PEA RIDGE — One of the greatest things I remember from childhood about summer was Vacation Bible School.
VBS, as it’s called, was a time when the kids got to go to the church or churches for about three hours a day. We got to learn about God in ways that were fun and easy to understand. We also got to do crafts, play games, sing songs and, of course, have snacks. The best part of VBS was getting to see friends we had not seen since school let out and also making new friends. The parents always liked VBS as well. This was a special time when they got to have a break from the kids for about three hours a day.
When thinking of fond memories of summertime and VBS, I don’t remember any of the themes from VBS. I don’t remember any specific lessons or what the craft projects were.
You know, I really don’t remember any of the songs that we learned. I suppose I didn’t learn them too well, but in all fairness, this was nearly 30 years ago for me.
What I do remember is learning about God’s love at VBS. I learned that God loves the children and we are all children of God (no matter what our age is) adopted by grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
This was shown at VBS through the many adult volunteers who made a sacrifice to work at VBS so the children could come to learn about God and have a good time. These people took time out of theirschedules and spent time away from their families to be there for all of us kids.
They showed all of us kids God’s love by struggling through songs and crafts.
Really, these adult volunteers at VBS were showing us God’s love just by letting us know that they cared enough about us to be there every day. Some of these people didn’t even know us, but they still cared about all of us children.
Vacation Bible School is an important part of being a child. It’s an important part of summer and an important part being in a community. If you have read this far, good. I hope you have fond memories of learning about God through VBS. Now, this next part is a shameless plug. The Pea Ridge United Methodist Church, the Brightwater Memorial United Methodist Churchand the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian church have a combined VBS from 6 - 8:30 p.m. July 15 - 19 in Pea Ridge. Sunday, July 15, is the kick-off and registration.
I hope to see you there.
Have a great summer.
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Editor’s note: Brian Timmons is the pastor of Pea Ridge and Brightwater Methodist Churches. He can be contacted at 925-0167 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Church, Pages 2 on 06/27/2012