Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands of Christian churches throughout the country open their doors every summer for a week of what's called Vacation Bible School.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church also offers a week of fun and religious teaching to local children. Arts and crafts, music and learning of Bible stories are all a part of the fun week at Bible school.
"The African drumming was really cool," said Sam Skurnik, a local boy attending Vacation Bible School. "I liked it a lot, but it got my hands really itchy."
The school is a Christian tradition for many. For a week, the children of this congregation, with friends and neighbors of other faiths, enjoy day camp.
"We are trying to accept everyone and make a place for them; and we feel God has a place for them, every person, no matter where they're coming from or what they have to offer," said Susan Swidmicki, the school's director.
We are trying to accept everyone and make a place for them, and we feel God has a place for them, every person, no matter where they're coming from or what they have to offer.
–Susan Swidmicki, director for the Vacation Bible School.
As part of the arts and crafts, several of the first-graders made boxes depicting Moses' exodus from Egypt. They used quite a bit of imagination with some depicting zombies, mermaids and volcanoes.
Bible school certainly couldn't function without volunteers.
"We have volunteers who are teaching, shepherding, sitting with children during lunchtime, and sharing their own gifts — that goes from organ demonstration, guitar, drumming," said Pastor Steve Klemz, of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The children and their parents bring all of their talents, skills and knowledge to worship service at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church every Sunday at 10 a.m. Guests are welcome.
