VBS held during kids' days off school

By Jenny Williams

REGINA — The public elementary school system schedules approximately one day off each month, mainly for professional development days for teachers.

In the fall of 2022, Immanuel Anglican Church started offering one-day vacation bible school (VBS) programs on these days when students are out of school, to help parents who struggle with daycare. This program was made possible by a grant from the Anglican Foundation’s Say Yes! To Kids initiative.

By mid-January they had held five of these events. Organizers set a cap of 20 children each day, and for the most part they were full or almost full each time.

Each event incorporates a lesson, a craft or two, some organized games, and some free play time.

In the fall they used curriculum for

“Armour of God,” and the Winter theme is about snowflakes and how God made each of us beautiful and unique, just like snowflakes.

Building forts was a favourite activity during the Armour of God VBS sessions, along with playing outside in the snow.

Master of ceremonies for the event was the executive archdeacon, the Ven. Alex Parsons, while tributes were provided (and responded to by Bishop Chris) by Bishop Michael Hawkins (Diocese of Saskatchewan) and Bishop Tom Morgan (retired).

Also present for the event were Bishop Rod Andrews (retired) and Bishop Helen Kennedy (Diocese of Qu’Appelle). The Ven. Ken Watts also spoke and provided prayers for Chris and Tracey.

Gifts were presented by the people of the diocese: Continued on page 5