Michigan —The West Branch Church took a bold leap into the past and presented it's annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) in the setting of Capernaum, a village representative of what it might have been like in Jesus' time. The village consisted of tents, a well, a marketplace, and a shop keeper. The children were divided into tribes—Issachar, Zebulun, Asher, and Benjamin—and assigned to their tribe's tent.

Before entering their tents, the children were required to touch the Mezuzah, a little box containing a small scroll called the Shema—the first great law of the Hebrews, Deut. 6:4–5—that was placed on the door post of every Jewish home and touched each time someone went in or out of the house to remind them of God and His law.

Children gathered at the village well to learn songs and dances that were used in biblical times of celebration. At the shopkeeper's tent, the children learned how to make braided pads, woven mats, tin carvings, and decorative artwork.

The marketplace was where the children came for their daily nourishment. In keeping with the theme, the tribes were served many different kinds of foods similar to what Jesus might have eaten. After gathering their meals, the tribes headed back to their tents where they learned more about the people's food and culture.

Each day two different disciples gathered the tribes. Garbed in robes and carrying various props, the men captivated the children's attention with their stories.

Organized by Marlane Searfoss and Cheryl Dean, VBS came alive for the children. It was an experience they won't ever forget.

Erin Maul, West Branch Church communication leader