Faith, fun, and fellowship at downtown Russellville VBS

Children recently sang, laughed, and dashed through clouds of colored powder during a three-day Vacation Bible School at downtown Russellville’s First Baptist Church. 

The annual event welcomed dozens of local children and families for age-based activities, group games, Bible-themed lessons, and a closing celebration on family night. This year’s theme, “Magnified,” focused on finding meaning in small things, a message shared through crafts, music, and storytelling. 

“We definitely learn about discovering the bigness of God in the smallest of things,” said RFBC youth pastor Joel Davis.

Blakely Dowdy and Ellie Stockton play games and participate in the other activities at Vacation Bible School at Russellville First Baptist Church in downtown Russellville.
PHOTOS BY MARÍA CAMP

Children were divided into age groups and rotated through evening sessions that included Bible stories, songs, crafts, and dancing. On the final night, families gathered for a worship rally, skit, dinner, and a color run held outside on the church grounds. 

Angela Woods, who coordinates preschool programming at the church and is known by the children as “Miss Angela,” said this year’s attendance increased from the previous year.  

“This is the second year in a row we’ve seen an increase in attendance,” Woods said. “Many of our kids are from our own church, but visitors are also being bused in from the Eastside community,” she added. She noted that the program is open to all children, not just those who attend the church. 

Woods said she sees Vacation Bible School as a gateway for families to connect with the church and for children to engage with stories and values they might not encounter elsewhere. 

“VBS means a lot. It’s a way to get new families in the door and it provides new opportunities to serve,” she said. “When I was growing up and going to VBS here, I really liked the Bible stories — that was always my favorite part.” 

Emily Davis, wife of Joel Davis, noted the program’s ongoing influence.

Angela Woods and Millie Claire Sharp.

She said the connections formed during VBS can have a lasting impact, not just for children, but for entire families. “We had five families join the church after Bible school last year, and those families are some of the main ones who helped decorate and serve this year,” she said. 

“That’s what it’s all about,” she added. “Hopefully, they take away the love of Jesus despite their circumstances — God is always bigger. We’ve been learning how we dan see God in the small things.” 

Children were also encouraged to give back through a nightly offering collected to support Alabama Children’s Homes, a mission project chosen for this year’s event. Volunteer Monica Balding, who led a group of rising fifth and sixth graders, said her class connected with the week’s theme by focusing on finding meaning in everyday experiences.

First graders Kensley DeLoach, Ruby Harper and Ilya Boyles create and decorate coffee filter butterflies. Russellville First Baptist Church Youth Minister Joel Davis said, “We are definitely discovering the bigness of God in the smallest of things,” a reference to the VBS “Magnified” theme.

“I’ve been coming for a couple of years. It’s always fun, and we get to learn about God and different Bible stories,” said Ellie Cay Stockton, age 11. 

“My favorite thing is getting to spend time with friends and learn about God all together as a group,” she added. “Last year, I decided to choose Jesus as my Lord and Savior and get baptized.” 

Blakely Dowdy, age 10, said the music and movement represented her favorite parts of the week. “It’s really fun. I started coming to VBS when I was around five years old, and I always look forward to it.” 

Other church members helped in a variety of ways – among them, Jeff and Mandy Barksdale, who read stories aloud during small group sessions with children.  

Emily Davis said VBS offered children a chance to build friendships, explore faith-based stories, and participate in creative, community-centered fun — something she hopes will continue to grow in the years ahead.