St. Alban’s Receives Award for Community Partnership and VBS

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in El Cajon, in collaboration with the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon, received certificates from Supervisor Joel Anderson in recognition of their joint Vacation Bible School (VBS) and for their unwavering volunteerism and commitment to serving the local community. This honor highlights the powerful impact of church partnerships and the value of VBS in nurturing the spiritual and personal growth of the students.

Vacation Bible School is a cornerstone of many churches’ summertime calendars, and its value cannot be overstated. At its core, VBS is a vibrant, fun-filled program designed to teach children about the love of Christ through engaging activities, songs, and lessons. It creates a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore their faith, build lasting friendships, and develop a deeper understanding of Christian values. Through interactive Bible stories, crafts, games, and music, VBS instills a sense of joy and wonder in the hearts of young participants. It is more than just a week-long event; it is a transformative experience that lays a foundation for lifelong faith and community involvement.

The Rev. Willy Crespo, Priest in Charge at St. Alban’s, said, “The most valuable experience I see in the VBS offering is the opportunity for all ages and cultures to come together and experience the synergy of energy, love, and community.” 

The partnership between St. Alban’s and First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon began thirteen years ago out of a shared challenge. Both churches had children, but neither church had enough children to host their own Vacation Bible School successfully. The churches decided to join forces, combining their resources and efforts to create a more robust and engaging program. This decision proved to be transformative, and their joint VBS has flourished over the years. Today, they proudly welcomed 35 students this summer, supported by dozens of dedicated adult volunteers, creating a vibrant and enriching experience for all involved.

The collaboration between St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon exemplifies the strength and unity of working together towards a common goal. This partnership allowed the churches to pool their resources, talents, and volunteers, creating a richer and more diverse program for the children. By joining forces, they were able to reach a broader audience and make a more significant impact in the community. This spirit of cooperation is a testament to the churches’ shared commitment to spreading the love of Christ and serving their neighbors.

One of the most beautiful aspects of VBS is the opportunity it provides for individuals of all ages to get involved. For the teenagers who have graduated from being VBS participants, stepping into volunteer roles is a natural progression. These young leaders serve as role models for the younger children, guiding them through activities and sharing their own faith experiences. This responsibility helps teenagers develop leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. It also reinforces the lessons they learned as children, deepening their own faith and commitment to service.

Judy Brown, lay leader at St. Alban’s, said, “Our adults have shown love and leadership to the students, and the youth are stepping into that–continuing to develop friendships. Our older adults are going to age out. It’s a fact of life. For our youth to step into helping with VBS, it gives us hope the program can continue into the future with the passing of the torch.”

For older community members, VBS is an invaluable opportunity to give back and stay connected. Whether helping with crafts, leading songs, or simply offering a reassuring presence, their involvement is crucial to the program’s success. These volunteers bring wisdom, patience, and love to their roles, enriching the experience for everyone involved. Their participation also fosters intergenerational connections, creating a strong sense of community and shared mission.

“I am amazed at the hard work put into this event by our volunteers, teachers, cooks, event preparation, game planners, and event t-shirt designers, making this a unitive/happy expression of our common faith with our church friends at First  Presbyterian Church next door,” said Rev. Crespo.  

The recognition from Supervisor Joel Anderson underscores the importance of community involvement and the positive impact of VBS. It celebrates the hard work and dedication of the volunteers from both St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon–aknwoledging the vital role that churches play in their local community.

When we come together in faith and service, we can achieve remarkable things. Through their joint VBS program, these churches created a space where children can learn and grow, where teenagers can develop into leaders, and where older members can continue to contribute meaningfully to their community. This collective effort not only strengthens the bonds within the churches but also extends their reach and impact in the broader community.

The joint Vacation Bible School organized by St. Alban’s and the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon is a shining example of the power of partnership and the profound impact of volunteering. Through their efforts, they have enriched the lives of those who participated in VBS–demonstrating the transformative power of faith and service.

To find out more about VBS and other formation opportunities offered throughout EDSD, click here: www.edsd.org/formation