This week, children of all ages and abilities had the opportunity to learn about the Christian teachings of the gifts God has provided to all things living on earth during a three-day Vacation Bible School session hosted at the Special Learning Center.
"Could any of you imagine being crowned as a king or queen at the age you are now?" asked Paula Scheperle, a volunteer VBS teacher. She was telling the story of Joash, a biblical king crowned at eight-years-old.
As the children listened, many asked questions about the biblical characters, words they didn't understand and who God was. There were 23 participating in Wednesday night's session, each with a student or parent buddy by their side.
The participants learned how Josash spread the word of God in his kingdom through God's gift of scripture to the world.
The children were split up into three classrooms, where they either watched a puppet show discussing the love God has for everyone, drew crowns symbolizing Josash's leadership or played games of hide and seek to find their scripture, symbolized by the Bible.
One way or another, all found themselves interacting and engaged in their lesson.
They began the evening singing songs including "He's got the whole world in his hands," "Jesus loves me" and "Joy in my heart."
During the three-day VBS, participants learned about God-given gifts like Jesus Christ, the Bible and salvation.
Program coordinator Ginger Luetkemeyer said there is nothing special about this particular VBS except the level of inclusivity it provides.
"We want everybody to have a chance to come to Bible school, and we want parents to feel comfortable sending their kid to Bible school," Luetkemeyer said. "It offers people who may not have a tie to a church or congregation to get a summer Bible school experience."
Jim Mueller, grandparent of five participants, said only two of the five have disabilities. Jacob, Mueller's nine-year-old grandson, has cerebral palsy and enjoys coming back every year.
"It's been a really uplifting experience for Jacob. He remembers the songs and is singing them days, or even a month later," Mueller said. "I expect my other grandkids to remember the songs, but it always surprises me that he remembers them, too. He remembers the puppet show the best."
Volunteer teacher Linda Brinkmann explained this is a good place for children who are busy bodies, wiggle worms or have special limitations ordinary churches can't always accommodate.
"We use this facility because it is equipped to meet the needs of kids with special needs," Brinkman said.
Parent and student volunteers assisted the participants throughout the evening to rotate classrooms, complete activities and encouraged them to stay engaged.
Student volunteer Daniel Bollinger is a sophomore at Missouri State University and has limited experience working with children who have special needs. He said he enjoys the opportunity to interact with the kids.
Baileigh Morris, freshman at Calvary Lutheran, has volunteered for the past two or three years and says she enjoys coming back to help every year.
"Its fun to see them learn about Jesus when they might not have the chance to do so at their own church," Morris said.