The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

Two local Lutheran churches once again teamed up for this summer's Vacation Bible School program.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, of Royal, and Hope Lutheran Church, of Everly, co-sponsored the event, which was held at the Royal church June 14-17 with the help of Ingham/Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp counselors, church volunteers, parents and teenage helpers. The theme of the week was "Brand New," with day campers heading into the "body shop" to visit the greatest mechanic there ever was and is – Jesus.

Monday's theme was "Brand New LIFE" with the theme verse being Romans 6:4, "Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Campers spent time in the story of Lazarus discussing how God gives them a brand new life every day of their lives.

Tuesday's theme was "Brand New HOPE" with the theme verse being 1 Peter 1:3, "In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." There is no need to put our hope in the things of this world (that neither satisfy nor supply) when Christ desires for our hope to be placed in and with Him.

Wednesday's theme was "Brand New LOVE" with the theme verse of John 15:12 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." Campers learned that there is no greater love than the love Jesus showed for us in dying for our sins.

Thursday's theme was "Brand New VISION" with the theme verse of Matthew 28: 19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This day shared the story of Jesus healing a blind man in stages – first his ability to see, then his ability to see clearly.

IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS

Royal Mayor Josh Toft willingly participated as a "special guest" pie-ing incentive for campers in order to achieve the 100-can donation goal.

Each day presented a fun dress-up theme ranging from Crazy Hair Day to Favorite Color Day and Pajama Day. Throughout the week children were given incentives for bringing in canned goods for the Hope Lutheran Church Food Pantry. The canned goods goal was quickly surpassed when a new incentive was given to not only pie counselors in the face, but to also have a "special guest" come in when over 100 cans were donated.

The week ended with a program Thursday night, where families and friends watched the campers perform their theme verses, camp songs, a slide show of the week's festivities and enjoyed counselors performing a skit giving a synopsis of the lessons. Campers, guests and counselors then headed outside to pie their camp counselors in the face. Children and guests alike got a huge kick out of special guest Royal Mayor Josh Toft being brutally pied by his daughter, Dorothy Toft.

Following the pie-related fun, everyone retreated to the fellowship hall for an ice cream sundae bar.