VBS - Christian Concert At The Zoo
by Rev. Terrence G. Clark
"A lion came to the zoo to visit the kids," said King Richard—Gospel Rap artist as he ministered and performed with ClubK4C's Lazurus Lion. King Ricky as Laz calls him was Wednesday night's headline ministry for the Bridgeton Church of the Nazarene 2nd Fun in the Sun Vacation Bible School.
The outdoor outreach event, expanded from last year, held in downtown Bridgeton--44 South Laurel Street, the location of the churches outreach center, thrift shop and food pantry.
This VBS used a sectionalized approach to the long time traditional Christian summer youth program offered by many churches. The participating youth got to go to the zoo which included activities that started at one tent or area and then cycled to another. From 4-6 in the afternoon, they engaged in physical activities---games, a snack, a craft, and a story. Next was Splash World a new featured at the zoo with various zoo themed water spouts to let kids get wet and refreshed in the summer heat.
"A lion came to the zoo to visit the kids," said King Richard—Gospel Rap artist as he ministered and performed with ClubK4C's Lazurus Lion. King Ricky as Laz calls him was Wednesday night's headline ministry for the Bridgeton Church of the Nazarene 2nd Fun in the Sun Vacation Bible School.
The outdoor outreach event, expanded from last year, held in downtown Bridgeton--44 South Laurel Street, the location of the churches outreach center, thrift shop and food pantry.
This VBS used a sectionalized approach to the long time traditional Christian summer youth program offered by many churches. The participating youth got to go to the zoo which included activities that started at one tent or area and then cycled to another. From 4-6 in the afternoon, they engaged in physical activities---games, a snack, a craft, and a story. Next was Splash World a new featured at the zoo with various zoo themed water spouts to let kids get wet and refreshed in the summer heat.
And lastly, on the roster, was a concert with various Christian artists. Tuesday night—the first night was rained out, but this didn't discourage Event Coordinator Loretta LaTourette, who knew that the Lord was going to bless regardless.
"Where here to reach people for Jesus, said Floretta—a name that Richard and the evenings DJ, DJ Wayne had nicknamed her because of her flow of spirit during the evenings setup. We are here to touch the life of a child and change people forever, but not only the child but the family."
Loretta's pastor---Joe McNulty said the church, several years ago, caught the vision of what they call Compassionate Ministries. It was this ministry that became the umbrella for the church. The church purchased property downtown in a building they call the Bridge. There resides the ministry, the store and educational center. Every year they try to do an event where they share Christ says Pastor Joe. This year is Fun in the Sun outdoor VBS.
"We have one goal and that is to share Christ with as many people as we can. One thing that we have learned is that Jesus loves everyone, and he died for everyone. We just want to share His love with as many people as we can."
Pastor Joe and his church also have a targeted mission. The focus on kids was clear seen by way of the zoo hosted event. He explains, "If we can reach the children. We can reach the parents.”
Assuredly, the connection of children to the city was in mind. "We want to do everything we can to help people see Bridgeton through a different set of lenses. We want people to see Bridgeton as a place where the love of Christ abounds. And, we are real fortunate to have a mayor who loves Jesus.
We partnered with the city of Bridgeton. The theme this year was--Creation.We are showing the kids how God created the animals then they see How God created us. On the third night, they'll see the crucifixion and resurrection story."
He noted that the splash park and the zoo were just add-ons for the goal. The big event was to be the Thursday Night showing of the famed Jesus film.
"And, we just know that, he continued. Tonight is prime example. With all these many children being dropped off by adults, our prayer for tomorrow night —is that not just the children will respond to the gospel, but that the parents will too. We believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ is a transforming relationship. It will transform every part of you. Our goal is that transformation will take place in the lives of people and then we will see change."
"Where here to reach people for Jesus, said Floretta—a name that Richard and the evenings DJ, DJ Wayne had nicknamed her because of her flow of spirit during the evenings setup. We are here to touch the life of a child and change people forever, but not only the child but the family."
