Last week at The Great Jungle Journey Family Church Camp, great things were happening as the kids drew near to Jesus and grew in the excitement of who God is.
Set in the hidden paradise beside the water at the cabin and land Ralph Carlson generously offered for the church camp, seventeen kids plus adults dug into the Bible, learned about the awesome power of God, experienced Jesus’s love in His sacrifice for them, and grew in worship and prayer together.
Submitted photo.
Laughter and friendship permeated the week as we hiked, kayaked, did skits, crafts, and games, and went on treasure hunts for memory verses.
The kids expressed excitement over earning their own Bibles and prizes, acting in the skits, filling their memory verse notebooks, and worship time.
Submitted photo.
It was good to see kids excited to read their Bibles and a group of them asked if they can volunteer next year. Camren has already begun making plans for next year’s theme and said, “Church camp was my favorite part of the summer!”
Submitted photo.
We want to thank everyone who gave their time, money, resources, and talents to make this summer’s church camp so sweet and most of all we want to thank God for His gift of forgiveness and freedom and life.
If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS, to [email protected]. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.
Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene
Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott, will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or our Facebook page for more info.
Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church
The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas. The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.
VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord
Submitted graphic.
VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange
Camren shows the itinerary of the activities of the church camp he and his mom are planning. Submitted photo.
Camren Lamb, 10, and his mom, Melanie Lamb are teaming up to facilitate a family church camp next month.
They had been planning the camp together but didn’t have a sight secured yet.
“Then Ralph Carlson offered his private land, pond, and cabin for the church camp and said, ‘I can’t think of a better use for it,'” Melanie said.
Last year Camren raised money for purchasing a Vacation Bible School kit to create a church camp for families. He did this by selling his art and playing his guitar for tips at his booth at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market which hosted the Children’s Business Fair.
The Lambs purchased an Answers in Genesis Vacation Bible School kit with money from his sales and tips.
For four days and three nights, July 15-18, Camren and Melanie will lead groups in Bible lessons, games, crafts, songs, Scripture memorization, snacks, and a Bible verse treasure hunt.
In addition, there will be kayaking, canoeing, water balloon fun, campfire, and devotions.
“Some of his friends will help,” Melanie said. “He is looking forward to leading the groups.”
Camren said, “It’s good to be with friends in nature.”
There are a few openings left for families, Melanie said.
Melanie said each family must bring their tent, food, and necessities.
The campsite and activities are provided.
The cabin at the Carlson property has water and there is an outhouse.
For more information contact Melanie at 620.215.3449.
Camren Lamb displays his vacation Bible school kit that he and his mom are turning into a family church camp event.
If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS, to [email protected]. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church, 123 Scott is hosting a One Day Vacation Bible School on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend!
First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Combine Efforts
Denise Needham is the VBS director for the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Church team.
This year, the First United Methodist Church is hosting the VBS at 301 S National Ave in Fort Scott Ks. From June 17th to 21st, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Free Dinner provided.
The theme is “Just like me: Digging in and Growing Deep”
It is for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. J
Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene
Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott, will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or their Facebook page for more info.
Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church
The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas. The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.
VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord
Submitted graphic.
VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange
If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.
Rinehart Christian Church; 9443 S 900 Rd, Richards, MO 64778
With a Theme-“Circus theme. Big Show, Big Faith, Bigger God, Rinehart Christian Church will have their V.B.S. from June 9-12 (Sunday-Wednesday evenings); 6-8:30 p.m. “We feed everyone at 6, including parents who bring their kids and don’t want to make another trip back to pick them up…so they stay for the evening.”
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church, 123 Scott is hosting a One Day Vacation Bible School on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend!
First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Combine Efforts
Denise Needham is the VBS director for the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Church team.
This year our VBS is being hosted by the First United Methodist Church at 301 S National Ave in Fort Scott Ks. From June 17th to 21st, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Free Dinner provided.
Our theme is “Just like me: Digging in and Growing Deep”
“Free for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. Join us in a garden full of wonder and love!”
Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene
Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott, will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or our Facebook page for more info.
Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church
The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas. The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.
VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord
Submitted graphic.
VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange
People are working on the inside and the outside of the building at 705 S. Holbrook, with a target date for the church dedication of November 23, 2024, a week before Thanksgiving.
“The bricks are completed on the east (front) side,” Mark McCoy, a building committee member, said.
“It’s a lot of intricate work, not just plain bricks,” he said. “The circle in the front will be where the stained glass window from the former church will be.”
“Over the next few weeks, subcontractors will be working inside placing drywall, and completing HVAC runs,” McCoy said. “Masonry will continue brickwork on the west side then move to the north and south.”
Work is being done on the exterior and interior of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. On the construction fence is an artist’s rendition of what the new church will look like.
The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church priest’s residence is on Holbrook Street on the backside of the church.
“Father Yancy’s house is completed,” McCoy said.
