Vacation Bible School

Weekly Update – July 14th, 2022

This week, we have had the opportunity to host our annual Vacation Bible School.  The theme for this year is, Monumental:  Celebrating God’s Greatness.  Every day children from all over our community have come to learn about how big our God is and how much he cares for them.  This has been shown through the different memory verses that we have had, as well as through our teaching time about the life of Joseph.  As always, our volunteers are doing an amazing job communicating our theme and leading our children.  It is truly a blessing to see the truth of the gospel communicated in so many different ways and in so many different opportunities. 

As I think about this week, I would like to share with you three reflections about Vacation Bible School at our church:

First, so far, we have had around 65-70 children each evening.  For this many children we have had around 40 volunteers every single night.  Several of our volunteers take significant time to prepare for each evening, and many others come straight from work to volunteer.  That means that this isn’t just another event for our church.  This is something our church has given its heart and soul to.  Additionally, a number of our volunteers are people who have come in the last year to our church.  It has been an exciting week on many different fronts. 

Second, our children are giving money to Salt and Light Ministries.  As we do every year, our kids have the opportunity to “win” a contest by bringing as many pennies as they can.  The contest is between the boys and the girls, with there being a tie as of Wednesday night.  As many of you all know, Salt and Light Ministries is striving to serve the underprivileged of Grandview through practical means, such as food and clothing, but also spiritually, through prayer. 

Lastly, our family night is tomorrow night.  Family night is always a lot of fun.  With inflatables, water games, hotdogs and cotton candy, there are plenty of activities for everyone.  For me, in the past, one of the blessings of this night is being able to watch church members engage the community.  I typically see church members eating with visitors, others playing games with them, and some simply standing and talking with others next to different activities.  With that said, I want to invite you to come and join us tomorrow night.  The program starts at 6:00pm. 

It is one thing to host a Vacation Bible School, but it is another thing to use a Vacation Bible School for the glory of God.  Many churches will host these week long times for children, but will do so because of tradition and appearances before the community.  But what I am thankful for is a church that not only hosts this week long event, but uses it to display Christ through our words and actions, with the hope of bringing children and their families to know the Lord.  Thank you to all who are serving and praying for this week. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson