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A busy and exciting Vacation Bible School week took fifty-three children on a journey to Jerusalem. We viewed the life and times of Jesus as he made his journey to the cross. Children made sandals, molded clay mezuzahs, created mosaics, wove mats and baskets, learned string creations with their hands, made harps, homemade candy and flat bread, just to name some of the crafts. Period games were played, dreidels were spun and synagogue school was attended. We saw skits dramatizing Palm Sunday, Gethsemane and the Resurrection. A unique ending to our week included a Seder meal with Rabbi C. King officiating and our final drama and music performed by the children for their parents.
This Vacation Bible School program involves a most intensive preparation, a detailed "stage setting" for the marketplace, and scores of volunteers. Most years it literally takes more volunteers to pull this program off than the number of children who attend! I can't list every name here but I can name groups of people who played a major part in this year's program. My gratitude goes out to the crafts organizer, the setup crew, the tribal shepherds, shopkeepers, drama leaders and crew, music leader, rabbi, storyteller, village playground leaders, at home prep workers, kitchen helpers, youth assistants, food donators, take down crew, a surprise Saturday afternoon cleanup helper and the fabulous Children’s Committee. What a blessing you all are to me and to this church! Thank you one and all for another wonderful VBS week. You were great! Now you all have yourselves a wonderful summer!
Gratefully,
Eileen Helm
The fifth grade worship center class extends a thank you to all who have contributed during the past three years to its Hope Clinic fundraisers. The final event, a bake sale in May, raised $319, putting the three-year total at $3152. Thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our $3000 three-year goal, and helped many folks in need in the Washtenaw County area.
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 By Elizabeth Young
Nick Angerman, Audrey Buck, Hannah Burkhart, Leah Hess, Jordan Sigler and Elizabeth Young went to Springhill for a junior retreat weekend November 16–18 to learn more about Christ and to have lots of fun. We were accompanied by Greta Buck, Robin Hess, Ben Shaw and Jennifer Young.
The whole theme of the weekend was based on a mystery story about who stole Mrs. Nesbitt’s bunny rabbit. We were taught about truth and sinning from the book of John and the verses we learned were John 8:32–36 (“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”).
Along with our Bible learning, we did various activities such as a zipline, horseback riding, paintball, arts and crafts, archery, the giant swing, swimming, skate park, and the flying squirrel. We also had to find Skittles in a field and not let the adults tag us. If our group stayed together, we could not be tagged. Other group games included Ben having whipped cream smeared on his face and then kids threw cookie crisp cereal at his face to see how much of the cereal would stick. Elizabeth had to eat a banana through a panty hose mask. Nick had to blow (with his mouth) a ping pong ball up a ramp (and he was the only one who didn’t cheat). Mrs. Young had to lie on the floor and eat a donut on a string dangling from a kid’s mouth. The music was awesome and we all learned the song and dance “Drive the Bus.” Our group had so much fun together and can’t wait to go back again next year.
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 The members of the play structure task force are pleased with the amount of activity our wonderful play structure is receiving. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every person who has contributed to its completion to this point.Together we all made it happen!
We also want to update you on our visions for the future. After seeing the structure’s attractiveness on our campus and the level of activity from neighborhood children we’ve decided to put plans for a fence on hold. Many of the neighborhood parents have told us that a fence would have kept them off our premises – not very welcoming for a church! Having thoroughly checked with our insurance agent, we know this decision will not pose further liability issues to us as a church.
Currently, the task force has the following visions for the area: the possibility of two benches, two spring-based bouncy riders for small children, a picnic table, a trash receptacle, perhaps some shrubs and a manicured walk between the building and the play area. With those ideas in mind, we are continuing our fund raising efforts. We hope you continue to see the value of investing in this endeavor and will support us again.
The Westminster Moms’ Bible Study meets Friday mornings during the school year, from 9:30 to 11:30 in the lounge in the fellowship hall. Child care is provided in the Beginners Room. The Moms’ Bible Study is a caring, relaxed group in which to make connections, and through fellowship and study, to support one another in both our Christian and parenting journeys.
Whether you are new to the group or a returning friend, come join us and we will be blessed by your presence! Questions? Contact Andrea Klooster or Carole S. Franklin.
Worship bags are available for use by young children ages 3 through fourth grade during worship services. These bags contain a bible story book, scripture-based activity sheets, a small lap desk, drawing paper, colored pencils and other quiet-activity items. Our goal is to provide materials that promote scriptural thinking while keeping young children occupied. We hope these bags will help children grow in their ability to sit quietly with their parents, without boredom.
The Worship Bag Tree will be in the main church entry on Sunday mornings. Parents, please help your children understand that the bags are for use in the pew. Nothing in them should be taken up front for the children's message time nor down to Sunday Celebration. We ask parents to see that the contents of the bags are kept together in the pew for easy cleanup at the end of the service. Every thing except the child’s completed papers should be returned to the bag and placed in the basket at the base of the tree at the end of the service. Committee members will replenish the bags for future services.
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The Children's Committee welcomes all who care deeply about the spiritual needs of children to join our committee and work with us as we fulfill the baptismal promise we’ve made to God for the youngest members of our church family. We meet monthly. Please join us or contact Eileen Helm for more information.
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When a child within our church family is baptized, we pledge to nurture the faith and spiritual growth of that child. The Children’s Committee is now seeking individuals who wish to take a more active role in fulfilling that vow. We ask that you prayerfully consider becoming a Sunday school teacher or Sunday Celebration leader for children ages 4 through 5th grade. Please call the church office or speak with Eileen about your interest or if you have questions about your responsibilities in this area. You will be richly blessed by serving in this way!
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