VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL 2007 -
St.Nicholas, Steelton, Pa.
Steelton, Pa - “Children as Stewards” was the aptly named title and theme of the 2007 Vacation Church School (VCS) at St. Nicholas Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church in Steelton, PA. The curriculum was specifically geared toward pre-school through sixth grade and 35 enthusiastic children, ranging in age from 3-12, participated. The Very Reverend Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich, pastor of St. Nicholas Church, led the three day program, opening each session with a worship service and brief talk.
The Church School faculty conducted formal classes on the meaning of stewardship and the ways we can offer our time, talents, and treasures in service to our church, families, friends and community. The VCS faculty included Maria Bowers assisted by Emily Fithian (pre-school), Arlene Barber and Jevgenija Radanovic assisted by Patty Hernjak and Jody Criswell (Kindergarten and 1st grade), Andrea Gunther (2nd and 3rd grades) and Luke Jacobs (4th,5th and 6th grades).
A cadre of volunteers supplemented the regular class sessions with music, crafts, and outdoor recreational activities. Nina Radanovic led the children in their music activities and she also directed them in singing responses during the opening worship services. Millie Christ, Christine Christ, Angie Vorkapich, Jennie James and Jody Criswell oversaw the crafts sessions. The children made “shrinky-dink” Orthodox crosses and decoupaged icons onto wooden plaques that were subsequently blessed by Fr. Srboljub. Mitch Matovich, Luke Jacobs, Lenny Tepsich and Pete Barber were responsible for the outdoor exercises which included an obstacle course and an exciting spin around the parking lot on a go-kart – thanks to Mitch. To the delight of the students and the volunteers, Lenny also put in an appearance as “Mr. Music” on the final evening. Millie Yezdimir, Patty Hernjak, Tootsie Krnjaich, Andrea Gunther, Mitch Matovich, and Drayon Stanovich prepared the snacks. Pictures were taken by Mitch Matovich and Beverly Yanich.
Miles Bojanic once again generously provided a VCS T-shirt for each student, this year emblazoned with the “Children as Stewards” theme.
From the outset of the stewardship program at St. Nicholas Church, it has been our practice to emphasize the belief that we are all stewards of God’s gifts, no matter our age or other attributes. Learning to be responsible stewards for our church, family, friends, and community is a constant theme of the Church School. This year the VCS provided a special opportunity to broaden our conversations and deepen our understanding of how we can use our time, talent, and treasure to be God’s caretakers on earth.