A fun-filled week

We've got lots of kids and volunteers in the building this week for Vacation Bible School. Although not for everyone, VBS has always been my idea of a good time. At the registration table today I witnessed two five-year olds  greeting each other with small excited waves while adults conducted the business of checking in. "She's my friend from Sunday School," one confided in me while waiting for her name tag. Properly registered, they joined hands and ran to find their group.

Relationships are so important - not just for our well-being but for understanding how our relational God has created us to negotiate in the world. At five and eighty-five -- taking turns, sharing, listening  -- these are the important building blocks to making and being a friend. They are also the foundation for being good stewards of the blessings God has shared with us.

Everyone enjoys the worship and singing!

I've been especially enthralled with the volunteers from our congregation and community who stepped forward this year to teach crafts, prepare snacks, bring the Bible stories alive, and shepherd groups of kids from room to room. There are the new helpers -- older youth and high school kids who have graduated to "crew leader" status. Some of these kids we know well - others are friends of friends already bored after two weeks of summer. Some were clearly volunteered against their will - grumpy and uncooperative after being awakened too early - physically present but letting the rest of us know they aren't happy about it.

Among this year's crop of volunteers are some long-retired Sunday School teachers and a dozen other older adults who have jumped in with the kind of contagious enthusiasm and joy I wish everyone had. They've egged each other on - playing games with the kids, singing and doing the hand motions - embracing the new(er) technology of mimicking the words and motions of enthusiastic kids on a DVD.

Relationships are vital to them also - both the lasting friendships they've developed over many years and the new relationships that may only last the few days of Vacation Bible School.

Learning about God's love through games and fun!

When one of the youngest kids came to the snack station on the first day, he asked for a hamburger and fries. Learning that they were not available, he was willing to settle for mac and cheese. We are not always able or willing to offer all of the bells and whistles (or mac and cheese) of a larger church. But we are certainly growing in our ability to welcome and build relationships with these young children, the eager and even reluctant teenagers, and with each other. We are excited to take turns so that others may shine, to share what we have - including our time and the treasure our faith. Come and see!