By Michelle Adams/Community Columnist

During Montevallo’s First United Methodist Church’s annual Vacation Bible School, over 100 children experienced a “Workshop of Wonders” each day. From music and recreation to storytelling and crafts, children learned of the wonders that fill their world.

Each day began with music and dance and a skit to support one of the following themes: imagine, build, grow, work and walk with God. Children then attended sessions for Bible storytelling, music, crafts, recreation and science.

“Children are active,” VBS director Daphne Thornthwaite said. “They loved the music and dancing, learning the motions and singing loud were favorite activities for them. We aim for the children at VBS to have a wonderful time and learn about the never-ending love God has for all of us.”

Especially exciting was the science session, in which children participated in their own workshop of wonders with experiments to determine balance and even witness explosions and create slime.

“Each day, the number of children in attendance grew,” Children’s Ministry Director Loren Leigh Baggett said. “We want as many children to feel welcome as possible, and we know this is accomplished when the numbers rise during the week because the children are enjoying themselves. Our work pays off when children walk away from this week knowing that God loves them.”

VBS planning begins months in advance to coordinate curriculum lessons, session leaders, scheduling and group organization.

As a concerted community effort, volunteers, both clergy and lay people, extended help to make this a successful week for the children of Montevallo. Youth volunteers also assisted with group leadership and provided help during all activities.

“The entire community contributes so much, and that shows the children of our town how special they are,” Thornthwaite said. “Montevallo embraces our children and selflessly shares their talents and time in order to enrich our children’s lives.”