Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 22, 2025
Dear Beloved,
What are your favorite parts of the summer? Summer is my favorite season, so there are many things that I appreciate and enjoy. As far back as I can remember, VBS has been a favorite part of my summer – I was a VBS participant as a child, and then a teen helper and then an adult helper. The summer of shelter-in-place was so strange - I missed Vacation Bible School. After going without, I have an even deeper appreciation for Vacation Bible School, and it has become my favorite week.
During the school year, Medicaid says that I have fifteen minutes with a child and then must move on. During VBS, I have the opportunity to sing and praise God with David’s wonderful music ministry and leadership. It is a joy that I cannot put into words. I see the children enjoying the delicious and nutritious snacks that you donate - thank you! We enjoy stories from the Bible and chat and pray together. I hear the kids building relationships with each other and their teen helpers and adult leaders. I give thanks as they love game time with Jennifer and learn cooking with Leonardo, make crafts with Becky, participate in a service project with Jessica, learn gardening with Roberta and Brandon, and enjoy Kristen and Dave’s fabulous decorations. I’m grateful for the ways Linda, Judy, and Sue show up and support kids, teens, and all of us however we need. Each of the adults does a beautiful job of playing with the kids and listening to them. We had a great big bunch of middle school and high school helpers. The kids look up to them and adore them. I’m grateful that kids, teens, and adults all invited friends to come along with them and they did. Praises be to God!
Thank you for your prayers for Vacation Bible School! Thank you for your prayers for kids near and far each day. Thank you for loving and caring for the kids you know and for reflecting Jesus’ kindness to them. It is a blessing to serve our children, teens, and families with you. Thank you for this very, very special opportunity.
With appreciation, joy, love, and hope,
Sarah
