Hopewell UMC - VBS:Hometown Nazareth Where Jesus was a Kid
From Jun 12 – 15 Hopewell United Methodist Church building and grounds were converted into a marketplace and village for the Bible School program: Hometown Nazareth Where Jesus was a Kid. Approximately 60 children, youth, and adults time traveled to the Holy Land with their huddle group tribes….Asher, Levi, Benjamin, Judah, Simeon, and Reuben.
Each night began with a large group celebration of singing, worship, and fun. Beautiful One, Big House, and Jesus Messiah were among some of the children’s favorites.
Next was Hometown Huddle (small-group time) when the tribes prepared to step back in time.
A visit to Mary’s House resulted in stories about life when her son, Jesus, was a kid. Mary and her friend, Eunice, shared with the children each night and were a favorite stop for the tribes.
Upon reaching the marketplace the tribes could visit the Pottery shop to make items of clay, the Synagogue school where they wrote in Hebrew on slates, the carpentry shop to make tzedakah (charity) boxes, the music shop to make tambourines, the nature shop, and the dye shop. At the dye shop the tribe members dyed t shirts to wear to the final night’s celebration.
Following a time of fun and games, the tribes returned to Hometown Huddle. They talked about the daily Bible Point and connect Mary’s story with their own lives. The children also shared God sightings they experienced during the day.
At the end of the night’s activities everyone came together for a closing time of celebration and worship.
Many thanks to our Bible School Director, Jennifer Williams, and to all of our teachers and volunteers for a wonderful time of learning and fun.
Hopewell United Methodist Church is located in Valley, Alabama. Rev. Richard Talley is pastor.