By Jenny Adams
Each summer, churches everywhere fill up with young children eager to sing, laugh, create and discover faith in fresh ways. At Christ Our Light in Princeton, staff members wondered: Why should only kids have all the fun?
That simple question sparked an Adult Bible School centered on Jesus’ parable, “The Kingdom of God is like yeast.” More than 60 adults signed up for the one-evening event that blended faith formation, fellowship, music, creativity and sourdough.
“The VBS model is such a good one for kids,” said Molly Weyrens, pastoral associate at Christ Our Light. “Why not offer something like that for adults? It’s a fun and casual way to reflect on Scripture while connecting with other people.”
The evening began with happy hour, conversation starters at each table and plenty of laughter before gathering for songs, a light-hearted skit and introduction to the theme. Participants sang “Sweet Caroline” before jumping into the actions for “My Lighthouse,” quickly demonstrating that adults are just as willing as children to have fun when given permission.
From there, participants rotated through three stations.
New parishioner Jolene Goeden-Massuch taught how to make a sourdough bread starter, using the popular hobby to create a teachable moment connecting to the yeast used in Jesus’ parable of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:33).
Weyrens invited participants into a guided spiritual practice of awareness, encouraging them to slow down, notice God’s presence through their senses and to rediscover the peace found in paying attention.
In the third station, Kevin Sharpe, director of faith formation at the parish, explored the parable of the yeast, helping participants to imagine how God’s kingdom quietly transforms lives from the inside out — often through ordinary, imperfect and hidden means.
“My passion is to make Scripture come alive,” Sharpe said. “The best way to do that is through active, hands-on learning experiences.”
Participants appreciated the variety.
“I was looking for a fun social event to refresh my spirit,” said Tori Badger. “I learned tips for my sourdough starter, gained a different perspective on the Kingdom of God and was reminded how important it is to stop and reflect on what surrounds us each day.”
Others said they came because they were curious and left surprised by how much fun they had.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been involved with Vacation Bible School and I had forgotten it’s supposed to be fun,” Sandie Barthel reflected.
Several participants mentioned the singing, meaningful conversations and meeting new parishioners as highlights of the evening.
For Father Kevin Anderson, pastor of Christ Our Light, this event affirmed what many serving in ministry can overlook.
“Sometimes we forget that adults need experiences such as this just as much as children do,” he said. “We all hunger for friendship, laughter and a deeper understanding of God’s Word.”
This event wasn’t elaborate. It did not require expensive supplies or months of planning. It simply invited adults to learn, laugh, create, pray and experience Scripture together. Perhaps that is the biggest takeaway.
Sometimes the best ideas aren’t about doing something bigger. They can be about reimagining something we already know that works and trusting that God can make it rise.
Jenny Adams is the Communications Specialist at Christ Our Light Parish in Princeton.