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Church of the Living God on Franklin Avenue always seeks opportunities to engage with others.

Last week, they provided such a chance to Winchester’s youth.

From Monday, June 12 through Thursday, June 15, students ranging from three years old through sixth grade were welcomed to the location to experience “Stellar VBS: Shine Jesus’ Light.”

“We’re really teaching them that Jesus’ love is stellar,” said Beth Plummer, VBS Director. “We’re teaching them that not only Jesus shines, but he can shine through us, and we can shine Jesus’ light to others in the community.”

VBS has been a common event at Church of the Living God when kids have been out of school.

Mike Smith, Executive Pastor of Church of the Living God, stated that he had seen it each of the last thirty years he’s been present.

Previously, other themes – such as” Shipwrecked!”, have been the focus.

Yet with each year, there’s reason to celebrate.

“Every year, it just seems to elevate not just [by] numbers, but in the teaching and in the presence of the Lord and the kids getting the message,” said Smith.

When one walks in through the church’s front doors, they’re immediately greeted by exquisite artistry designed to provide a feeling of space.

In a main gathering area, where Sunday services are regularly conducted, the stage was decorated with hand-painted planets, astronauts, cutouts of spaceships and much more.

When walking through the hallways of the building, individuals could even run into designs that incorporated the innovative use of household items and other goods, including two-liter soda bottles being utilized to create the framework for a spaceship.

As they’ve done many times, church members David and Cindy Lutes helped assemble the artwork and designs.

“We both have art backgrounds, so it’s what we’re called to do,” said David Lutes. “They see these characters, and one thing or another, and it just brings everything to life that they’re talking about.”

When VBS officially started each evening, Plummer would welcome all students early in song from the stage.

On Tuesday, they sang along with “Shine Jesus’ Light,” emphasizing that it was important to do so when life felt dark.

For each day of the event, a key Bible verse guided students and teachers.

While Monday night’s scripture was John 8:12, Tuesday referenced Psalm 100:1.

“They’ll memorize it, and then at the end of the night, I’ll ask who remembers it,” Plummer added. “Hopefully, through the night, they’ll come up with that.”

Students rotated through different stations for a few hours to stay involved in several ways.

They did so with different teams, divided by age groups, led by volunteers.

Team names included Halley, Astro, Cosmo and more.

Activities included arts and crafts, a puppet show teaching about biblical adventures, and outdoor games designed to build teamwork and better understand biblical teachings.

While there was much to learn during the week, Smith adds that the most significant benefit comes in what’s seen at the week’s end.

“We don’t dissuade children from giving their life to Jesus because they matter just as much as adults do,” he said. “On that last night, when Beth asks people to be saved and they want to be saved, a lot of kids’ hands go up. That’s the most rewarding thing.”