Youth Get the WORD from Club
By Amber Ward

Rev. Rick Malec leads WORD club members in a friendly game of water balloon volleyball. Photos by Amber Ward

The WORD Club, an after-school Bible-centered program, "is a Funday School opportunity," says leader Jan Bunganich.

Similar to Vacation Bible School, the club meets once a week on Mondays during the school year at Julian Elementary and Julian Junior High School.

Now in its fourth year, the club "encourages children on their faith journeys," says Bunganich. "Our mission is to inspire youth to see themselves, and God's action, in the sacred text."

This year's club will focus on the Parables of Jesus. Both students and parents are invited to participate in making the stories of Jesus come alive. "His lessons will be recreated through mediums like the performing arts, moviemaking, broadcasting, sculpting, dance, crafts and worship," says Bunganich.

One particular lesson that will be taught this year is the story of "The Good Samaritan." A professional radio broadcaster will interview students as if they were the characters in the Good Samaritan. Students will learn the morals of the story and gain interviewing skills through adopting the characters' roles.

Misty Dornon, left, and Mary Brown teach lessons through song and dance.

All junior high and sixth-grade youth can join the club. Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders will attend the elementary club and sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders will attend the junior high club. Sixth graders may choose the group they would rather attend.

Sponsored by the Community United Methodist Church of Julian, the club consists of leaders from the Interdenominational Youth Ministries Team. Leaders are: The Rev. Rick Malec, Christian Education Team Leader, The Rev. Kendy Smith, Jeanne Macres, Mary Brown, Verna Buchanan, Mary Curry, Serah Holeman, Heidi Holeman, Aaron Warkentin, Josh Rasmussen, Misty Dornon and Jan Bunganich.

Membership is free, but does require a parent's permission to participate. Members meet after school from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays.

For more information, call the Community United Methodist Church at 760-765-0114 or Bunganich at 760-782-0559.