Sylacauga churches offer joint VBS, cross denominational lines in effort

Sylacauga churches offer joint VBS, cross denominational lines in effort

Two churches in Sylacauga reached across denominational lines to coordinate a joint Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer.
   
Macedonia Baptist Church and Bethany United Methodist Church sponsored an evening VBS June 12-16, and 99 children attended. Several other Baptist and Methodist churches in Sylacauga helped with the evening VBS by providing workers for the week.
   
“The advantages of the joint VBS were more people and being able to reach out to more children,” said Jim Minor, pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church.
   
“Fellowship with churches from another denomination was wonderful,” he said.
   
The children met at the Methodist church for dinner and then traveled to Macedonia for Bible school. After the assembly featuring a puppet show, children went to age-group classes for singing, crafts and Bible study. Workers used Southern Baptist literature with the Ocean Odyssey theme. The school ended with a family night on Friday.  
   
The VBS went smoothly and no problems were apparent, according to Renee Culver, VBS director for Macedonia. “When God is allowed to work according to His perfect will, the pieces of the puzzle come together and create a beautiful picture,” Culver said.
   
The idea for the combined event came from the hearts of two friends, both trying to plan a VBS for their church. Culver was having a hard time recruiting volunteers. 
   
“I admit I was becoming a little discouraged. In order to have an adequate school, workers are a must. Dedicated workers are a blessing. I began to pray and asked God to help me find His will for VBS. A friend’s name came to mind — Jodi Smith,” Culver said.
   
Culver and Smith discussed helping each other with VBS and came to the conclusion that a joint school would be advantageous for both churches. Both women agreed to present the idea to their pastors. The churches, only a mile apart, considered the possibilities of working together. Culver and Minor discussed the idea. “All we came up with were positive reasons to have a joint VBS with our Methodist neighbors,” Culver said.
   
Culver, Smith, Minor and Bethany Pastor Mike Griggs, met to decide the details. They decided to split the cost of the school and the love offering. Each church would be responsible for certain aspects of the VBS. Minor and Griggs led the worship assembly and the missions emphasis, respectively. Smith and Culver, who served as co-directors, directed the craft department and music classes, respectively.
   
“The love of God supersedes denomination,” Culver said. “When I get to heaven, I will see the harvest of seeds we planted in the summer of 2000 VBS.”
   
Other churches participating in the event by providing workers include Odena Baptist, New Site Baptist, Providence United Methodist, Rockford United Methodist and Andrews Chapel United Methodist.