School’s out for summer, but Ellsworth Community Vacation Bible School was in session at Ellsworth Elementary School from June 6-10.

“It’s a good way to bring the kids together and bring all of the churches together,” said Tobina Norris, one of the event’s coordinators. “Not only are we teaching them about biblical figures, we are teaching them about community. They see community members volunteering and helping. They see the pastors and other community members who maybe they don’t see in school every day.”

More than 100 youth, from Kindergarten age to grade four, gathered daily for the free event; the theme was “Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness.”

“Each day has a scripture and a Bible verse that they learn about,” Norris said. “The Bible story that everything surrounded was Joseph’s coat of many colors. Throughout the week, we learn how we trust in God, and how God is there for us like he was for Joseph.

“As the week progresses, we tie it into Jesus dying on the cross for us. We close on Friday with how God helped Joseph out of the trials in his life.”

Mary Soukup’s children have attended VBS for several years.

“I think it gives them a really neat opportunity to have fun with their friends and learn more about our Christian faith,” she said. “With Weston, it’s the music. He has been singing the Bible school songs nonstop. The favorite this week is ‘Our God is an Awesome God.’ It has been in everyone’s heads all week.”

Her daughter, Sheridan, loves the Bible stories.

“(I like) the one where Jesus dies on the cross because he forgave our sins,” the 7-year-old said. “When we mess up, like when the people crucified Jesus ... they thought the light was out and the world would come to an end, but Jesus rose.”

This was demonstrated with teen volunteer Jace Thomasson, who dressed in a robe with flowing hair and a beard. He removed the light from an unplugged lamp, but showed how Jesus has the power to bring light to the world.

“Today the smart light bulb lighting up got the kids’ attention,” Norris said.

Thomasson recently completed seventh grade, and remembers attending VBS in his youth.

“I always love going to Bible school, it’s something I look forward to. It was fun hanging out with everybody and learning new stuff,” he said. “I remembered how I felt when others were helping me when I was young. I wanted to return the favor.”

Having youth volunteers is a key in the program’s success.

“Those little kids pay more attention to them than the adults,” said Rev. Amy Jo Hawley, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. “But when they see the older kids singing songs or helping lead games, that has a huge impact.

“I think it has a huge impact on the kids sharing, too. They have something they can do to be a leader in their faith now. Our music leaders were high school and early college-aged students. They came back and are giving their time. It’s wonderful.”

The week-long event is a collaboration of many churches in Ellsworth.

“Members of various denominations get together because there is a power in getting our community kids together,” Hawley said. “If you’re going to put that effort in, you can do it on a much bigger scale when you work together.”

The ecumenical aspect is something parents and participants notice.

“I think in today’s day and age, where we see stories of divisiveness and hate all over the news, I think it’s incredibly unique and powerful that in our little town in central Kansas that we don’t care what denomination you belong to, or if you attend church regularly,” Soukup said. “Of all places, our school system opens the doors and invites us to learn and experience fellowship with friends and community volunteers. I have never heard of another community anywhere that does this, and I think it’s incredible.”

Arabia Albert, who lives in Kanopolis, attended Ellsworth’s VBS for the first time this year.

“Getting to know other moms is fantastic — and the kids are amazing,” she said. “I love that they have a community Vacation Bible School where it’s a lot of kids, not just individual churches. Sharing as a huge group is fantastic. It’s good for me to see we don’t have to be separated by our denominations.”

One other perk is the nursery.

“I wouldn’t have been able to volunteer if they didn’t have a nursery for volunteers,” Albert said.

“It’s unique and makes it so much easier for people to volunteer.”

She teamed up with Reese Grothusen in the “Adventures Bible Stories Room.”

“This week we’ve been learning about Joseph and his brothers and his trip to Egypt and how he became Pharaoh’s second-in-command. We’ve acted out different stories, played games, allowed children to do actions that help the Bible story stick in their minds.

“For me, the best part so far is my helper, Reese, who dressed up as Pharaoh. (The kids) interacted with Pharaoh. It was so much fun seeing how they got so into it.”

A great deal of planning goes into making the annual event a success.

“It’s a huge, communitywide effort,” Hawley said. “If people can’t be there themselves, they donate.”

Some donors contribute with snacks; another donor provides T-shirts for all pre-registered participants.

“You can see something positive in everybody working together,” she said.

Hawley added that the opportunity to spend several uninterrupted hours on faith formation is essential.

“It’s 15 hours, which is more than we get at Sunday school, or a month’s worth of youth group,” she said. “You don’t always have that kind of opportunity. It’s an opportunity for them to be steeped in their faith. We appreciate parents and grandparents who make this possible.”

“Not only are we teaching them about biblical figures, we are teaching them about community. They see community members volunteering and helping. They see the pastors and other community members who maybe they don’t see in school every day.”

Tobina Norris member of VBS committee