Charity and fellowship are key themes
The circus was recently in town with “Circus Spectacular” at the Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Garden City Community Church in which 100 children attended. The church has sponsored an educational and fun-filled VBS for many years.
The circus-themed week featured the keywords follow, love, trust and share. Bible stories about how we should follow Jesus, being kind and loving to one another, trusting God when we are afraid and spreading the good word about Jesus.
A special Noah’s Ark project was done. There were coordinated crafts, drama, science, snack time and recreation projects for the enthusiastic children.
The students gathered over 800 bottles of water that they donated to the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) in Hempstead as their service project. They also collected over $600 in coins to tithe and help those in need.
More than 70 adults and young people volunteered for the worthwhile program. Heading VBS was the Reverend Sullivan, interim church school director Paula Tusiani- Eng and church school administrator, Rhonda Kraff.
The volunteers included: Christine Alkin, Laura Baymack, Theresa Brunetti, Diana Clarke, Francie Cohn, music minister Frank Crosio, Julie Germano, Christine Hanson, Carolyn Herbst, Alaine Lawler, Danielle Lemieux, Holly Lyons, Kelly Marshall, Marcia Matzelle, Liz McQuaid, Alice Melkonian, Karin Melkonian, Christina Milone, Guy Milone, Christine O’Neill, Patti Norberto, Tina Palmer, Jessica Powers, Pam Rivera, Louise Rooney, Meredith Ruckh, Anne Short, Roger Yusiani- Eng, Melva Victorino, Martha Yasso and Karen Zung.
Youth and young adult helpers included: Jacqueline and Stevie Baymack; John and Mary Blume; Rachel, Isabel and Tristen Cara; Olivia Coffey; Ally Evans; Ethan Gustavson; Trevor Hanson; Amber Henriquez; Paige Jordan; Madeline Lawlor; Laura Martens; Brian, Greg and Nick Matzelle; Peter McDonnell; Olivia and Rebecca Melkonian; Will Mennicken and his cousin; Lily Milone; Alex Nancilla; Kelly Ann Norberto; Lauren Palmer; Alexis and Tina Phillipides; Brianna Powers; Emma Ruckh; Cara Rumsey; Paige Sanossian; Anna, Elsie and Emily Schaubeck; Samantha Short; Caroline and Konstance Teleisha; Samantha Tiger and Brooke Warhurst.
The Garden City Community Church is located at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Whitehall Boulevard. It is an “Open & Affirming” congregation of the United Church of Christ (Protestant), so no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, all are welcome. The Garden City Community Church is handicap accessible with ramps on the Whitehall Boulevard side of the church and a full elevator to the lower level. For more information, lease call 516-746-1700, e-mail ChurchOffice@GardenCityCommunityChurch.org, or visit www.GardenCity CommunityChurch.org
