Lillie Livingston balances a water pitcher on her head to demonstrate an Israeli custom around 30 A.D. | Clif Knight

Over 200 children and teachers filled the sanctuary, classrooms and gymnasium at First Baptist Church of Hartselle for Vacation Bible School this week, studying the Bible, singing hymns, doing mission work, playing games and enjoying snacks.

The theme of the school, “Agency D3, Discover, Decide, Defend.” One teacher came fully dressed for the part. Gail Dunn, who taught fourth graders, presented the image of a secret agent, wearing a black suit and all black accessories including sunglasses.

“I told the class I’d keep everything on if they’d let me run the fan,” Dunn said. When they declined, I peeled off the coat, hat and sunglasses and proceeded to teach shirt sleeves.”

“This year’s enrollment is about what it was last year,” said Dawn Zandt, VBS director. However, we don’t have the children from the Osborne, Warren and Oden (OWO) Recreation Center this year.”

“The children range from four years old to sixth grade,” she added “and they’re very excited and involved in each activity we had planned for them.”

Fifth and sixth graders participated in a different mission project each day. On Wednesday, they visited Columbia Cottage where they made birdhouses and spent time with residents.

A special offering was taken to purchase goats in support of the work of two Southern Baptist missionaries with ties to First Baptist .In addition, students collected school supplies for distribution to children of needy families through The Caring Place.

The school will conclude on Friday at 6 p.m. with a Family Night observance. Students will display crafts they have made, perform songs they have been taught, enjoy a meal with their parents and watch a movie.

Church youth (7th-8th grades) volunteered to assist adult leaders in each age group.

| Clif Knight

Claudia Burroughs, left, and Mackenzie Sharp enjoy playing in a sand box during Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church. | Clif Knight

VBS teacher Amy White teaches the observance of the Lord’s Supper to four- and five-year-olds at First Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School on Wednesday. | Clif Knight

| Clif Knight

Gail Dunn teaches a Bible lesion to fourth graders at First Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School, dressed as a secret agent. The theme of the school was “Agency D3, Discover, Decide, Defend. | Clif Knight