Harry Potter

Harry Potter was the theme for VBS this past week at St. Thomas Episcopal, which happens to be our church (I know, I know--shameless self-promotion).
The theme, Wizards and Wonders, brought more than 65 children and a dozen teen helpers ("prefects") beginning Jun 8.
Directed by volunteer Erin Redden, stories and heroes of the Bible came to life through the professionally costumed parishioner-actors against sets and backgrounds designed by Tiffany Bonaker.
On Monday, the "students" were sorted into their "houses." (If you didn't see the movie, this was a very big deal. Each student was called forward while the magical talking "Sorting Hat" was placed on his/her head.) On Monday, before the sorting, the children heard the story of how Jesus called his disciples. Being called into a new group or 'house' was to be taken as a big responsibility toward the other members, one's new family for the rest of the week. As in the movie, each child was called by name. They sat under the hat and a deep voice called out the name of their house: Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Slytherin or Huffelpuff.
The House of Heroes, a nonprofit that serves the nation's military and public safety veterans (and their spouses) who are disabled, living on a fixed income, or facing other physical/financial challenges, was the beneficiary of VBS. Volunteers for the House of Heroes perform minor repairs and make improvements to the homes of veterans and their spouses-at no cost to the veteran.
-- Amy Nerone
Congrats to everyone involved, especially those who gave so much of their time, talent and treasure.