Several of our AEC churches hosted Vacation Bible School this summer. Below are a few highlights from some of them.

First Church of Paterson Shines with Mountain of Miracles VBS

This summer, the First Seventh-day Adventist Church of Paterson brought the theme Mountain of Miracles – God is Rock Solid to life from July 7–11, 5:00–7:30 p.m. daily. Forty energetic children filled the church grounds with laughter, learning, and worship, guided by over 25 dedicated volunteers.

The program blended engaging Bible lessons, interactive crafts, music, games, and healthy snacks, ensuring every child felt both spiritually enriched and warmly welcomed. Highlights included hands-on craft items that children took home as a reminder of God’s promises, outdoor obstacle course symbolizing life’s challenges, and a spirited closing program where children confidently recited memory verses and shared songs learned during the week.

Parents were grateful for the safe, loving environment and the positive impact on their children’s faith. Several families expressed interest in joining future church activities, making this VBS not just a week of fun—but a seed for lasting connections in the community.

Mount Olivet (Camden) Church Hosts Food Truck Party VBS Remix

The Mount Olivet SDA Church in Camden, NJ, held a vibrant and spirit-filled Vacation Bible School from July 27 through August 1, 2025. This year’s program, themed “Food Truck Party” (by Cokesbury), was a fun remix of the 2023 edition, designed to remind children and families that God provides and cares for us every day.

On average, 20 children attended nightly, enjoying Bible lessons, science experiments, craft projects, and snacks-to-go. The week kicked off with a lively community day featuring a water ice truck, grilled cheese food truck, face painting, and even free services from a dentist and barber.

Thanks to the Camden City Schools Summer Meals Program, children received nutritious dinners before VBS each evening. Parents and adults were also engaged through a parallel program, with special sessions on healthy living, including demonstrations on pickle making and the benefits of herbal teas. Participants received gifts such as pickle kits and tea infusers.

The week was filled with joy, fellowship, and spiritual growth, leaving children and adults alike reminded of God’s daily love and provision

Mt. Sinai Church Hosts Mountain of Miracles VBS

This summer, Mt. Sinai SDA Church in Trenton, NJ, joyfully hosted Vacation Bible School under the theme Mountain of Miracles, following the prophet Elijah’s inspiring journey of faith. Nearly 50 youth—including teen crew leaders—discovered a deeper relationship with God through Bible stories, prayer, team-building games, creative crafts, and fellowship meals.

Each evening focused on a powerful truth: My God is Real, My God Provides, My God is Powerful, My God Knows Me,and My God is Preparing a Place for Me. With the support of Pastor William Washington III and 16 dedicated adult volunteers, the youth experienced faith in action and were reminded that God’s love is always rock solid.

VBS at Southwest Church

From July 21–25, Southwest SDA Church welcomed 15 eager participants to its Vacation Bible School, themed Mountains of Miracles. Each day brought excitement as children traveled to creatively designed stations. At Raven Roost, they engaged in fun games; at Mt. Carmel Crafts, they expressed their creativity; and at Manna Munchies, they enjoyed tasty snacks. The highlight for many was the Alter Alcove, where children learned the life-changing importance of prayer. Hands-on activities and spiritual lessons made the week an unforgettable experience of faith, fun, and fellowship.

New Maranatha-Karibu SDA Church

From July 7–12, New Maranatha-Karibu SDA Church in Jersey City welcomed an average of 70 participants each day for its Mountain of Miracles Vacation Bible School. Children from the community eagerly joined the program—including some who spoke only Spanish. With creativity and care, leaders found ways to minister to both the children and their parents, many of whom kept returning throughout the week. On Sabbath, families received gifts and were warmly welcomed, and follow-up efforts are already underway.

Special thanks go to VBS Director Sis. Joyce Masita and the dedicated team of leaders and volunteers from the Children’s, Pathfinder, Adventurer, and Youth Ministries, whose united efforts made the program a true success.

North Philadelphia SDA Church VBS

From July 28–31, North Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted its Mountain of Miracles Vacation Bible School, welcoming 27 children for four days of joy, learning, and faith. Each day was filled with energy as kids eagerly participated in activities, volunteered to pray, and discovered more about God’s rock-solid love. One of the most cherished moments came when every child listened with full attention, showing how deeply the lessons touched their hearts.

With the support of dedicated leaders and volunteers, the program blended teamwork, fun lessons, delicious meals, and heartfelt prayers, making this year’s VBS an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Glenridge SDA Church

The Glenridge Seventh-day Adventist Church recently hosted its annual Vacation Bible School from July 20–26, featuring this year’s theme, “Mountains of Miracles: God’s Love is Rock Solid.” Each evening, approximately 30 children from both the church and surrounding community participated. The children especially enjoyed the interactive games and nutritious snacks. As a result of the program, several new participants have continued attending Sabbath School, with the hope of joining the Pathfinder organization in the future.