Loading...Members of First Presbyterian and St. James Episcopal churches in Shelbyville have combined to create a unique Vacation Bible Camp this summer based on the life of David.
This is the first time the two congregations have worked together to provide a summer Bible program for youngsters – from toddlers to eighth grade. The program was developed by Susannah Stevenson and Beth Herrinton-Hodge of First Presbyterian and Diane Perrine Coon of St. James Episcopal. Tom Seacat of First Presbyterian has developed the music part of the program. Members of both congregations are providing adult leadership for the children from both parishes.
The Vacation Bible Camp is being held at First Presbyterian every Wednesday night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. from July 8 through Aug. 5. The children are learning about David the Shepherd, David the Psalmist, David and Goliath, and David the King by participating in innovative sections of drama, music, art, gardening, science and dance. On Aug. 5 parents and parishioners are invited to see and hear what the children learned during the camp.
The Bible Camp kicked off with a visit by Eric Swisher and his children, who brought four live sheep from their Five Turkeys Farm on Crooked Creek Road in southern Shelby County. Swisher is not only a shepherd but is a lifelong Bible student who gave the children an excellent talk as he fed a baby lamb with a bottle. The children were thrilled to pet the lamb and later fed one of the adult sheep.
The campers then went inside to hear the Bible story of how David, the shepherd boy, was chosen by God to become king as they sat next to the stained glass depiction of Jesus as the Good Shepherd that came from the old Mulberry Presbyterian Church in the late 19th century and was installed at First Presbyterian.
Upcoming programs
On Wednesday, July 15, the theme for the night is David the Psalmist, and the campers will be learning a number of Psalms through art projects, music and drama. The July 22 Wednesday will feature the dramatic encounter between David and Goliath, and Wednesday July 29 will feature David the king and the Ark of the Covenant that the campers will construct themselves. All the art projects, puppet shows, music and dance will be displayed on Wednesday August 5 as a final session.
First Presbyterian Church, 629 Main Street, is led by Rev. Jay Hodge, and St. James Episcopal Church, Third and Main streets, is led by the Rev. Peter H. Whelan. The idea for a joint Vacation Bible Camp came from Susannah Stevenson, who leads the Christian Education Programs at First Presbyterian, and Diane Coon, who leads Christian Education at St. James Episcopal. Beth Herrinton-Hodge is curriculum editor at the national Presbyterian Center in Louisville in addition to being the pastor’s wife. Tom Seacat has developed a music ministry to young people at First Presbyterian and Louisville.
