God, VCS, and I

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to visit our temporary church to see the preparation of teachers for the 2016 Vacation Church School (VCS). I promised yesterday after the church divine service to teacher Dioly Joy, our deaconess to give my assist the activity financially. I personally gave my donation for the refreshment of students and teachers as well.

I reached the place four in the afternoon. The teachers who are active youth members of United Methodist Youth Fellowship  (UMYF) of our church are facilitated by teacher Joy in creating name tags and other materials for this annual vacation church schooling.

What is this VCS? Vacation Church School is an outreach program of United Methodist Church in the Philippines that is done annually during summer vacation. The said program aims to make the summer vacation of children meaningful by learning songs, dances and bible stories in every learning session. To make the learning spiritually inclined, UMC creates learning materials that are based on the Bible. The lessons are taught using the Methodist dogma and principles. It is expected that at the end of schooling, children have known Jesus more and grow with Him as they get older.

I was once a participant of this program. I started joining when I was seven years old. I still remember that I and my fellow classmates are singing songs about Jesus with actions. I also remember that our teachers explain simplified Bible verses and let us memorize those verses. For the whole week, we enjoyed doing the tasks as if we are just playing. I just taught that every hour is playing time. No pressure, just fun. 

The first five days are studying lessons through stories and songs. The sixth day is allotted for practice for the closing rites. The last day of the program is closing activity which is all the children showcase what they have learned for the past sessions. During our time, tt is indeed a happy day for us as VCS closes. We received our ribbons showing our behavior in the entire activity such as Most Cooperative award, Most Friendly award and the like.

I almost joined all VCS programs during my younger days and I can say that this outreach program is beneficial for children who want to know more about God: his identity, his unfathomable power and his endless love for the mankind in simpler way. VCS learning materials can make understanding Bible easier. The materials are created depending on the ages and learning capabilities of participants.

Aside from helping the children to be spiritually knowledgeable, VCS creates student to be sociable. This is a perfect avenue for small ones to develop their interpersonal skills. The participants are given a chance to mingle with other children, to talk with them and to create task with them. At their young age, they can grasp the concepts of solidarity, unity and cooperation.

When I heard that VCS program will start soon in our church, I was not hesitant to offer my help. It is now my time to pay back to the church who aided me to know God when I was young. This post is done to promote it which the activity is now considered as a tradition in Methodism in the country. I know that God will be delighted to see little in worshiping Him through praises, songs and dances. Every child is welcome to our church regardless of gender, social status and religion. Do not worry, this is free. Registration fee is not required. Aside from that, children are still properly nourished as they will eat free snacks sponsored by the church and its benign members. 

Make the vacation of your children fruitful by joining Vacation Church School. Go to the nearest UMC local church in your area and let your children experience the spiritual bliss this summer.