Thank you for an amazing VBS!

Thank you to everyone who helped make Vacation Bible School a success! Throughout the week, we have had 40 children with 22 adult volunteers supervising (and that’s not counting all of the volunteers who helped prep the church for this week!). Our building has been wonderfully full of energy and joy! 
We have learned about the people of Babel and that building a tower so high it reaches the clouds is not really what God has asked us to do. Staying in one place, completely in our comfort zone isn’t the goal either. God wants us to make life a journey – knowing that sometimes, we have to go someplace unexpected.

We learned that Abram and Sarai set out on a journey through the desert. But God was with them on this journey, just as God is with all of us. Abram built altars many times during their trip to mark their gratitude for God being with them. We reminded each other that God is with us and loves us – always. So, how do we mark important times or places – significant moments – in our lives?

Then the story of Nehemiah brought up ideas of teamwork. How do we work together to make music, or buildings, or towers of marshmallows? But more importantly, how are we to care for others and include people with different ideas and experiences than our own?

We shared two parables this week. Our drama team presented the Parable of the House on the Rock, which brought up the question – what is the foundation in our lives and how can we build our houses (our lives) on solid rock? And the Parable of the Mustard Seed helped us wonder about tiny things that grow into big and wonderful and welcoming things. Also, how teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration can get some amazing things done!

At the close of the week, we shared the story of the Breakfast on the Beach. The disciples had been fishing all night and caught nothing. When Jesus tells the disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, they are shocked to pull in nets, bursting full of fish. Back on the beach, they fellowship together around a fire, enjoying a meal of freshly caught fish and bread. Jesus then says to them – go out into the world. Care for others, share love, and welcome all people. We talked about how we can do just that in our own lives, every day!
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And so I thank you, dear friends! Thank you for understanding how important this week of ministry is to our church family and our community. Thank you for believing in, encouraging, and supporting our adults, youth, and children as we planned and prepared for this incredibly meaningful and beautiful Vacation Bible School! Thank you for always making time for the important work of our children. Thank you for loving people of all ages for who they are and where they are on life’s journey. I am grateful for ALL of you.
 
With love, always,
Emily :)