to noon
Kick-off Pot Luck Dinner August 26 at 5:30 p.m.
600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, NJ
973-763-7676
Picture yourself in the air! You're flying, surrounded by endless blue sky and puffy white clouds. Let your imagination soar! God is there—the very air we breathe—making all things possible. This summer our children will experience and know the boundless love of God that brings life and possibility. We'll hear stories, learn songs, share snacks, play games and live into God's love. This year, we are also providing Sky Camp, a before and after-VBS camp in partnership with Express Yourself Studios for children who need full-day care. When you click on the flyer you will also be able to download the registration form for Sky Camp. Check the website for additional information and registration:  http://morrowchurch.org/ministries/studies/vbs

River of Life Assembly of God

“Vacation Bible School”
174 Holmes St., Belleville
973-759-0726
Every summer we host a fun-filled VBS where kids engage in life-changing activities which include: Super cool crafts, interactive Bible stories, exciting games, incredible music, delicious snacks and so much more! Keep an eye on the website for the 2012 dates: http://www.riveroflifeweb.com/KidsPageVBS.htm

Saint Aloysius Roman Catholic Church

“SKY” Vacation Bible Camp
June 25 through 29
219 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell
973-226-0221
At Sky VBS, kids discover that by trusting God, everything is possible. Registration and volunteer forms available in the back of the church or at the rectory. Call for times and additional information. Join us for some high-flying Bible Adventures!