Alice church welcomes VBS, UM Army

Vacation Bible School staff at First UMC, Alice, expected 40 children for Vacation Bible School. Nearly 80 came.
“Under Construction,” a Vacation Bible School held in longtime cooperation with First Presbyterian Church, ran June 6 through 10.
Many of the 3-year-old through fifth grade students were first-time attenders from throughout the community and surrounding areas.
Tracy Knieszel was the director, with a dedicated staff of adult and youth teachers and assistants.
It took adjustments to offer hospitality and follow-up in this new opportunity to become a welcoming congregation.
The church played host to the UM ARMY from June 25 through July 2. It did so with excellent cooperation from Texas Department of Human Resources, Community Action Agency, Alice Independent School District, the City of Alice, the Burris Ranches and many local businesses.
Seventy-eight youths and adult leaders from The Rock UMC in Cedar Park; Fredericksburg UMC; Little River Academy; St. Phillip’s UMC, Round Rock; and Bethany UMC, San Antonio, were efficiently and enthusiastically directed by Kristi Zeller.
This is the second time in three years for First UMC, Alice, to be the host for a UM Army group.