Eagerness, energy and excitement were the key emotions on display at the Seadrift First United Methodist Church at 9 a.m. on this second day of Bible School, as about 14 youngsters arrived. They checked in at the registration table and donned their name tags and white sailor hats and then congregated in the sanctuary. Their ages ranged from one babe in arms, then to 2 or 3 preschoolers, and on up to late grade school students.
On the previous day, the children had heard stories and songs that proclaimed God’s love for each of them through many fish and water symbols. Today’s lesson came from new testament Peter, the fisherman and follower of Christ. Peter was portrayed by Janie Waghorne in period clothing and carrying a fishing net. This was followed by a large screen audio-visual presentation of stories, action singing and dance, led by Diane Mooney. The message was that “God so loved the world,” from the mountain top to the ocean floor. The child actors and participants used their arms in swimming strokes accompanied by background, under water sounds and a message of “Dive deep as the ocean in love, trust, word and heart.” They were encouraged to “choose to follow the Lord.” One of the songs they sang was, ‘I Depend on You, Jesus’.
The children then gathered into the church’s activity room for crafts, directed by art teacher Michelle McCrory. Continuing the fish theme, each child stood at his or her individual work station and used water colors and bottled paint to create colorful window clings of fish which they will take home the next day. The previous day’s craft project was a bead work cross which they attached to a black cord that can be worn as a clothing ornament.
Finally, it was time for today’s treat of fresh oranges and strawberries, which was a healthy continuation for a hot summer day of yesterday’s treat of cold, sweet watermelon slices, all provided through a generous food committee directed by Myke Hubbard.
Christine Metcalf served as director of Bible School and has been assisted by many church and family adults. Pastor June Cantrell was there to lead in prayer. Carolyn Cowan, looking over the assembled group said, “There is the hope of the world.”
