Sydney’s Children on their Inaugural VBS

The Assyrian Church of the East Children’s Association (ACECA) in Sydney held its inaugural Vacation Bible School (VBS) in from Monday 8th to Thursday 11th January 2018.

The “Camp Out” themed event catered for 120 children that often attend the Association’s regular weekly Wednesday night ministry. The VBS included two full days of fun and interactive learning; bible explorations, wilderness games, projects with a purpose, bible adventures and arts and crafts. Lanterns that taught them ‘Jesus is the Light’, caravan banks that taught charity through ACERO and GUTSY bears that taught love were just a few projects and activities the children worked on.

The third day was the children’s fun day out, where parents were invited to share in the celebrations. A picnic was held at Plough and Harrow (Abbotsbury) where children were booked in to experience the Treetops Adventure Park, trekking as high as the trees and swinging to and from their posts; what campers can really do in those forests.

The VBS concluded with a closing campfire ceremony on Thursday presided over by His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan, Reverend Chor-Bishop Narsai Youkhanis and Revered Father Shamuel Shamuel. Children sang and performed, and showcased everything they had learned over the past few days. His Beatitude thanked the children and their parents for entrusting the Association with the care of their children, building spirituality and growing the social unity that plays such a vital role within the Assyrian community. His Beatitude witnessed the new friendships kindled amongst the young participants noting that Jesus was at the centre of such friendships.

Special thanks to St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School for their hospitality, catering to the children over the four days and Rinyo for sponsoring memorable merchandise for each participant.