College Community Church Mennonite Brethren

Glenn DeVoogd pursues peace and justice with an enthusiasm that is rarely matched. One way he shares his unique gifts with the world is by promoting literacy through Books Alive!.

With Books Alive! Glenn brings together families from CCCMB and the Head Start preschool on the church campus to read books aloud and act out the stories. The program promotes the mission of CCCMB: To be a witnessing and serving community, ministering in the name of Christ to the needs of others wherever they may be.

During the first Books Alive! in 2008, participants acted out a story called Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina, in which a peddler discovered that others imitated the way he acted in a conflict. 

In this year's book, The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle, the group saw how bullies can be intimidating and no fun at all. 

About 60 parents and children participated in the 2010 event. The evening began by sharing a pizza supper, and then listening to Glenn read the story aloud. Next, a parent led cast presented a dramatic reenactment of the story.  Finally, participants divided into small groups to perform their own reenactments.  Before the evening concluded, each child received a copy of The Grouchy Ladybug and another book of their choice.

In addition to being lots of fun, Glenn hopes that the event taught lasting lessons about the joys of literacy and living in peace with one another.

Books Alive!: What a great start to summer reading!