I've never really understood the name “Vacation Bible School.” School and Vacation at the same time? That doesn't even make sense to me. Another thing, Vacation Bible School is not really a vacation for me. Volunteering at VBS is something that you have to be mentally prepared for beforehand. This year's VBS was especially eye-opening to me.
This year I had volunteered to be part of the skits. I was super excited, we had all worked extra hard on the scripts, and then my Mom told me had also been placed in crafts. What?!?!?!? I had never been very crafty, and I was positive that I was either going to break something or do the craft completely wrong. Crafts was totally out of my comfort zone, but after the first day, I realized that crafts was going to be a really good experience for me.
One of the major blessings from this year's VBS was being able to see so many of the kids I'd watched grow up come and take part in VBS. I really loved their enthusiasm and their openness. Everyone was super fun to be with and talk to. From the 4 and 5 year olds to the 4th and 5th graders, these kids' love for God was obvious through their actions and words, but remember, you are the ones influencing them. Whether you help out with VBS, babysit, or just talk to them you are influencing them. So take that time to help them become closer to Jesus! They will grow up remembering what they have learned from you, and then they will share with others.
For some people, VBS is just a time-filler, or something their neighbor invited them to, but I have always seen it as a way to get to know the kids that are part of my church family and to minister to kids who have never heard the Gospel.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Saturday, July 26, 2014
VBS: Day 4 ~ Machaela Page
Ah, Vacation Bible School. Pretty much THE highlight of a Christian kid's summer (not to mention my own). Since I was eleven, I've served at VBS in various different ways. I've been in music, snack duty, crew leadership, and my favorite: acting. This year's VBS has been my favorite, skit-wise, to date. Not only do I get to interact in character with the kids outside of the skits, I also get to put my *bad* British accent to use. 
Although it is loads of fun and I have and will do it all over again, there are definitely some slightly daunting parts of serving--like the time commitment, the pure exhaustion that I know will run through my body the moment it is over, and then the questions that constantly run through my brain the entire week before: Will the kids like me? Will the adults like me? Will my friends think I'm "uncool" for wanting to hang around little kids all week? Will I forget anything? Have I already forgotten something?!
Yeah, you get the idea.
Sometimes I get plagued by so many doubts that I just don't want to do it. But then there's that little part of me that says, "I've committed, so I obviously want to do it one way or another. Besides, it's too late to back out now." So, I go anyway.
And then it is more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. And the kids love it. REALLY love it. No matter who you are, how many kids you've been around, they find you fascinating. The excitement and joy the majority have is really infectious. I can't help but grin being around so much laughter and smiles. When they say children are some of the best blessings we've ever received, they were not kidding. The relationships I get to build with the kids are incredible. Whether I want them to happen or not, in some cases.
Along with skits, I'm also working in Music with the fantastic Mrs. Kiser. And each evening, whether in the classroom or in the sanctuary, there are always several pairs of little eyes looking up directly at me, intent and focused. The fact that they are singing themselves hoarse and working as hard as they can to do the motions with me is a constant encouragement! They love 'remembering Your people', 'blessing the Lord, O their soul', and shouting 'alleluia' at the top of their lungs. No matter how tired I get, they always want more. I love how much they want to sing praises to their Father in Heaven!
The thing that encourages me the most is the pure love they have for learning more about God. Every night, all I can think about is how I'm there to help and encourage them in their walk with God, whether in a big or small way. And that for some kids, it may be just the beginning of the journey. And the fact I'm able, by God's will, to help them along the way is just...amazing. To take part in such a thing is a privilege that I will hopefully never take for granted (Matthew 18:6).
Serving in VBS this year has definitely been one of the most impacting on me, personally. Even though the stories that were told and the songs we sang I've heard a thousand times, they such a simple reminder of all that God does for us. I grew closer with the adults and the rest of the youth as we all served together. We made so many memories that I will remember for years to come. I've learned so much about the kids, and I think they've taught me more than I thought they would. Their joy and passion for the Lord has encouraged me in my own walk, and I plan to take everything I've learned and put it in action in my own life.
So whether you have served for Vacation Bible School, or you never have before, sign up next year. It is worth it.
