SUMMER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

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HFI SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT & AUGUST 2013 Hfi cathy pelusi art studio collaborate in HFI s COMMUNITY SUMMER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL A WEEK OF SCRIPTURE AND ART with DAVID DIMICHELE, AMY DIMICHELE, and

Elijah DiMichele and Henry Xu and 1 Spiritual Leader, David DiMichele gathered together on Holy Family s campus to teach, learn, and live the Good News through the words taken from the Old and New

Each year as the children enter HFI s recreation room to begin a week of summer bible school, it is like a family reunion; a little bit older, a little bit smarter, and a lot more comfortable with

Everyone joins in a celebration of life through the words Jesus taught us by engaging in reading, discussion, art, and recreational sports.

including all employees and the families of the community children, walking with Jesus to know God s love. M O N D A Y And God said, Let there be light. ; and there was light.

GENESIS 1:6 Like a family reunion, the first day of bible school reunites old friends and gives everyone a chance to make new friends as familiar faces as well as new acquaintances walk through the

1 HFI SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT & AUGUST 2013 Hfi cathy pelusi art studio collaborate in HFI s COMMUNITY SUMMER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL A WEEK OF SCRIPTURE AND ART with DAVID DIMICHELE, AMY DIMICHELE, and ELIJAH DIMICHELE WALK WITH JESUS AND KNOW GOD S LOVE DURING THE LAST WEEK OF JULY, 23 community children (ages 3 to 15 years of age), 10 Volunteers, 1 Art Instructor/Amy DiMichele, 2 College Interns, Elijah DiMichele and Henry Xu and 1 Spiritual Leader, David DiMichele gathered together on Holy Family s campus to teach, learn, and live the Good News through the words taken from the Old and New Testament. Each year as the children enter HFI s recreation room to begin a week of summer bible school, it is like a family reunion; a little bit older, a little bit smarter, and a lot more comfortable with one another, as getting together in the name of Jesus creates a bond of love and respect between all. Everyone joins in a celebration of life through the words Jesus taught us by engaging in reading, discussion, art, and recreational sports. By the end of the week the group increases largely in size as the North Carolina Youth Group connects with its 120 members for the 11 th consecutive year, hosting a picnic for all on HFI s campus including all employees and the families of the community children, walking with Jesus to know God s love. M O N D A Y And God said, Let there be light. ; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. GENESIS 1:6 Like a family reunion, the first day of bible school reunites old friends and gives everyone a chance to make new friends as familiar faces as well as new acquaintances walk through the door. Each child was given a small piece of paper and asked to fill it with a specific letter; later to be a collaboration poster during the week. And as expected, following through with bible school tradition, activities begin with a welcome and an introduction as each child, volunteer, and instructors are asked to stand, state their name, and say a sentence or two about themselves. Scripture is read as children listen to Mr. David speak about the first chapter of Genesis and how all goodness comes from God. Focusing on the light of God s love, children created paper mache prayer boxes and decorated with acrylic glazes, papers, and stickers. Inside each box was today s theme, Genesis 1:6 written on a scroll as a keepsake. To emphasize the importance of our individual relationship with God, children were given prayer posters to color along with a token of walking with Jesus of sandal key chains to remind them of the theme of bible school. Reflecting on the morning scripture and activities over lemonade and pretzels, the group continued the fun as they proceeded to the playground to run and play with basketballs, wiffle balls, and sidewalk chalk.

T U E S D A Y And all the people answered together and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will

directions in life to help us stay close with Him. Mr.

Children were given their own tablets and asked to write each commandment down in their own

Tiny hands using magic markers and crayons guided and aided by older children gave way to a

By keeping God s commandments, we become strong in our faith and learn to trust God with our whole

Thus, learning to trust whole heartedly led to the story of Daniel in the lion s den as scripture

An activity creating a foam board with characters of Daniel in the lion s den surrounded by lions

Snacks of Oreo cookies brought joy to the group, as Oreos were voiced as a favorite of many the

Handouts of Jesus Loves Me bracelets were given for each child to wear and keep.

his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting

ISAIAH 9:6 The middle of the week brought the New Testament with the life of Jesus.

