PRESQUE ISLE – St. Mary’s Youth Ministry hosted Power Lab, Vacation Bible School Sept. 28 – Oct. 3. It was hard to tell who had the most fun, the high school and middle school workers or the 28 participants grades K-5. Every day involved mixed-age groups attending six different stations. Leaders of the small groups were Lorraine Hughes, Katelyn Michaud, Bridgette Carrier and Dan Sipe.
Sonic Sing and Play had skits and music. Everyone learned new songs and the sign language to them. They were introduced to the Bible Memory Buddy and the Bible point of the day. Monday’s Bible point was “Jesus gives us the power to be thankful.” Tuesday was “Jesus gives us the power to help others. Wednesday was “Jesus gives us the power to be brave,” and Thursday was “Jesus gives us the power to live forever.” Friday’s point was “Jesus gives us the power to tell others about God.” Shouts of “Aha” were heard every time one of the Bible points was mentioned throughout the week. There was also an introduction to what life is like in Haiti.
Bible Blast involved a trip to the past where Biblical stories came to life. Mimi and Kent Smith had the children experiencing what it might have felt like to be blind and healed or to be shunned because of leprosy. The children even had an opportunity to walk on water (a concoction of water, corn starch and blue food coloring).
In Wacky Crafts and Missions, Joe Therriault, Trevor Levesque and Paul Elish helped children make test-tube key rings to hold their Bible Memory Buddies, prayer bracelets, gooey slime, an artesian diver and resurrection rez – a climbing toy. They also signed and prayed over soccer balls to be sent to poor children.
One of the most popular stations was Hyper Speed Games where Jordan Mitchell, Gabe Sexton and Jordan Franke led the kids in crazy games. One of the most popular was the giant explosions with Mentos and Pepsi, but being enclosed in a giant bubble and turbo TP were pretty amazing as well.
Even the snacks at Test Tube Treats followed the theme with Ruth Sexton and Christina Hallowell helping make yummy mud (chocolate pudding and Oreos), sink or floats, and faith-on-fire fruit. While they ate their snacks, they got to watch themselves in a movie of the day created by Leslee.
“Dr. Dan,” Dan Sipe, entertained at Chadder’s Adventure Theater. Each day ended with Faith Fusion Finale: Mimi Smith, Melissa Morrison, Rich Flora and others led everyone in singing, skits, science experiments and prayer.
Power Lab was certainly a powerful experience that no one will forget.
Photo courtesy of Maggie Smith
Tyler Levesque, Grace Bemis, Kayla Spooner and Carter Rice, pictured in front, and Gabe Sexton and Trevor Levesque, pictured in back, recently took part in Power Lab, Vacation Bible School, hosted by St. Mary’s Youth Ministry.
