Bible blast-off at Valley Stream church

It was a week of biblical discovery at Grace United Methodist Church in Valley Stream at this year’s annual vacation Bible school. The mission was to teach children ages 3-11 about spreading the messages of the Bible to the stars and beyond.

“This year’s school is a cosmic adventure praising God,” said Director of Youth Ministry Matthew Roth, who directed the one-week vacation school for the first time. “We seek to make a biblical connection to the things in the real world.”

The program, run by the church for 20 years, has a new theme each year to educate kids from all different communities and religious backgrounds about God’s word. With this year’s theme, “Galactic Blast,” between 30 and 40 children were divided into four groups — Stars, Comets, Supernovas and Satellites — to participate in music, arts, crafts and recreation stations with a “space” theme from June 28 through July 2.

Miranda Anguera, 5, of Valley Stream, thought this experience was out of this world. “I like art very much,” she said. Both Abby Alexis, 6, and Shannuel Lamptey, 7, who are also Valley Stream residents, agree with Andeura that art is a standout activity, and that they all like everything about the school.

All girls also agree that they have learned an exceptional amount here. “We are learning to share,” Alexis said.

Andeura said she is learning to be nice, while Lampty is learning something different. “We are learning about Jesus and God,” she said.

Their “fantasy ride” to learning began at 9:30 a.m. each day with a “moonwalk,” which is a fun walk on the church’s lower level for the children to have a blast. In addition, the children listened to many Bible stories and ate healthy snacks throughout the three-hour session each day.

“The kids really enjoy the arts and crafts and they play fun games outside, like when one of our counselors played with action figures to demonstrate Bible characters,” said Emma Marin, a 14-year old counselor of the kindergarten and first grade group, the Comets. “I love working with kids. They are adorable and always have something to say. They give hope in the world [to me].”