Report By Shari Bittles director for Children’s Ministries

Vacation Bible 2007 was a very “uplifting” and fantastic week here at First Church. Our Sky Scouts,
teachers, volunteers, and visitors soared to new heights with God each and every day. We learned of
God’s plans for us with the help of Skylar the Sky Squirrel (a.k.a. Tab Baker) and Scoop (a.k.a. Shari
Bittles) in our daily assembly full of laughter, songs, and fellowship. “I will follow”, “I will trust”, “I
will listen”, “I will repent”, and “I will serve” became very valuable lessons for all of the Sky Scouts to
take with them and grow in their faith.
Our classes this year were absolutely INCREDIBLE! The teachers and volunteers were SUPERB!
Over 210 children (plus 5 in our Nursery) shared our week full of searching the sky for the treasures
that God has blessed us with. Each day began with a very upbeat and exciting time full of music, song,
and dance. We truly did LIFT OFF! The Sky Scouts then enjoyed crafts, snacks, had daily lessons,
enjoyed recreation, and watched some cool science experiments that helped them learn more about
hot air balloons and their faith.
Our highlight of the week was on Wednesday when we were blessed with incredible
weather and the hot air balloon. Yes, we had a real hot air balloon! It was remarkable.
All the Sky Scouts gathered in the morning to watch Pilot Tony Sandlin
and his crew inflate “Inflated Ego” (that’s the name of his balloon!). The Sky
Scouts then came down by class and actually were able to get into the basket of
the balloon. WOW! WOW! WOW! It was wonderful.
It is always such an enlightening week for our church as we are able to reach out
to others and embrace children with the love of God. Our teachers and volunteers truly provide a
caring and loving environment for each and every child who comes through our doors.
Some exciting highlights of our week include:
-The wonderful hot air balloon basket made by Ray & Danielle Buchanan.
-Our Sky Scouts were able to meet our new pastor, Pastor Dan, on Tuesday & Wednesday.
-Over 400 meals served on Friday for our Fellowship Meal.
-An incredible Youth Program during VBS that shared devotions, made candles, took
pictures, made a scrapbook, took video pictures, and will be making a DVD of our week.
-A wonderful response to our mission project, Food Finder’s Food Bank with a “large”
stack of food items. GREAT JOB SKY SCOUTS!
Finally, I wish to personally thank each and every individual who made Vacation Bible School such an
“UPLIFTING” success! Each year gets better and better as we all gather together to do God’s work.