By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

From June 4-8, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church held its annual “community outreach program” of vacation Bible school. It’s a much-anticipated program each summer and was led this year by Thompson High School teacher Renee Brown.

Members and regular attendees are told to start thinking early about who all they can “reach out to” and bring with them to the daily activities.

This year’s theme was “Take me To The Water,” emphasizing the severe need for clean and safe water throughout the world.

Many children could not imagine a stream of water in which clothes were washed and animals and people bathed in being their only drinking water source.

Working with lots of volunteers (adults and youth) this year’s stories, skits, singing, arts and crafts, Bible verses, sponge and water color painting, decorating and recreation drew about 90 children ages 3 and up. The fellowship hall was like being underwater with ocean scenes and marine life displayed everywhere. Friday, the final day, ended with a fun “splash day.”

Workers, teachers and volunteers are too many to list but, needless to say, each brought their own talent and uniqueness to share with all.

First Presbyterian was organized around 1850 under the name Henry Ewing Church and began services in a log building. In 1942, a new building was erected, and in 1952 the Sunday School wing was added. Finally, in 1965, a much-needed fellowship hall was built, followed by the present sanctuary in 1989. Mission trips, Christmas Eve communion, Girl and Boy Scout programs, piano recitals, voting, Joy Club (senior citizens), Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, VBS, Lenten lunches and services, choir programs, Easter Egg hunts, summer picnics, small group meetings, showers, weddings and funerals are all part of what makes Elliottsville (renamed First Presbyterian in 2005) the little church for traditional community worship.

“No matter how small the congregation, teaching people about the love God has for us is worth all the effort,” Brown said.

 

Community columnist Sandra Thames can be reached by e–mail at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.