It fills my heart with pure joy as I walk around the church building on this third morning of Vacation Bible School. The time, energy, intelligence, imagination, and love that the coordinators, leaders, and student helpers are infusing into the week is palpable! Even before the week began, the leadership team spent hours creating castle scenery to set the stage for a visually captivating experience – complete with a dragon and a princess.
During opening worship, I see both familiar faces and many new ones as we learn that today’s theme is “Armor up with Peace.” Walking over to the Parish House, I see people (more than 55 volunteers!) all over our campus setting up to teach about God’s power of Peace. Today they lead fun games, creative bracelet-making, and a science unit about snow – all while telling of God’s gift of peace shown in the story of the birth of Jesus (Christmas in July). They teach motions to energizing music and serve Christmas cookies for snacks, all related to the theme of Peace – while also making sure the children (more than 50 of them) are safe, engaged, and happy.
It is an incredible feeling to watch it all come together, and my deepest hope is that, wrapped with our prayer, VBS helps these children experience God’s love. This is what it looks like when faithful disciples step forward to offer their talents to build up the community of faith and welcome the wider community. This is how we Shine God’s Light, and I trust that in immeasurable ways through the work of the Holy Spirit we will change the world too!
A word of deep thanks to each person that is helping to make this vibrant week of outreach happen!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Amy