David talked about our sweet Savior, Jesus Christ and his immeasurable love for us!

2 T U E S D A Y And all the people answered together and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do, - EXODUS 18 Tuesday s flu class centered on the Ten Commandments and how God gives us these as directions in life to help us stay close with Him. Mr. David referred to the laws given to Moses on Mr. Sinai symbolize by a poster in the room. Children were given their own tablets and asked to write each commandment down in their own handwriting on paper posters to hang in their homes. Tiny hands using magic markers and crayons guided and aided by older children gave way to a meaningful morning of learning God s laws to do the right thing. By keeping God s commandments, we become strong in our faith and learn to trust God with our whole hearts and minds. Thus, learning to trust whole heartedly led to the story of Daniel in the lion s den as scripture was shared and discussed. An activity creating a foam board with characters of Daniel in the lion s den surrounded by lions took place for each child. Snacks of Oreo cookies brought joy to the group, as Oreos were voiced as a favorite of many the day before. God heard we wanted Oreos! a boy cheered. Handouts of Jesus Loves Me bracelets were given for each child to wear and keep. WEDNESDAY For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ISAIAH 9:6 The middle of the week brought the New Testament with the life of Jesus. Beginning with his birth and ending with his sacrificial death upon the cross, Mr. David talked about our sweet Savior, Jesus Christ and his immeasurable love for us! A special and traditional walk to the chapel took place with Mr. David describing all that was in view. From the Chapel Bridge to the Alter, the group learned about the creative process and history behind each children s artwork created in the HFI CATHY PELUSI ART STUDIO the wooden carvings, the large windowed stained glass, the iron alter gate, and painted Stations of the Cross and wall mural. A group photo was taken in front of the wood carving of the holy family of Joseph, Mary and young Jesus to commemorate this year s bible school. All proceeded to the rec. room to color, glue, and paste together foam nativity scenes and wooden/paper crosses to keep and display in their homes. Children also received a cross candy bracelet and symbolic Christian stickers. Another fun day concluded on the playground, jungle gym, and field.

THURSDAY You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.

know how much God loves us and how we need to be the light of the world; to be disciples of Jesus.

by what we say and do, and how we treat others.

to each child to color. Also in focus for the words Jesus said, Mr.

school chose to produce detailed Sermon on the Mount/Beatitude booklets for each child to own as

These booklets will hopefully serve as reflective reading material for the children to read with

) In the booklets, each beatitude was accompanied by a portion specified for adults for spiritual

Also in the booklet was the Lord s Prayer, the Our Father which the group recited as a whole.

class, when the group would have a - book signing session and write in each other s book by signing

3 THURSDAY You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. - Matthew 5:14 Thursday s class was dedicated to the four Gospels, the words Jesus left for us to know how much God loves us and how we need to be the light of the world; to be disciples of Jesus. Mr. David spoke about the Last Supper when Jesus asks us to remember him and teach others about him by what we say and do, and how we treat others. Small activity crosses with an illustration of Jesus and his apostles at the Last Supper were given to each child to color. Also in focus for the words Jesus said, Mr. David spoke about one of the most loved portions of the Gospel, the beatitudes, which came to be known as the Sermon on the Mount. The beatitudes form such a grand proclamation of the kingdom by our Savior and this year s bible school chose to produce detailed Sermon on the Mount/Beatitude booklets for each child to own as today s special hand-out. These booklets will hopefully serve as reflective reading material for the children to read with their family members and keep for years to come. (Continued next column) (cont.) In the booklets, each beatitude was accompanied by a portion specified for adults for spiritual guidance and understanding; enabling a thorough comprehension to share with others as Christians. Also in the booklet was the Lord s Prayer, the Our Father which the group recited as a whole. The last few pages of the booklets titled, Memory Pages were left open for the end of today s class, when the group would have a - book signing session and write in each other s book by signing their name and/or write a note to remember them by. After snacking on mini cheese filled crackers and fruit punch, the group headed outdoors for summer fun in the sun! Throughout the time of the past 19 years, each summer parents leave their small children in Holy Family Institute s care displaying a genuine trust in her reputation and mission. Mother Frances Siedliska would be proud!

