Aurora church's vacation Bible school focuses on managing emotional health

Keeping cool when things get hot!

That was explored at Aurora Advent Christian Church's vacation Bible school, “Lava Lava Luau,” on June 6-10.

The tropical luau-themed school included Biblical lessons, craft activities and large- and small-group discussions.

Morning sessions were held indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.

Volunteer teachers, guides and assistants included Advent Christian adults and youth plus adults and youth from Redeemer Community Church, which worships on Sunday afternoon at Aurora Advent.

Controlling emotions through God's word was the theme for attendees, 53 children from pre-K through sixth grade.

A different emotion was explored in each of the school's sessions.

Tori Mull, school director and wife of Pastor Matt Mull, said emotions spotlighted were anger, sadness, jealousy, and frustration and learning to respond with kindness to negative attitudes.

On Friday (June 10) evening, Tori Mull led a closing program for parents and caregivers that showcased her students' talents with readings, songs and choreography.

For each day of the school, groups of students shared readings. Other highlights were group songs and video clips chronicling school activities.

Mull thanked school volunteers, youth and adults from Aurora Advent and Redeemer Community, for their service.

She announced that students raised $200 to benefit Compassion International, a Colorado Springs, Colorado, nonprofit.

Compassion is a global ministry that serves more than 2.2 million babies, children and young adults by partnering with more than 8,500 churches in 27 countries to help break the cycle of poverty.

Compassion builds a direct route to the children who need help most by partnering with Indigenous evangelical churches located on the front lines of poverty.

Pastor Mull said Aurora contributions will help build two water systems in an underserved country.

Refreshments in the church gym concluded the event.