SONshine ends, sizzlin’ Sundays continue
By Sam Waller
First Baptist Church of Albany’s Summer SONshine program wrapped up its four-week run Wednesday, June 28.
The program, for children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade, offers Bible study, music, crafts, games, and field trips.
“We’ve had fun helping kids not just have something to do, but bond as a group and a class,” FBC children’s minister Ginger Bumguardner said. “We talk about the Lord along the way. We try to make church a fun place to be, someplace they want to go to.”
Each field trip has been to a different destination in Abilene.
On June 7, the group visited PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center, plating laser tag and miniature golf.
On June 14, the trip was to First Baptist Church of Abilene’s Family Life Center, where bowling, skating, and playing in the gym were among the activities.
On June 21, the group visited Grace Museum followed by a swim party at the Bumguardner home. At the Grace, director of education Kathryn Mitchell, formerly of the Old Jail Art Center, led a guided tour with a stop at Spark, the children’s wing.
Spark is an interactive space that offers families and friends ways to pursue the joy of creating together, according to the Grace website. Children can discover theatrics on a version of the Paramount Theatre stage, make a design on a giant light wall, or play a tune on the music wall. They can also visit the Create Lab for puzzles and daily “make ‘n’ take” activities.
“Spark has a lot of interactive games and activities for kids,” Bumguardner said.
The final field trip on June 28 was to Adventure Cove water park, which is part of the Rose Park complex.
Summer Sunday
The second gathering for FBC’s Sizzlin’ Summer Sunday Nights at 6:00 p.m., scheduled for Sunday, July 2 at the Bumguardner home will have an Independence Day theme.
The evening will include hamburgers, hot dogs, and fireworks.
In addition, swimming and games such as corn hole, wiffle ball, and sand volleyball will be offered.
Attendees are asked to bring desserts and reminded to bring lawn chairs.