Although it is loads of fun and I have and will do it all over again, there are definitely some slightly daunting parts of serving--like the time commitment, the pure exhaustion that I know will run through my body the moment it is over, and then the questions that constantly run through my brain the entire week before: Will the kids like me? Will the adults like me? Will my friends think I'm "uncool" for wanting to hang around little kids all week? Will I forget anything? Have I already forgotten something?!
Yeah, you get the idea.
Sometimes I get plagued by so many doubts that I just don't want to do it. But then there's that little part of me that says, "I've committed, so I obviously want to do it one way or another. Besides, it's too late to back out now." So, I go anyway.
And then it is more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. And the kids love it. REALLY love it. No matter who you are, how many kids you've been around, they find you fascinating. The excitement and joy the majority have is really infectious. I can't help but grin being around so much laughter and smiles. When they say children are some of the best blessings we've ever received, they were not kidding. The relationships I get to build with the kids are incredible. Whether I want them to happen or not, in some cases.
Along with skits, I'm also working in Music with the fantastic Mrs. Kiser. And each evening, whether in the classroom or in the sanctuary, there are always several pairs of little eyes looking up directly at me, intent and focused. The fact that they are singing themselves hoarse and working as hard as they can to do the motions with me is a constant encouragement! They love 'remembering Your people', 'blessing the Lord, O their soul', and shouting 'alleluia' at the top of their lungs. No matter how tired I get, they always want more. I love how much they want to sing praises to their Father in Heaven!
The thing that encourages me the most is the pure love they have for learning more about God. Every night, all I can think about is how I'm there to help and encourage them in their walk with God, whether in a big or small way. And that for some kids, it may be just the beginning of the journey. And the fact I'm able, by God's will, to help them along the way is just...amazing. To take part in such a thing is a privilege that I will hopefully never take for granted (Matthew 18:6).
Serving in VBS this year has definitely been one of the most impacting on me, personally. Even though the stories that were told and the songs we sang I've heard a thousand times, they such a simple reminder of all that God does for us. I grew closer with the adults and the rest of the youth as we all served together. We made so many memories that I will remember for years to come. I've learned so much about the kids, and I think they've taught me more than I thought they would. Their joy and passion for the Lord has encouraged me in my own walk, and I plan to take everything I've learned and put it in action in my own life.
So whether you have served for Vacation Bible School, or you never have before, sign up next year. It is worth it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
VBS: Day 3 ~ Jennifer Kiser
Jennifer Kiser has been leading the music for Vacation Bible School at Redeemer for a number of years. This year, she selected the music as well. In seeking a song that would convey the overarching theme, Jennifer chose “Your Grace is Enough.”
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me.
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me.
“That’s what everything in the Bible is about anyway,” she explained. “I wanted songs that are upbeat, appealing and fun for the kids to sing.” Since Jennifer likes hymns "All Creatures of Our God and King" and “Great is Your Faithfulness” are also among her musical selections. This year, Vacation Bible School focuses on the story of Esther. “God’s faithfulness is throughout the Esther story,” Jennifer says. “He is faithful to those who worship Him.”
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Jennifer also wanted to teach the children contemporary praise songs that they will be likely to hear somewhere else in the future. So she also chose “Blessed Be Your Name" because it has the contrast Jennifer wanted to share with the children. Sure, we praise God when things go well, but we also praise him when we struggle in the wilderness. “Even then my heart will choose to praise God,” she said.
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed by Your name
When I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name.
When I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name.
Music is an important part of Vacation Bible School. “I’ve done it before; it’s a lot of fun,” Jennifer said. “It’s a lot of work, and I’m tired at the end. Every year I do it, I’m glad I did. It’s rewarding to see kids singing about Jesus. In the future, when they face tough times, the song may come to mind and encourage them."
VBS: Day 2 ~ Lori Bajema
This week in VBS, we are reinforcing the wonderful teaching our children are getting in their classrooms with crafts that they take home each night. We hope the crafts will inspire parents to ask questions about the Bible stories their children heard, help their child focus on the "memory verse" which is on the crafts, and enjoy the creativity displayed in these projects! We are having fun making things together, but it's also a great way to have our children learn about God while doing interactive activities. Here's a brief summary of what we will be creating this week:
Monday - Detective badges (hats for younger ones) that have our fingerprints, reminding them that each child is uniquely special. Queen Esther scepters (wristbands for younger ones) that reinforce the study of the book of Esther that we are studying this week and how she trusted God.
