Two months out ‘Christmas in July’


W


hen leaders from Hope Lutheran Church, Fostoria, Ohio, were dreaming up ideas for vacation Bible school (VBS) last year, they lamented that many


participants didn’t attend worship after the program ended. They wondered: How well did the children know the funda- mentals of Christian faith? Or the Christmas story? That’s how the “Christmas in July” VBS was born.


Inspired by a variety of Advent resources, the planning team set out to create its own curriculum. “Let’s take the kids to Bethlehem,” suggested Dan St. Clair. For two months members transformed a large room at


Hope into the streets of Bethlehem, complete with a centu- rion, carpenters and a wood carver, all dressed in authentic Middle Eastern garb. There were even live animals: sheep, pigmy goats and a baby alpaca. “If you want to take the kids to Bethlehem, then you want the sights, sounds, smells and tastes,” St. Clair said. Children walked through Bethlehem and learned the


For more information, contact hopelutheranfostoria@ yahoo.com


Christmas story from different characters: one day it was a basket weaver, the next a baker who made bread. On the last day the kids met baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable. “More than anything, Bethlehem gave children the ability


to go into the story,” said Larry Knigga, pastor. Holly Guernsey, one of the leaders, added, “So many


people in the church came together to make it happen, to create the vision. It was cool to watch [the children’s] faces


Good one! Now hear this


For roughly $900, Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Lake Stevens, Wash., installed a loop system (www.hearingloop.org) in its sanctuary. This allows hearing aids to be connected to the sound system output without extra expense or equip- ment for the wearer. “Many people don’t want to use hearing assis- tance equipment because it draws attention to them. With a loop system all that goes away,” said Ken Cross, a member who runs the sound system. “I can’t figure out why this isn’t standard in any public venue, and I have no hearing loss.”


42 www.thelutheran.org


Children from Hope Lutheran Church, Fostoria, Ohio, get to know the citizens of Bethlehem, including Jane Bickel (right), as part of the vacation Bible school theme “Christmas in July.”


and [see] how in awe they were, and how much they learned about the birth of Christ.” The best part? Thanks to a newspaper story, Bethlehem


became a citywide phenomenon and soon newcomers were asking about it. In December, Hope will re-create Bethlehem so the community can visit and learn the Christmas story. But before that is VBS—this summer a visit to Nazareth, Jesus’ childhood home.


Yet more Christmas Visit Bethany Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake, Ill., in July and you’ll notice some- thing out of the ordinary in the narthex: a Christmas tree surrounded by canned goods, toothbrushes, bath towels, dish soap, backpacks and school supplies. For 18 years Bethany’s Christmas in July donation drive


has provided resources to local organizations when they’re needed most. “Giving is always down in the summer,” said Susan Gavle, co-chair of Bethany’s social action committee. “Everyone’s generous at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we forget that giving is a year-round goal.” On the last Sunday in June, families take from the offering


plate a die-cut Christmas tree with a wish list item attached. On the last Sunday of July they sing Christmas songs during worship, bless the items and deliver them. Often VBS runs concurrently, with children also encour-


aged to bring canned goods. “The benefit is that everyone gets to make an impact on the needs of people in the com- munity,” said Len Hoffmann, interim pastor. 


By Erin Strybis,an associate editor of The Lutheran.


Send congregational stories—those for a specifi c month/holiday or your best timeless idea—to julie.sevig@thelutheran.org.


‘Everyone’s generous at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we


forget that giving is a year-round goal.’


DAN ST. CLAIR


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