Meanwhile in Wichita, the restoration of the religious artifacts that were damaged is continuing.
The Restoration of the Artifacts
When Robert Elliot, a Catholic from Wichita, heard of the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott, he contacted Fr. Yansey Bergis to offer help and assistance in any way he could.
Elliot is a seasoned restorer with over two decades of experience, he said.
“It was apparent that I would be of the most help in rebuilding, restoring, and refurbishing all of the damaged and destroyed Stations of the Cross and all of the Statuary of the church,” Elliott said. “The fire, water, and smoke damage was enormous. I knew this would be a long and arduous process estimating at least one year to complete.”
Some of the artifacts of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, following the fire, provided by Elliot.
“Four stations were damaged beyond repair (so one might think) as they lay in pieces on the ground,” Elliot said. “The rest were out of view and we had no idea as to their condition. The insurance company needed a price to do the repairs. Without seeing all of the stations, I provided a modest calculation of what the cost would be. It was my desire to assist the church in its time of need.”
“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”
When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said.
“Over the year we used all of the money allocated to the project to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, insurance, and labor,” he said.
Some of the workmen on the artifacts at Elliot’s workshop in Wichita, were provided by Elliot.
“I have been using funds from my personal retirement account to pay the workers and the expenses for this project since the first of the year,” he said. “We have made great progress on the project since we started a year ago, but we have a long way to go. At the very least, four to six months more.”
“It is impossible to illustrate the amount of time and detailed labor involved in bringing each of the twenty-one religious artifacts back to life so to speak. At present we have generated a little over $6,000 of the $65,000 we need. The deficit, I will have to bear alone,” Elliott said.
“Our goal is to generate the additional monies needed to complete this important work to a high degree of excellence and craftsmanship it deserves,” Elliot said.
Here are the artisans currently working on the project:
Mary Francis Skinner, Kathy Faulkner, Dan Ochs, Michael and Hector Ibarra, Gabe and Matan Umbarger, John Suffield, Jane Clark, Ian Snyder and Eliot who is the coordinator, logistics, art director, restoration and repair, quality control, recasting the destroyed frames, and painting the statues and stations.
“We are always interested in finding skilled persons willing to offer their services,” he said.
Youth Fundraiser!
Rummage & Bake Sale at First Baptist Church Youth Center
123 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott on
Friday, May 31, from 8 am-2 pm and Saturday, June 1, 8 am-3 pm
Furniture, Outdoor Gear, Electronics,
Dishes, Home Décor, Clothing, Bedding Books, Toys,
Kitchen, Vinyl & Tapes And Much More!
FACE PAINTING FUN FOR YOUR KIDS!
YUMMY BAKE SALE ITEMS FOR EVERYONE!
The youth are raising funds for a Mission Trip with a Rummage Sale this weekend, Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 in the church basement. LOTS of items – free will donation unless marked.
Celebration time! Captain Joseph Moleski raises the trophy after an epic comeback victory in the KS State Final. Submitted photo.
The Kingfishers of Saint Martin’s Academy roar back in the 2nd half to claim their 2nd straight KS State Championship in Tier 1 Rugby, defeating the Saints of Thomas Aquinas 26-19 on May 11th at the KU Rugby Complex in Lawrence, KS.
A long narrative report of the match can be read here.
Highlights:
2 tries, including the game-winner with time expired, by Captain Joseph Moleski.
Man of the Match went to Senior Outside-Centre, Ben Skinner, who scored a late try to tie the match and had multiple long runs to put Aquinas on their heels.
The Kingfishers went down 19-7 mid-way through the 2nd half, only to score 19 unanswered to claim victory.
The Kingfishers finish the regular season ranked #6 Nationally and are headed to Nationals in Elkhart, Indiana to compete against the best teams in the country.
Quote from School Founder and Headmaster, Daniel Kerr: “No team works harder than our boys and when the chips were down at the end of the match, that hard work paid off. This was the most exciting match I’ve ever been a part of.”
Senior Ben Skinner battles through a tackler en route to the match tying-score. Skinner was named Man of the Match by the hosts, KU Rugby Club. Submitted photo.
We’re on the road right now to Nationals. Say a prayer for the boys!
Tanya Glessner ecently published several different Daily Prayer Journals for 365 Days. Three of them are live for purchase. now-the The other will be live for purchase soon, according to Glessner.
” Prayer journaling can help people strengthen their faith, focus, and gain a deeper understanding of their faith,” she said. “It can also help people recognize patterns in their lives, which can reveal areas for growth or passions, and can be a witness to future generations of your walk with the Lord.”
The Williamsons are coming to town! First Southern Baptist Church Fort Scott Kansas invites you to be a part an incredible night of music and inspiration featuring one of the top groups in Gospel Music-The Williamsons!
Mark your calendars for Thursday May 16th at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at 1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS (across from Briggs Auto.
Free Will Offering!
Come join us for an incredible night of music and inspiration.