150th Anniversary Celebration - VBS Memories Over the Years

1940’s by Kitty Hemmen

We had VBS for a whole week in the summer. Everyone brought their own sack lunch and on the last day we were treated with ice cream.  Often, we had our missionaries as our main speakers.  Bible Drills was one of our favorite activities.  The leader would give a verse and reference to us, and it was a race to see who would be first to find the verse and read it.  It was in VBS that I became a Christian with a simple illustration.  The leader would hold out a small very pretty gift and asked me if I would like it.  She said, “all you have to do is accept it and that is all you have to do to let Jesus come into your heart.”  This is some 80 years ago, and God has been beside me all of those years.

1950’s by Arnie Luiken

VBS always started the week after school was out and lasted two weeks.  On the last day we brought a sack lunch and had a picnic with ice cream at noon.  The other days we had dinner at noon and then a couple of hours of Bible School in the afternoon.  We played games and had crafts to do using popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners.  There was always a lesson and quite often they would use a flannel graph to help illustrate what the lesson was about.  At the beginning of each day, we all marched down the center aisle singing Onward Christian Soldiers.  We had blue, red, and gold stick-on stars to put on a poster if we were there that day and there may have been a prize for perfect attendance. 

Late 1950’s & early 1960’s by Jim Kramer

I have two specific memories about VBS at SRBC. (1)-Bible stories told using flannel graph.  Sometimes the leader would end the story at a crucial place to keep you in suspense until the next day. (2)-We would meet on the NW corner of the church near the oak tree and line up to march into the church as we sang “Onward Christian Soldiers”.  I still know the words to that song: “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before!”  I think I even liked to pretend that I was a soldier as we marched in.  I can’t remember the last time we sang this song in church.

Late 1960’s and early 1970’s by Teresa Janssen

SRBC Bible School in the 1960’s was alike a day camp focused on Bible stories and lessons. Mornings began with music, pledges, and reciting a theme verse before grade-level classes taught by adults and high school helpers.  These connections often lasted a lifetime.  After lessons, there was recess, homemade cookies and Kool-Aid, singing (including the theme song), and craft time, resulting in many handcrafted keepsakes.  The program also included a daily missionary story and offering, with a friendly competition between boys and girls to raise money.  The week culminated in an evening program for parents.  Bible School, alongside Sunday School, provided a vital foundation of faith.

1980’s by Rod Folkerts

Thinking back, “way back now” … the thing I remember the most is the sentimental feelings and love of the effort the foundational church ladies sacrificed for me and others.  Of course we had some fun and some cookies but none of that is as meaningful as the prayers and the purpose these volunteers put forth.  I imagine if these ladies aren’t pushing 80 now then they are in heaven where they wanted me with them. Thanks for the blessings.

Late 1980’s & early 1990’s by Brittany Ewoldt Steppe

Growing up, VBS at the Baptist Church was always a highlight! VBS was held in the Steamboat Rock school.  As a little kid from Eldora, it was super cool to see a different school and meet kids from other schools.  I’ll always remember the sound of the wood floors in the lunch room, the smell of fresh paint in the hallway in the hallway of the second floor, and Jo LeRud leading us in songs.  Always a great time!

2000’s by Reece Rieken

One thing I remember, was one of the first years I attended, on the last day Harrison came into the fellowship hall and asked if any of us were ready to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  If so, they could go up and join him then they were going to go to his office and pray. I did not make the decision that year to go up and join him, but I remember there were a decent number of kids that did.  Looking back on that I think how awesome it was for the volunteers at the end of the week to see some of the children officially take that step to follow Jesus after all the hard work and planning that went into the VBS week.

2013-2015 by Kiera Dodd

I remember attending VBS at SRBC when I was young, around 3rd or 4th grade.  I enjoyed working on different art and craft projects with church friends.  I also remember learning all the VBS songs throughout the week and memorizing the actions that went along with them.  One of the most meaningful parts for me was hearing and learning Bible stories that have stayed with me to this day. VBS and AWANA had a big impact on my faith at a young age.  They were where I first truly remember feeling and understanding God’s love for me.

2022-2025 by Ellery and Grady Murphy (with a little help from mom and dad)

Over the last few years of attending VBS at SRBC, some of the overall highlights have been the fun themes and lessons, game time, meals and snacks, meeting new friends, and the kindness shown by so many volunteers. One specific memory that stands out was when Pastor John was playing the role of Samson and his wig disappeared right off his head! We appreciate all the effort and time that so many people put into making VBS so fun each year and we are already looking forward to VBS this summer!

And One More

A VBS Memory I’ll Never Forget by Jane Kramer

It was a Sunday evening business meeting in the early 1990’s when the subject of Vacation Bible School was a point of “discussion”.  Some felt that perhaps we shouldn’t offer VBS that summer since there weren’t many volunteers to help.  And elderly woman named Mary Wubben stood up—with a flower barrette in her hair and rhinestone bows on her shoes.  She had to be at least in her eighties.  Mary loved the LORD and she loved children. All heads turned toward this lady who said, “I will volunteer to help this year—we MUST have VBS.”   I remember getting a little teary-eyed thinking how right she was to love kids to Jesus by serving.  The vote called for was unanimous to hold VBS and many signed up to help – all thanks to Mary Wubben.  Mary, whose stained-glass window in the sanctuary depicts Jesus with the little children.  A perfect tribute to a woman who knew how to love children to meet Jesus.