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Bee-themed vacation Bible school sees attendance increase

There was quite the buzz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kearney last week.

As the summer season of vacation Bible schools around Kearney wrapped up, Trinity Lutheran Church saw an increase in attendance over last year.

This year’s theme was Planet  Zoom, which included a bee mascot.

“It’s like a bee theme where kids can be — B-E-E — bold believers,” said Tina Clevenger, co-organizer.

The attendance of about 80 children 3 years old through sixth grade is up from more than 60 last year and the highest attendance to date for the church’s annual vacation Bible school.

“We’re shooting for 100 next year,” said Julie Overmeyer, co-organizer.

Overmeyer and Clevenger said they have seen growth in the church the past year but also believe there are a significant number of children attending the weeklong event who do not regularly attend church.

“Hopefully we are reaching out to kids who have never heard the gospel … gently and with love,” said the Rev. Drew Newman, Trinity Lutheran’s pastor.

Overmeyer echoed that about vacation Bible school.

“It’s primarily an outreach for the community,” Overmeyer said.

It’s also a chance for church members — both children and volunteers — to grow.

“Our mission statement is that they grow in their own faith and become stronger believers,” Overmeyer said.

The children attending said they were having fun.

Ethan Luft, 11, said he was having fun. Among his favorite activities was a team-building activity for which the children had to pass a ball to each other via their backs without using their hands.

“It was exciting,” he said.

Jared Juergens, 13, said some of the crafts were his favorite.

Keeping with the bee theme, a honeycomb pattern on a cross shape was used to stamp shirts. Despite everyone having the same cross stamp, students found a way to make their own shirts unique.

Jared said he enjoyed getting to decorate the crafts to fit his style as he and Ethan were decorating vase holders with a Denver Broncos football theme.

The children did say they were leaning.

“About God and how he helps us through hard times,” Jared said.

Kearney Editor Kevin M. Smith can be reached at 628-6010 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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