Date: Monday, July 6, 2009

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Berwyn

Did you know that the origins of Vacation Bible School (VBS) can be traced back to Hopedale, Illinois in 1894. Sunday School teacher D. T. Miles, who also was a public school teacher, felt she was limited by time constraints in teaching the Bible to children. So, she started a daily Bible school to teach children during the summer.

Concordia Lutheran Church in Berwyn, IL will continue the tradition of VBS this year on July 6th to 8th and July 13th to 15th from 6:30 P.M. until 8:45 P.M. It will offer classes for preschool to preteen children. There is no enrollment fee, though participants can make a free will offering if they so desire.

The theme of the program will be G.A.D.G.E.T.'s Garage where children will discover that God's Always Doing Great, Exciting Things. Each evening will feature Bible stories, crafts, guitar-led singing, skits, snacks, contests, and prizes. Everyone is always encouraged to bring friends. A Closing Program and Ice Cream Social will be held as a culminating event on Wednesday, July 15th at 7:00 P.M.

Concordia's VBS is viewed as an opportunity for community outreach and joy-filled service for congregational members. Past years have seen over 200 youngsters registered. Rev. Mark A. Matthews, Pastor of Concordia, notes: "We have another wonderful staff ready to share the love of Jesus with many children again this year."

For more information about VBS or to register your child, call 708-484-9784. To learn about other programs offered by the church, visit their web site at www.concordiaberwyn.org.