Commentary by Danielle Pelkey

The North Jefferson News



While typing in the information for our community calendar and the community news in the paper, I was noticing all of the vacation bible schools that are offered to the children of our area.

Since I was born and raised in this area, I have had the privilege of being a part of several area vacation bible schools. As a child, I loved getting to go out in the summer and attending the bible schools. They were a welcomed change from the mundane day to day summer rituals of sleeping in late and watching too much television.

My aunt that lived down the road from us would take us to her vacation bible school every year. My sister, brother and I would eagerly await her calling and telling us that it was the next week and to be ready. We would so look forward to the cookies and Kool-Aid that was offered at snack time.

The highlight of the school was the privilege of getting to hold one of the flags or the Bible for the morning pledges. If you didn’t get to do this, the next special event was getting to take up the offering.

We also always went to our own church’s vacation bible school. They still take up the offerings as a contest between the boys and the girls. The money always goes to a local charity or missionary. There is always a man and woman representing the boys and girls and the loser gets a pie in the face on the Sunday night sessions.

The offering is always weighed instead of counting money, so pennies were better than dollars. This was a great tactic for kids who didn’t have much money, but knew they could get some change out of the couch cushions.

I can remember the only time I ever saw my parents fight in the entirety of my childhood and adult life was over a few pennies mom had put up in the laundry room. Dad was going to try to steal them for the boys and she slapped his hand with a metal clothes hanger. The fight didn’t last long because we all laughed so hard at her feeble attempt to get 3 cents from him.

Many parents enjoy taking their kids to bible school and then going out by themselves for a few hours. It can mean a date night for the parents and a fun night for the kids if you work it out just right.

As an adult, I have been a vacation bible school director at a church. It is a lot of hard work, but it is worth everything you put into it.

I’ve seen kids get saved, and I’ve even seen parents start to attend church because of the impact that VBS had on the family. I am a huge advocate of bible schools. They are good for the kids, the church and the families involved.

If you don’t know where a local bible school is being held, just turn to our community calendar or check with your local churches.

You won’t regret taking your children. If they have an adult class, stay and get a free dose of learning while you are there.

It could have a life long impact on your kids and on yourself.