Kids Stand Strong for God at VBS by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Kids Stand Strong for God at VBS

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
July 31, 2013 at 03:41pm. Views: 88

“Stand strong for God.” That’s the motto of this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church located on Barton Road in Grand Terrace. A total of 363 children were registered to take part in the festivities. Participants ranged in age from 3 to 12, and teenage volunteers worked as crew leaders, Children and Family Pastor Patty Marruffo shared. The church’s VBS took place each night from 6 to 8:30 p.m. through last week, beginning Monday, July 22 and ending Friday evening, July 26, culminating in a large finale celebration during Saturday’s July 27 Sabbath service, where the kids and crew leaders sported their red VBS T-shirts, listened to a short sermon and sang for the congregation, said Marruffo. Using curriculum called “Kingdom Rock,” children each night discussed “different Bible characters who learned to stand strong for God,” said Marruffo. In keeping with the theme, the main sanctuary was transformed into a medieval castle, and each night children reviewed a different Bible point with a Bible buddy. “We had Bible points like ‘Prayer helps us stand strong for God’ and ‘Friends and family help us stand strong for God’ to help the kids remember that God loves them,” said Marruffo. Children came in from throughout the City as well as neighboring congregations, and participated in various stations where they played games, made crafts and munched on yummy snacks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut into the shape of a heart to remind them of God’s love. Last Wednesday, Grand Terrace Mayor Walt Stanckiewitz even dropped by to say hello to the children. “The kids were really excited about having the mayor show up,” said Marruffo. Each night the VBS wound down with a fanfare finale known as “The Royal Review,” where the evening’s lesson was reviewed once more. “My main objective and purpose is that the children walk away from here knowing that they have a loving, graceful and compassionate God, and that they know they have a safe place and a safe person to go to, to find comfort,” said Marruffo. That message was passed down to the children through song so that it sticks with them long after the Vacation Bible School ends, she added. “By the end of the night, we have kids shouting that message,” Marruffo said. In the effort to extend their services to their community and surrounding areas, the VBS event also includes a mission project. This year Azure Hills teamed up with the Alice Birney Elementary School in Colton and the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) to donate backpacks full of school supplies to Alice Birney students in the upcoming school year. Marruffo said, “Between all of us together, I’m hoping that we have collected 800 backpacks. It’s just really great to see the kids doing something that helps others.”

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 532

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 610

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 534

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 328

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 553

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 711

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 678

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 788

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 541

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 481

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 771

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 378

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->