For the Edmond Church of Christ, VBS stands for Very Busy Summer.
Actually, preparations for the 1,100-member congregation’s Vacation Bible School begin nine months in advance, Chara Watson said. She directs the 25-minute dramas that open four nights of Bible lessons, crafts and — of course — snacks for children from age 3 to fifth grade.
Leading up to the performances are long weeks of scripting, staging and costuming for a cast of 50 — some teens, some age 80 and up.
“Many of the cast members work full time and come straight from work to daily practice until 10 p.m.,” said Meredith Graham, who has volunteered with the church’s VBS for five years. “So many church members and youth group members are involved in setting up, tearing down … decorating, designing, sewing, cleaning costumes.”
The result: a four-part, a cappella, off-Broadway musical in central Oklahoma.
Erik Tryggestad reports from Edmond, Okla.