Loretta's pastor---Joe McNulty said the church, several years ago, caught the vision of what they call Compassionate Ministries. It was this ministry that became the umbrella for the church. The church purchased property downtown in a building they call the Bridge. There resides the ministry, the store and educational center. Every year they try to do an event where they share Christ says Pastor Joe. This year is Fun in the Sun outdoor VBS.
"We have one goal and that is to share Christ with as many people as we can. One thing that we have learned is that Jesus loves everyone, and he died for everyone. We just want to share His love with as many people as we can."
Pastor Joe and his church also have a targeted mission. The focus on kids was clear seen by way of the zoo hosted event. He explains, "If we can reach the children. We can reach the parents.”
Assuredly, the connection of children to the city was in mind. "We want to do everything we can to help people see Bridgeton through a different set of lenses. We want people to see Bridgeton as a place where the love of Christ abounds. And, we are real fortunate to have a mayor who loves Jesus.
We partnered with the city of Bridgeton. The theme this year was--Creation.We are showing the kids how God created the animals then they see How God created us. On the third night, they'll see the crucifixion and resurrection story."
He noted that the splash park and the zoo were just add-ons for the goal. The big event was to be the Thursday Night showing of the famed Jesus film.
"And, we just know that, he continued. Tonight is prime example. With all these many children being dropped off by adults, our prayer for tomorrow night —is that not just the children will respond to the gospel, but that the parents will too. We believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ is a transforming relationship. It will transform every part of you. Our goal is that transformation will take place in the lives of people and then we will see change."
The Church of the Nazarene isn't in Bridgeton. It is in Hopewell. Their evangelical team knows that a lot of the attendees to this Bridgeton outreach is what is called foot traffic. Meaning, it is not likely that these people are going to walk to the neighboring rural community of Hopewell to attend their church. The congregation goal is---if the people won't come to us, we will take the church to them. They are doing just that.
Pastor Joe's word to other pastors is to live out the great commission. He says, "Jesus said go out into all the world and preach the gospel to every living creature baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
Then he gives us a promise. ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the earth.' It's the great commission not the great suggestion. It's the great commandment. It should be dear and near to all hearts. It is to mine."
Bridgeton’s mayor, Albert B Kelley, was in attendance bridging the gap between church and state. He was there to show support for all the hard work the church has been doing in the city with the store, ministry and the Fun in the Sun event. He hoped that his presence would encourage them to continue and expanded.
Mayor Kelley says Bridgeton is comparable to a lot of other northeastern urban areas challenged with things such as unemployment, crime, and other things that followed when the economy went sour in 2008 and before.
Pastor Joe's word to other pastors is to live out the great commission. He says, "Jesus said go out into all the world and preach the gospel to every living creature baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
Then he gives us a promise. ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the earth.' It's the great commission not the great suggestion. It's the great commandment. It should be dear and near to all hearts. It is to mine."
Bridgeton’s mayor, Albert B Kelley, was in attendance bridging the gap between church and state. He was there to show support for all the hard work the church has been doing in the city with the store, ministry and the Fun in the Sun event. He hoped that his presence would encourage them to continue and expanded.
Mayor Kelley says Bridgeton is comparable to a lot of other northeastern urban areas challenged with things such as unemployment, crime, and other things that followed when the economy went sour in 2008 and before.
“We have to model Jesus Christ, says Kelley, not just tell them about Him. We must model our behavior and activities outside the church. This is why it is important to have all these young people here, so that they can have someone love them and so they can see, there are things for them to do right here in our community."
The Jesus Film has been shown around the world in continents such as Africa and countries such as India. The goal here in Bridgeton New Jersey was to show the film in English and Spanish simultaneously. Bridgeton has a huge Hispanic population.
The event was advertised via multiple community and local venues as well as social media, radio and word of mouth. And as Loretta summed it, "We are just hoping to reach souls for Jesus."
The Jesus Film has been shown around the world in continents such as Africa and countries such as India. The goal here in Bridgeton New Jersey was to show the film in English and Spanish simultaneously. Bridgeton has a huge Hispanic population.
The event was advertised via multiple community and local venues as well as social media, radio and word of mouth. And as Loretta summed it, "We are just hoping to reach souls for Jesus."