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Historic Church Provides Full Week of Vacation Bible School
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church held their annual
Vacation Bible School for all ages, from June 4 until June 8
at the historic building located on North Detroit Avenue in
Toledo. The classes were led by volunteer church members and
the classes were open to church members and community
residents.
At least 55 students were divided into six classes:
pre-school, primary one, primary two, juniors, high
schoolers, and adults. Students received prepared lesson
plans based off the theme, “Glow for Jesus,” and nightly
fellowship meals at no cost. The week-long school concluded
with a recital on Friday in the church’s sanctuary.
“Vacation Bible school is still a way for people to learn
about the Bible, Biblical characters and morals, and even
caught up on lessons that are missed throughout the year,”
explained Sharon Hubbard, assistant Sunday school
superintendent.
Among the 55 students was first-time attendee and grandson
of Pastor and First Lady Willis, Shelby Willis. He played
the role of Paul from the Old Testament during the Friday
program. “I’m excited about the play, and it’s going to be
fun. I get to play Paul, who used to be Saul. More friends
should come next year because we get healthy meals, learn
about the Bible and can be better people,” said the future
church leader.
The Friday program started with a lively procession of all
the students by their class, each class was accompanied by
their volunteer instructors. Immediately following the
procession was a prayer delivered by St. Paul’s deacon board
chairman, Deacon Gayle.
The preschool class opened the recital portion of the
program by singing about lesson #6 based off the vacation
Bible school theme. The primary one class prepared a call
and response presentation that focused on lesson #7, the
story of Solomon and Shelba. The primary two class presented
a play about lesson #8, the story of Priscilla and Aquilias.
The junior class shared information from lesson #9 and
important moments in black history. The high school class
delivered mini-speeches about lesson #10 and the kingdom of
light; while the adult class presented an overview of the
entire week.
“I thank God for the instructors and the vacation Bible
school leaders who were here all week. I believe the lessons
taught to our children will stay with them for a lifetime.
We need vacation Bible school all the time, because there is
no better way to engage our children and provide them with
Christian direction, than vacation Bible school,” explained
Rev. Willis.
The recital concluded with special presentations and
acknowledgements including personalized care packages for
the junior class, gratitude for all the students who donated
non-perishable food items that were delivered to Caldwell
food bank in North Toledo, and an announcement that each
student under the age of 18 received an age-appropriate
reading book donated by Books 4 Buddies.
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St Paul VBS Students and Instructors
Preschool class with instructor Yvonne Gayle
Juniors Class
Primary School Students
Primary Students
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Adult class with instructor First Lady Willis (Far left)
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Sharon Hubbard, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and
Vernice Foreman, Kitchen Supervisor VBS |
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“As I stand here and see the results from this week of work
and study, this is proof of what happens when you allow God
to lead. When God leads, everything is possible,” said Rev.
Willis.
The theme was taken from Bible scriptures from the book of
Matthew 5:16, “Let your light go shine before men that they
may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in
heaven.” St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church is located at
1502 North Detroit Ave in Toledo.
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