Oh, Shoot! Vacation Bible School reimagined in archery.
Centershot coaches: Stephanie Little, Jami Kile, Shirley Disch, Darlene Schaffer, David Schaffer (photo courtesy David Disch)
submitted by Shirley Disch, Sharon United Methodist Church Centershot coach
Vacation Bible School reimagined in archery?
Sharon United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Pleasant Lake Road and M-52, just finished a very exciting week teaching young people (and even those young at heart) archery skills and the story of Jesus. The program, called Centershot, is open to kids of all ages from 7 to 97. This first session ran August 14–18 and drew 13 kids ages 7–15 and two adults who were “slightly older.”
The Centershot coaches are all National Archery in Schools Program–trained to teach basic archery, using the same system and steps used by Olympic archers.
Many of the participants had never shot a bow before, but by the third or fourth session were consistently hitting the mark. Along with learning how to skillfully handle a bow and arrow, the participants learned about the Bible and the story of Jesus.
Newly assigned pastor Tom Waller said of his experience, “It was a joy to see how quickly the group took to archery, and to see their growth. It also was a joy to see how they took to the story of Jesus and God’s love.”
Stephanie Little, co-director of Family Ministries, had this to say: “Teaching archery this past week was an amazing opportunity! The real joy was being able to grow in our relationships with each other and Jesus and celebrate our successes and new learning together.”
The church plans to offer three sessions per year. Future sessions during the school year will take place on consecutive Saturdays. Watch the church’s website (Sharonumchurch.org) for dates, times, and registration opportunities.
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