Three churches host combined Vacation Bible School

Entitled ‘Come Together,’ VBS included singing, Bible story, snacks and harvesting fruits, vegetables

This year Friedens Church of Shartelsville, Zion Blue Mountain UCC of Strausstown and First Reformed UCC of Hamburg joined forces to offer a combined Vacation Bible School, entitled “Come Together.”

“It’s been such a joy to see three churches and the children they reach collaborate and efficiently share God’s resources, including our love and time,” said Pastor Jason Stump of Zion Blue Mountain UCC. “In such a divisive time in society it really shows how God’s love always unites. And I made a few new friends!”

“Frieden” means “peace” in German, according to the website for Friedens Lutheran Church in Shartlesville.

“What I witnessed there on the closing day of the Vacation Bible School would better be described as exuberance, laughter, youthful energy and a whole lot of fun in the Christian tradition,” said Susan Leiby of First Reformed UCC Hamburg.

“It obviously took scant time for the children to form lively new friendships,” added Leiby.

The night began with a snack time for the children.

“Our snacks are good and we have different ones each night,” said participant Oliver Spat.

Next, Pastor Stump led all in singing “The Addams Family Blessing.”

During the sing-a-long, Peggy Seitzinger and her guitar led the group in a series of songs about God’s love.

Then the group was split in two with half creating a garden craft inside.

“I love to do crafts and meet new people,” said participant Ella Thompson.

“It was great to have three churches come together and provide meaningful programs for the children,” said Pastor and Mrs. Darryl Hamm from First Reformed who helped with the craft.

Meanwhile the other half went outside to pick fruits and vegetables grown at Friedens Church. The groups then reversed roles.

The harvesting of potatoes, carrots and tomatoes was conducted under the guidance of Pastor Inge Williams of Friedens.

“We at Friedens have been taking the fresh produce from our garden to Zions food pantry for a few years now,” said Williams. “It is a joy to have the children participate in this ministry. Collaboration is so important.”

The night concluded with a second snack of freshly picked watermelon.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — SUSAN LEIBY, FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Isaac Hamm, Sully Phillips, Oliver Spatz and Ben and Ella Thompson playing musical tubes.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — SUSAN LEIBY, FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Pastor Inge Williams and Oliver Spatz with a freshly picked watermelon.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — FIRST REFORMED CHURCH The combined Vacation Bible School for three northern Berks churches included harvesting fruits and vegetables.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — SUSAN LEIBY, FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Snack time with Hazel and Sully Phillips, and Hannah Hamm with Peggy Seitzinger, standing.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — SUSAN LEIBY, FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Bible Story with Pastor Jason Stump.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — SUSAN LEIBY, FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Ottilia Adams picking tomatoes.