St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

Ahoy Mates! From The Good Ship St. Timothy

One mission of St. Timothy’s in Yakima is to provide Vacation Bible School to the community each summer. This year, it was “Veggie Tales: The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” VBS July 7-11 from 9am to noon.

As Fr. Rick Ward says, VBS is a “ministry and mission that does not add to our rolls, bring people into our church, or shore up our checking account. It furthers the Kingdom and puts the message of Jesus into action.”

Seventy children attended this year, ages 3 years to 6th grade. Twenty-two adults and twenty-seven youth, mostly St. Timothy’s parishioners, participated in various roles including registration crew, worship leaders, technical experts, group captains and first mates, and “runners.” VBS is an unparalleled team-building event for the parish, providing a rare opportunity to practice interdependence. It could be likened to a parish-wide ropes course with each one depending on a host of others to make the experience one to remember for the kids.

Through crafts, science, snacks, games, theater, and song some of God’s great treasures were imparted to willing shipmates. Craft leader Marilyn Firman observed: ”I’ve really enjoyed seeing my nephews become excited about God and the Church.”

Sheila Wilson, St. Tim’s choir director, really shone as the set designer, costume designer, and storyteller for the Bible theatre. She said: “I started with a skeleton of ideas presented to me in a book, and at each step, God supplied the inspiration to fill in the figure.”

At the games station, captain Pam Hubbard her mates really shook their tail feathers while leading a group in “The Chicken Dance” and other creative play.

Meanwhile, deacon Duane “Devil Dog” Crosier, the crusty and gruff Science leader/pirate led his charges in meaningful scientific experiments that complemented the day’s bible theme.

“Godly Play” ruled the day with singing, playing, and Veggie Tales movie clips as a form of worship. Katie, Brit and Kaitrin came from the Diocese to help out during a weeklong break from Camp Cross. Katie, a 27-year-old nurse from Spokane, said: “This is the greatest week of my life! VBS is Awesome!”

Led by parishioners Marty Schippers, Sue Gunderson and Nicole Martin, preschoolers enjoyed the same messages as the older kids in a smaller environment. This was a most warm and welcoming message, and as Marty said “We were very, very busy! We had 21 kids consistently.”

When kids were asked what they liked best about VBS, responses were enthusiastic: Colton, age 5 liked “movies.” Nicole, age 4 liked “Playing.” Holly, age 5 liked “playing outside.” Brandon, 6th grader said: “It’s more fun than the last one I went to. Spyglass Theater is my favorite thing.” Jonathan, 5th grade, said: “I’m going to four different ones, and this one is different. I am learning more at this one.” Grace, 1st grade, said: “I’m learning about pirates.” (Well, what can you say?) Lucas, age 3, didn’t want to stop and chat. He pointed to a group of happy kids and said: “I wanna go that way!” as he marched off.

As Fr. Rick Ward aptly put it: “Vacation Bible School was a week of wonderful role reversals. Adults being children, youth exhibiting responsibility, kids being kids for a change, and I got to be a pirate who did nothing. Lots of it.” Fr. Rick portrayed a wisecracking pirate named “Bumpo” during the opening and closing shows of VBS.

When “Bumpo’s” partner “Bones” (AKA parishioner Walt Hubbard), was asked what he thought of this year’s VBS, he said: “A stitch in time saves nine.” Hmmm. One might interpret that to mean that creative presentation of Christ’s message to youngsters may make a huge difference later on. The little seed God helps us plant today just might grow into a fruitful tree, who knows?