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SPRING HILL — While most December church calendars are filled with musical programs, Advent services and dramatic presentations about Christ's birth, one church has chosen to do something a little different this year. Spring Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church is offering a Christmas vacation Bible school.
"We have a certain amount of children that we minister to in June, and sometimes we don't see the kids again until the next June," VBS director Frances Jones said. "We want to keep track of the children and, hopefully, increase the number that attend."
Jones said the plan is to have something for the children every six months.
"Also, it's a time when the kids are out of school," Jones said. "Parents will think it's nice for them to have something to do in a religious setting, instead of being home on their own playing video games."
The free program, for children ages 7 to 14, will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 27 through Dec. 30.
"We will have films on the birth of Christ, and just general biblical knowledge that builds around the Christmas season," Jones said.
Each morning will begin with a prayer circle and a time of praise, Jones said. Juice and a light snack will be provided.
"Then we look at a film. We have a helper who has a wonderful collection of biblical stories and CDs, and he tells the story as he shows the video."
After the film, the children will go and talk to other helpers who will be dressed in period costumes.
"They will probably talk to King Herod," Jones said. "He'll sit down and answer some questions they have about Christmas and give them little pop quizzes."
Next, there will be a hands-on activity, such as finger painting or making a craft item that relates to the time of Christ.
"We'll have things where they can color the manger scenes with the lambs and a top, or Dreidel, that children back then probably played with," Jones said. "They'll be using water colors to paint their own scene of what they think a manger would look like."
Jones said she has several pianists lined up to play Christmas songs, which will be sung after the activity time.
Lunch comes last and may consist of cheese or peanut butter sandwiches, spaghetti or chicken nuggets with fries and a drink.
While the message presented throughout the program is Bible-based, Jones said they "don't push any religion."
"Each day the children will be given a Scripture, and we'll learn what it means," Jones said. "We don't do competition for prizes, but each day we give them something to take home, maybe a note pad or pencil set."
Jones said a recess time is also included in the daily activities, and she likes parents to know that they have at least one counselor for every five children that attend.
Walk-ins are welcome; advance registration is not necessary; all children are welcome, Jones said.
Children who attend the program will be invited to the church's Agape Feast on New Year's Eve.
"Some of the children will be singing and the Pathfinders from our church will put on a little skit," Jones said. "The adults will have communion starting at 5 o'clock and a time of testimonies, singing, music and Scripture readings will come after that. Each child who comes will get a gift."
Jones said she is hoping the holiday VBS will prepare the children for the summer program, which will present more detail about the boyhood of Jesus of Nazareth.
She also hopes having the program will let people know they are concerned about children who would otherwise be home alone during their vacation.
"It's not just about gifts, games, Christmas trees, toys and gingerbread men," Jones said. "It's remembering Christ at Christmas. Yes, it's nice to have all the games and the fun and the candy, but there's another side to Christmas and that's the life of Christ, which is why we celebrate the holiday in the first place."
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