By Misty DUPLESSIS

To get folks excited about returning to church, the La Cañada Lutheran Church in the Foothills held an inaugural “hoe-down” on Sept. 9 that treated guests to a feast that consisted of baked beans, watermelon, chili and more. Church members and guests even dressed in western attire for the family event.

It was also the first Sunday of six when children could attend the church’s annual Vacation Bible Study.

For the last several years, the church has held VBS over one week during the summer, but this year they are trying something a little different.

Children and their parents were invited to participate in the church’s sky-themed study that takes place during the 10 a.m. Children’s Church.

Parent Linda Lore enjoys bringing her children to Children’s Church and said her children will participate in this year’s VBS.

“My children come every Sunday. They love it. They do all kinds of fun crafts and they learn through crafts and through songs,” said Lore, adding that the lessons always tie into the pastor’s lessons that the parents hear.

The theme for VBS this year is “Sky. Everything is possible with God!” Children will have interactive lessons with a flight crew of animated characters as they reach for the sky in lessons that include an imagination station.

Children’s Church instructor Lisa Jenks is teaching this year’s VBS and is excited about having the lessons spread out over a period of a month and a half.

“We can have up to 30 kids. There is no registration needed, parents and their kids can just show up. The more weeks they come, the more fun they’ll have,” said Jenks, adding that they also have swim parties, movie nights throughout the year and their annual Trunk or Treat event coming up.

Families are also invited to come back on Sept. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., dressed in their favorite team jersey, for the church’s baseball season celebration as members gather to watch the film “The Sandlot” while enjoying free classic baseball treats like pizza and popcorn.

Parents looking for a safe and fun way to go trick or treating can join the church on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Trunk of Treat party when children visit Halloween decorated displays while filling their bags full of goodies.

  MISTY DUPLESSIS