Life so blessed affirmed!

Vacation Bible School was organized in The Diocese of Lucknow, Church of North India, from May 17-22, 2010 under the able leadership of Bishop of the diocese, The Rt. Revd. Morris E. Dan, and was facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Vinita Eusebius, Coordinator, Children’s Concerns, Diocese of Lucknow, Ministry with Children The theme for this year’s V.B. S. was “Life So Blessed” (Math. 5: 1‐12) and all the Churches followed a common curriculum for which Work books and other material was provided free of charge by the Diocese through the help of many donors. It is a matter of great pride for all of us that this is for the first time in the last thirty years that the Sunday schools could have common V.B.S. literature and program schedule in all the Churches of the Allahabad Deanery, Diocese of Lucknow. 

Vacation Bible School is the time in life of churches when during a long vacation (usually summer vacation) children are invited to the Churches for teaching and training that can help them grow as responsible and honest citizens of the country and members of the Church. This year’s Theme in VBS has taught our children that we should live a “BLESSED LIFE” and the beatitudes for this are humbleness, meekness, love, sacrifice and tolerance. The Church aims at creating individuals who are spiritually strong and socially committed. Special efforts are being made to make the teachers and children aware of issues related to denial of “CHILD RIGHTS AND CHILDREN AT RISK”.

The closing function of V. B. S. was held successfully at the All Saints Cathedral, Allahabad. The first Lady of the Diocese of Mrs. I Dan was the chief guest. The program opened with the prayer. About 300 children and VBS teachers participated in the program. The participating Churches were All Saint Cathedral, Trinity Church, St. John’s Church, Jamuna Church, Katra Church, Naini Community Church and St. Peter’s Church. The Presbyters of different Churches, special invitees and guests also participated in the function. The occasion became joyous and festive by the Presentations of plays, skits and songs by the children. The skit “Life So Blessed” presented by St. Peter’s Church, Muirabad was appreciated by one and all. Rev. Dr. Vinita Eusebius, the Coordinator, Children’s Concerns, Lucknow Diocese, CNI welcomed the guests. She also thanked the Bishop and Mrs. Dan on behalf of all the VBS students and teachers for organizing VBS in the Diocese. She also reminded the audience that the world is not fit for many children who live at the margins of the society. She requested the members to remember and include such exploited, bruised and “At Risk” children and support them. By doing this we can be true followers of Jesus Christ and also make our lives blessed. Bishop of Lucknow encouraged teachers to work hard with the children because they are the future of the Church and also of the Nation. The children enjoyed the program and the gifts they received. Mrs. Dan thanked the pastors, teachers and students for organizing a very successful VBS 2010 and gave certificates of appreciation to the teachers. A grand banquet was hosted by the Honorable Bishop for the children, teachers and guests after the program.