Editor’s note: Nancy Gravert submitted this article and photos. The week before, Morrison Christian Church, 201 S. Genesee Street, Morrison, IL, hosted its first Community Vacation Bible School, for children in kindergarten to Junior High, from Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the church.
The Churches of Morrison[, IL,] once again united during the week of Monday, July 24, through Friday, July 28[, 2017,] for a combined effort for our children. For the past 30 some years, the community has come together for Vacation Bible School, for youth ages four through 8th grade…. Eleven churches [were] involved, and eight churches…participat[ed] in the teaching…. The[y] included Emmanuel Reformed; Crossroads Community; Ebenezer Reformed; First Presbyterian; St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran; Bethesda Lutheran; Morrison United Methodist; Brethren in Christ.
This year’s mission was to raise…funds…to complete construction of a new high school, in Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and…teach Bible School here. For several years, volunteer members of First Presbyterian Church have traveled to Leona Vicaro, Mexico, to help construct this school…. Construction began in 2004, with the…school slated to open [in August], teaching 90 high school students….
One hundred sixty-five Morrison students participated in VBS…, with 70 volunteer staff members. …A daily program…included Bible lessons, crafts, games, and snacks. The music entertainment was shared by all students.
VBS Directors Kelly Kohl and Jill Mussman began planning in February. Pastor Bob Burton, left, awarded the staff with a certificate and flower. Organizing members included, left-to-right, Jackie Damhoff; William Patton; Kathi Sipes; Kelly Kohl; Jill Mussman; Pastor Rich Davis.
Thanks go to
- Morrison Community Unit District #6 for opening their Junior High for the event venue
- Bart and Ellen Smith, DQ Grill & Chill owners, who donated 200+ delicious Dilly Bars
- businesses and community members who contribute supplies…and snacks throughout the week.
…Total funds raised [were] $1228.18. Second graders earned $318.26 in the week-long fundraisers. As highest earners, they were allowed to soak the Pastors as a reward! Happily dripping are, left-to-right, Mike Winkelman; Mike Selburg; unknown; Craig Sipes; Jamie Rodriguez; Rich Davis; Bob Burton.
Family Fun Night followed the soaking, with popcorn, hot dogs, outside parachute games, and indoor music and dance.
