Nebraska Synod ELCA

Written by: PMA Karen King St. Mark’s Lutheran – Valley

About 25 years ago, the director of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church VBS and the director of St. John’s
Catholic Church VBS shared more than a workplace. They also shared a desire to provide the best
summer Bible School experience for the children in the community. Unfortunately, the other thing they
shared was a lack of volunteers to staff the program. Mothers that at one time were home during the
day were now working outside the home. They explored the possibilities and agreed to share the task.
After this successful first year, the other large church in Valley joined in, the three congregations hosting
on a rotating basis. The rest, they say, is history.

This year there were 3 congregations, on 4 campuses, representing 5 denominations manned by 45
volunteers which served 117 students. The students are able to be with classmates or relatives that may
attend one of the other churches. Representatives from each congregation are hands-on with the many
tasks involved. Resources are shared resulting in staff and students experiencing one successful VBS.

Next year’s VBS is scheduled to be hosted by United Faith Community Church with St. Mark’s hosting in
2025. It is a great feeling to be able to host one year and have two years after to rest and recover.