St. Andrew's UMC Prepares for Annual Vacation Bible School

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com
St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church is preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School  theme ‘Shipwrecked’ that begins Sunday, July 15 and lasts through Thursday, July 19.
This year’s theme is to express to children that Jesus is a rescuer, said Ashley Masinelli, St. Andrew’s children’s ministry director.
“It is our hope that Shipwrecked VBS will allow Jesus’ loving care for each person to come to life like never before,” Masinelli said. “Touching lives, changing hearts and drawing children and adults closer to Jesus as they understand they need His rescue.”
Masinelli has been a part of the St. Andrew’s community since 2012 when she and her family first moved to Oxford. This will be her first year as the children’s ministry director for VBS.
“I am excited about this year’s VBS because it is the first year I have experienced all the behind-the-scenes planning and what it takes to have a successful program,” she said.
This year’s VBS will include five nights of fun, incredible music and a relaxing island-getaway setting that all come together to point children to Jesus, Masinelli said.
Masinelli said she has worked with a great team that has been instrumental in planning this year’s VBS, which has included crafts, decorations, food, games and recruiting volunteers.
“I hope the biggest take away from our VBS this year is that the children and adults will deepen their faith by discovering that Jesus cares about them personally and rescues in life’s toughest circumstances,” she said.
After a full week of activities and learning experience, the children of VBS will perform a closing ceremony Thursday, July 19, beginning at 6 p.m. The performance will include a series of songs the children learned through the week along with a slideshow displaying pictures from VBS.
Dinner will be provided for the children and families in attendance. Following the performance will be water slides and wading pools for the children.
Children will also receive a VBS T-shirt to wear during the Thursday night performance. The cost to attend is free.
Those wishing to attend the St. Andrew’s VBS can sign up online using a Google Form or sign up Sunday, July 15 at St. Andrew’s starting at 5:15 p.m.
For more information on St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, visit their website here.

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