VBS wraps up with family celebration tonight
Vacation Bible School in Albany concludes today with a family night program following a full week of Bible lessons, music, and community fellowship. The event, held at First Baptist Church, has brought in nearly 200 participants, including around 150 children and 50 volunteers from churches across the area.
Organizers said the turnout this year has remained strong, matching last year’s numbers.
Each day focused on a different Bible lesson tied to the overall theme, “Magnigied! Discovering the bigness of God in the Smallest of Things.”
On Monday, children learned that although God created the entire universe, He still desires a relationship with each child, as illustrated through the story of Jesus welcoming the children. Tuesday’s lesson focused on God’s care in times of fear, using the story of Jesus calming the storm. Wednesday featured the woman at the well, highlighting that God does not approve of sin but still offers love and grace. Thursday’s teaching emphasized salvation through the story of Jesus and Nicodemus, reinforcing that Jesus came to save the world and that includes every individual.
Music was a central part of each day’s program. Children sang and danced to songs that reinforced the message of the day. Organizers said the music helps children retain the lessons long after the event is over.
Volunteers represented almost every church in Albany. The coordination of so many different churches and age groups required extensive planning, which begins nearly a year in advance.
Tonight’s closing celebration will begin with a short program in the sanctuary, where the children will perform the songs they’ve learned throughout the week. Paul Johnston is scheduled to give a short talk, and a fajita supper will be served afterward to all families in attendance. The meal will be served in the fellowship hall, with attendees encouraged to eat outside in the shaded back area behind the church.
Following the program and supper, the event will move to the Albany city pool, where the pool has been reserved until 10 p.m.
VBS coordinator Ginger Bumgardner said the event requires a great deal of preparation and coordination, but the impact makes it worthwhile. “It’s a lot of work, but the blessing of seeing so many kids learning about God makes it worth it every year,” she said.
