Children celebrate 'weirdness' at Palatine church
God filled the world with lots of crazy creatures. And, during the week of July 14-18, 93 kids, 16 junior leaders, four high school leaders, and 36 adults from the Palatine community showed their wild side and discovered that Jesus' love is one of a kind.
At "Weird Animals" vacation Bible school this awesome program touched hearts and lives with Jesus' love while worshipping through songs, prayer, science experiments and discovering life-changing Bible truths.
Christ Lutheran Church offered this amazing week of unique programming, free to anyone who wanted to attend. All participants received a CD of music, daily snack, science and discovery materials, as well as a commemorative T-shirt.
CLC realizes that its children are surrounded with the pressures of daily life - academics, sports, arts, home life and friends. Not to mention violence, drugs, bullying and so much more. During VBS leaders strives to help all participants understand that: Even when you're left out, different, don't understand, do wrong and are sometimes afraid … Jesus loves you. Being unique or even perhaps being a little "weird" is something to celebrate.
In addition to pressures children feel, CLC knows all too well that adults are not immune from these stressors either. During VBS the church opened its "Holy Grounds" Coffee Shop and offered free coffee, water, tea and goodies to family members and caretakers of VSB participants. This became an sanctuary and family of support for those who visited.
Preparing for VBS begins in January each year when CLC partners with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Schaumburg, to design and build the stage set and other decorations needed to transform the church buildings into a magical experience for those who attend.
During "Weird Animals" 2014, participants reached out to Operation Kid-to-Kid and raised funds to help provide safe water for schoolchildren in India. Also highlighted was the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest, whose mission is to motivate all generations to come to know, respect and protect challenged and often endangered ecosystems with a focus on wildlife.
As the week came to an end, Friday afternoon included closing ceremonies, a family picnic and a Weird and Wild Live Animal presentation from the WDC. On Sunday, July 20, CLC hosted its first VBS Sunday during a contemporary service. With the sanctuary full, VBS participants and their families had the opportunity to participate in an interactive service full of skits, dancing and fun that highlighted their experiences during VSB and helped drive home the message that Jesus' love is one of a kind.
Christ Lutheran Church is an inviting, caring, fun community with amazing and powerful ministries for youth and adults. The church is at 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Call the office at (847) 358-4600 or email christlutheranpalatine@gmail.com. Visit www.clcpalatine.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/clcpalatine.
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