Tuesday - "With God I am Strong" wristlets (banners for younger ones) that reminds our children that God is with us always, and leads us through challenging times.
Wednesday - Prayer journals (binoculars for younger ones) that can be used to write down prayer requests knowing that God hears our prayers and responds.
Thursday - God is our rock (Trust in the Lord for younger ones) banners that reinforce our lesson that God protects His children.
Friday - Cross artwork to symbolize giving praise to God for sending Jesus for our salvation.
We'll have one other surprise item on the last night that the children take home as a reminder of the fun time they had at VBS!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
VBS: Day 1 ~ Jan Landsbaum
Vacation Bible School is the first word about God that many unchurched children hear. This week, Redeemer is offered such an opportunity with a third of the 62 children in attendance coming from families who aren’t members. What a glorious opportunity to teach God’s message of love and providence! My tendency would be to pound and preach, but Monday night I saw how God’s message can be carried even in subtle details. That truth is a good lesson for me, and I hope for you, as we try to share God’s love with our families every day.
Each evening’s snack is one of those subtle details, Lynda Teasley, head of the food committee told me. This year, our children are learning the story of Esther, who God used to save His people.
Monday children snacked on baggies full of green grapes with one blueberry each. The message: God has made you unique for a special purpose.
Tuesday’s snack will be pretzels with cheese pieces on each end, like a tasty barbell. You are strong in the Lord, the children will be reminded.
On Wednesday, cookies shaped like girls and boys will illustrate that these children are individually important to their Maker.
Thursday, each child will receive a strawberry ringed by Goldfish crackers, a reminder that God protects and surrounds each of His precious children at all times.
Friday repeats the message of how special each child of God is. A baggie of trail mix will contain a hidden chocolate coin. “You are God’s hidden treasure.”
Prayer and Bible study are certainly important habits to share with our families, but let’s not disparage, but rather be encouraged by, the subtle ways that we can influence and instruct our loved ones about God in everyday details, even in the snacks we prepare.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Preparing for VBS ~ Wendy Meintjes
In all honesty, I often think during the weeks leading up to Vacation Bible School "this will be my last year volunteering for VBS." This is a sad but true fact. There are so many hours spent preparing for this one week of VBS by so many moms, dads, and church members; it can become an overwhelming and daunting task. However, every year the childrens' joy just melts my heart and I remember why we do this! There is nothing like driving home after a day of VBS with your children just brimming with happiness, singing the VBS songs and telling you all the stories of their day. I usually work registration - which gives me a great time during the week to talk to parents dropping off or picking up their children. I have heard so often about how these parents love VBS! And about how many of them grew up in non-church-going families and they remember that this was the first time they heard the Gospel of Jesus. Remember in Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Think how Jesus must love hearing these little voices sing praise music to Him all week. What joy it must bring Him hearing their laughter and watching them listen and learn about His Word.
VBS has also been a time of joy for me. It has been a great venue over the years to really
get to know other parents and youth from our church. It is a great way to fellowship with those at church that we often say "HI" to but often don't get to really stop and talk with. I also love seeing the growth in my boys: seeing how much they have learned about the Gospel, the friendships they have made, and how they are both eager to be old enough to volunteer soon.
Thankfully even though life gets busy, and I start to grumble, the Lord still continues to use this ministry to reach our children's hearts along with my own. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who make this week possible, to the children who are eager to come and to the parents who bring them!
VBS has also been a time of joy for me. It has been a great venue over the years to really
get to know other parents and youth from our church. It is a great way to fellowship with those at church that we often say "HI" to but often don't get to really stop and talk with. I also love seeing the growth in my boys: seeing how much they have learned about the Gospel, the friendships they have made, and how they are both eager to be old enough to volunteer soon.
Thankfully even though life gets busy, and I start to grumble, the Lord still continues to use this ministry to reach our children's hearts along with my own. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who make this week possible, to the children who are eager to come and to the parents who bring them!
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