A classroom of youths in St. Philip the Apostle School in Clifton danced in circles with joy and held streamers, making purple streaks in the air around them.
The youth honored a little-known Scriptural figure: Lydia of Thyatira. They were among 47 youth who learned about her at the Vacation Bible School (VBS) last week at St. Philip the Apostle Parish. St. Lydia made expensive purple clothing and is considered one of Europe’s first baptized Christians, inspired by St. Paul.
Campers, such as Eliana Escobinas, learned more about Jesus and his friends, like St. Lydia, at VBS, held in the parish school from July 29 to Aug. 2. Participating kindergarteners through fifth graders sang songs, performed skits, played games, and made crafts as part of this year’s VBS. It’s theme was “Scuba: Diving into Friend-ship with God.”
“I love the games. I like to learn about God. I made friends here,” said Eliana, a second grader at St. Philip School and a second-year VBS camper. “I talk to my mom or dad about what happened that day on the car ride home.”
The VBS welcomed Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney when he visited on July 30. He spoke to the youth about the importance of faith in Jesus, sang songs with them, and visited their various activity areas, often taking selfies with them.
“I was blessed to be able to spend some time at Vacation Bible School at St Philip the Apostle Church in Clifton for a Scuba adventure,” Bishop Sweeney posted on social media. He thanked everyone, who made the VBS possible.
The Beacon visited St. Philip’s VBS on its final day on Aug. 2 under the day’s theme, “God is a friend to everyone.” The décor in the school immersed the youth in life under the sea. It included a diorama of the ocean floor, cutouts of fish and octopuses, and a large model of a whale’s mouth.
That morning, the VBS started in the auditorium with Paula Mutter, the VBS coordinator, leading campers in faith-filled contemporary songs. Her daughter, Susan Stierlin, assistant director; an army of teen and adult volunteers; and a music video on large screen aided Mutter.
Activities that day included coloring pictures of the saints of the day, Father Damien and St. Marianne Cope. Karen Christiaens, an adult volunteer led the activity with the purple streamers.
“We can show Jesus’ love and what Jesus is like to others,” Christiaens told the youth.
The VBS returned to the auditorium for Father David Monteleone, St. Philip’s pastor, blessed pillows with the sentiment, “God’s Love Ties Everything Together,” which campers assembled and took home. Father Emerson Francisco, the parochial vicar, led youth in songs, accompanying himself on guitar.
Eric Escobinas, Eliana’s father, called VBS “a different vibe” for his daughter.
“At seven years old, Eliana is excited about it. It dives into what Christianity is about and goes deeper into the core values she learns at St. Philip School,” Eric said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