FRIDAY The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with

p JOHN 3:8 As the week came to a close, students were asked to draw their own image and add all of their favorite colors in the background

Then paint brushes and water containers and glitter glazes were given to each child who applied it freely over their page to symbolize the

As students placed their paintings on long tables to dry, verses of John 3:8 were glued to each work of the theme based art.

their commitment to keep walking with Jesus and know God s love.

the 120 NC teen members, Holy Family residents, administration, and staff, bringing a total of over 267 of God s children, young and old to

A grand picnic feast of delicious food was enjoyed by all!

4 FRIDAY The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. p JOHN 3:8 As the week came to a close, students were asked to draw their own image and add all of their favorite colors in the background with water based markers. Then paint brushes and water containers and glitter glazes were given to each child who applied it freely over their page to symbolize the spirit of God; the Holy Spirit that lives in each one of us. As students placed their paintings on long tables to dry, verses of John 3:8 were glued to each work of the theme based art. An activity of a paper stained glass cross was placed beside each painting for the children to take home to work on as a remembrance of their commitment to keep walking with Jesus and know God s love. A snack of Rice Krispie treats and lemonade gave a sweet appetizer to the grand picnic that followed, hosted by the North Carolina Youth Group from St. Peter s Church. To celebrate a great week together, the children of this year s bible school proceeded to the playground, and soon greeted by their parents, the 120 NC teen members, Holy Family residents, administration, and staff, bringing a total of over 267 of God s children, young and old to play, face paint, run, swing, and laugh all in the name of love God s love for us through His son, Jesus Christ. A grand picnic feast of delicious food was enjoyed by all! HFI Summer Vacation Community Bible School 2013 Children attending : Megan Jack Dominic Ava Jack Austin Meghan Daren Jacob Drew Giovanni Isaiah Layla Elizabeth Jackson Audrey Abigail Sam Nick Dylan Olivia Scottie Logan Sean Volunteers: Elijah DiMichele Henry Xu Adam DiMichele Kylie Simko Patty DiMichele Nico DiMichele Alex DiMichele Tanya DiMichele HFI Cathy Pelusi Art Studio: Amy DiMichle/Art Instructor Led by HFI Spiritual Development: David A. DiMichele/Spiritual Director *******SPECIAL NOTES******* Five of the adult volunteers this week attended the HFI Summer Vacation Community Bible School as small children in the early 1990 s. This year we welcomed three new faces: Sean, Olivia, and Logan! (cont.) and strawberry chex mix while adding their

for the eleventh consecutive year it was a delight to be

brotherly/sisterly love amongst all as God s children.

people with a delicious summertime feast.

and employees, Vacation Bible School children and parents, for

food, good conversation, and good fun the way God intended

5 North Carolina Youth Group Years of Dedication and Love A glimpse of Heaven When the St. Peters Youth Group from North Carolina arrived on HFI s campus for the eleventh consecutive year it was a delight to be reconnected with familiar faces and experience a brotherly/sisterly love amongst all as God s children. Their commitment and dedication to HFI is highlighted each year with a picnic on Friday. This year, this wonderful youth group fed approximately 260 people with a delicious summertime feast. THANK YOU, North Carolina, Volunteers, Holy Family s children and employees, Vacation Bible School children and parents, for allowing everyone present to engage in an afternoon of good food, good conversation, and good fun the way God intended life to be; side by side, helping one another to feel a part of something bigger than all of us One family.one Holy Family! May God Bless you all!.. ~ David DiMichele/Spiritual Director JESUS SAID Love one another as I have loved you. JOHN 13:34

6 Everyone therefore who hears these my words and acts upon them, shall be likened to a wise man who build his house on rock. M E M O R I E S - Matthew 7:24 July 22 ~ July 26 Holy Family Institute Community Bible School 2013

Advent 3: Jesus Is Born Lesson Aim: To consider the miracle of the Savior coming near to us as a baby.

Teacher s Guide: Ages 6-7 God of Wonders: The Wonder of Advent Unit 10, Lesson 50 Advent 3: Jesus Is Born Lesson Aim: To consider the miracle of the Savior coming near to us as a baby. THE WORSHIP Who