Bible lessons at summer camp
Bible lessons at summer camp
Bible lessons at summer camp
“It Worked for Us” is written by Christine Kumar, freelance writer and administrator, Baltimore Metropolitan District, Baltimore-Washington Conference. Send story ideas to interpreter@umcom.org. Find more “It Worked for Us” at Interpreter OnLine, www.interpretermagazine.org.
Children laughed, played football, led cheers and learned about God at a city park two miles from First United Methodist Church in Ironton, Ohio.
For the Rev. Caleb LaFond, religion and football go hand in hand at First Church. LaFond, the church’s associate pastor, and more than 40 church volunteers conducted a free, weeklong football and cheer camp at the park last July for first- through fifth-graders.
Nearly 50 boys and girls broke out in sweat as they participated in football drills and learned to cheer. As they gulped cool drinks, they also learned how honesty and trustworthiness relate to the Scriptures. The children enjoyed singing and memorized Bible verses.
Parents attended the gospel presentation on the last night of camp. When LaFond asked the campers if they wanted to invite Jesus into their hearts, six children responded. “We explain to them what they are responding to ahead of time,” said LaFond. “We want them to know that it just doesn’t end with prayer.” A few families also joined the church after experiencing God’s love through the congregation.
LaFond believes relationship building is important and connecting with children and adults will bridge the gap between church and community. He said that as churches become involved in social ministry such as feeding the hungry, they must be intentional about forming and building relationships in the community by having conversations.
All campers received thank you cards from LaFond for participating in the summer camp. “Follow-up is the key,” he said. The 2015 camp is slated for July.
AT A GLANCE
First United Methodist Church
101 N. Fifth St., Ironton, OH 45638
740-532-1199
Rev. Wayne E. Young
Average Attendance: 121
West Ohio Conference