FPC (First Presbyterian Church) just wrapped-up another week of Vacation Bible School. Every summer, they host four days of VBS for preschool and elementary students. Last year they hosted an out of this world “Stellar” VBS and this year they went deep under the sea with “Scuba” VBS.
An important part of their VBS program is the Special Mission Project. Last year, the kids collected donations for FISH Choice Food Pantry to help “Shine Jesus’ Light” in their community. Their goal was $300 or 300 food items, and they more than surpassed their goal by collecting over $200 AND 200lbs of food for FISH.
The theme of Scuba VBS was, “God is a friend.” With this theme in mind, the recipient of the Special Mission Project this year was a local friend in need, Charlyee Jo (CJ). CJ will be a fourth grader at Greenville this fall and is currently battling a very rare form of liver cancer. Paige Ervin, VBS Director and Director of Ministry Operations at FPC, got to know CJ on a more personal level this past year as she volunteered with LifeWise Academy and walked CJ and her classmates to and from LifeWise every week. Ervin said, “CJ is the epitome of a good friend. She is very sociable, talks to everyone, and includes everyone. It was only fitting that we help her, as our friend, in this time of need.”
There were over 40 VBS participants this year and the goal before them at the beginning of the week was to raise $500 for CJ. By Day 3, they had just over $100, and the goal looked unattainable and out-of- reach, but by Day 4 they rose to the occasion! They finished with more than $550 for CJ and her family and were rewarded by getting to pie their crew leaders in the face! It made for a memorable ending to an amazing week for the campers—one they’ll remember forever.
FPC invites you to join them for their next family event. They host the Christmas Box Dinner every December, the Festival of the Risen King every April, and Vacation Bible School every August. Sign-ups for the Christmas Box Dinner begin during Main Street Greenville’s Beggar’s Night!
Until then, worship is every Sunday at 10:00am. Childcare is provided for all children ages 5 and under, and Children’s Church is available for elementary students.
We encourage you to support and follow CJ’s journey here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-charlyee-jos-battle-with-rare-cancer
Click here for photos of the FPC VBS 2024