1 of 12

The Columbiana United Methodist Church of Christ saw more than 50 kids attend its Outback Rock Vacation Bible School series July 19-20. (Contributed)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – Children participated in crafts and games while learning about God’s love and support for them during the Columbiana United Methodist Church’s recent VBS weekend.

This year’s installment of VBS took place July 19-20 and saw more than 50 kids in attendance. The VBS had an Australian theme and was titled, “Outback Rock” with the thematic verse being Mathew 28:20.

“We had a wonderful Vacation Bible School on Friday and Saturday night,” said Angie Nash, children’s director at Columbiana United Methodist Church. “It was our first time that we’ve done a weekend VBS and it seemed to be quite successful and was fun.”

The church decided to hold its VBS festivities during the weekend this year due to the amount of people traveling during late July and parents being busy.

“Doing it on a Friday and Saturday night really worked out for everyone—for kids, (parents) and our church family,” Nash said. “The curriculum was specifically written by Group Publishing for a weekend Vacation Bible School.”

Each night during VBS, there was a music session where children learned songs that matched the curriculum. Children were also treated to dinner both nights as well as crafts and games.

“I think they had a really good time,” Nash said.

The VBS’s outback theme saw the hallways of Columbiana United Methodist Church decorated with kangaroos, animals and trees and a well was placed in the front of the sanctuary to go along with the Bible story on Joseph from the book of Genesis.

During VBS, the church was able to raise more than $200 to contribute to missions. Each year, the Columbiana United Methodist church holds the Skillet Bird Toy Drive in honor of a past church member. During the drive, the church raises money and purchases items on the Christmas wish lists of local kids in need.

Nash highlighted the importance of Columbiana United Methodist Church holding a Vacation Bible School series each year.

“Our goal, as a church—and as a children’s ministry director—is to always allow kids to come into church to have fun,” she said. “But the underlying goal is to always plant seeds of faith into their hearts so that they will know who Jesus is. So, that they’ll be able to reach into their memories or into their hearts and to know that they are loved deeply by Jesus and there is a church family who loves them.”

More Columbiana

Shepherd elected to fifth term on Shelby County Commission

Duncan wins General Election for Shelby County District Judge Place 2

Jiji Davis wins General Election for Shelby County Board of Education Place 1

Allison secures reelection to Shelby County Commission District 7