High Seas Expedition Great Success!

This August 2010, Peoples UMC hosted another amazing fun time and wonderful experience of God’s love for 30 kids, about half from the community! Children ranged in age from 2-11, plus several middle and high schoolers serving as assistant crew which gave them some responsibility but also allowed them to play alongside the younger kids.
Ellis Hall was transformed into the high seas this year, with MANY helpers, including Fred and Max Brann, Wes Splettsoesser, David Bruneau, and Chuck Kamilewicz who helped hang fishing nets across the entire Ellis Hall ceiling!

Pastor Jamie served as the core leader as well as music leader. The Galley Goodies and food pantry mission was led by Betty Splettstoesser. The Sail Away Cinema center was led by Tammy Tapley, Clipper Ship Crafts was led by Amy Wellington, Ship Rec Games was led by various people through the week including Pastor Jamie and Kimberley Edwards-Rusli, and the Bible Voyage story center was led by Carol Bruneau. Each center was decorated and designed by the leader, and overseen with a lot of work and prayer. In addition photographers included Martin and Margaret Whittemore and Pastor Gwyneth.

As the kids arrived, they colored ocean decorations until group time, after which time they split up into groups of 5-6. The themes each day included “God’s Word is True!” “God’s Word is Comforting!” “God’s Word is Surprising!” “God’s Word is Life-Changing” and “God’s Word is for Everyone!” … to which the kids would shout “Let’s Go” as loud as they could (sometimes so loud that it would knock Pastor Jamie right off his feet)!

Each day a different group of kids was selected for Spotlight Drama, in which posted photos were used in a video to re-tell the Bible story theme they had been studying that children in profile and then these were cut out and glued onto dolphins each child colored.

On Thursday evening, the leaders hosted a family style dinner with short presentations and showing a few of the Spotlight Drama videos. We re-presented the day’s crucifixion and resurrection drama as well during the evening. Barbara Fletcher also gave a short presentation on summer and school year Sunday School. Kids then showed their family and friends around the various centers, and some of their work at the craft area. We had a wonderful turnout for this special occasion.

Kids and teachers received certificates at the end of the week, and kids also received a magnetic photo of them posing at the wheel of a ship, and leaders received flowers. Kids got to share a song and a few slides during church Sunday, and helped with the drama of the Scripture reading from one of their camp stories. The kids blessed us all.

The best was hearing the kids tell their parents each day how they wanted to come back the next day! Thank you to everyone who donated items and money, helped set up and take down, helped out with the kids, visited to show your support and prayed. And thank you to the Lyric Theater, Thornton Heights UMC, and South Portland Church of the Nazarene for loaning many props and materials. You all made a difference in the lives of the children!!!
You can view a few photo albums and spotlight drama presentations at this link.