|
I knew that stepping back into family ministry would include stepping back into VBS. I thought I was ready. Then, after taking on the role of Mary, Mother of Jesus, I had to answer questions about why Mary was wearing a smart watch.
I had forgotten how observant and quick children are!
We survived that time paradox and had a great day on Monday. It was such a joy to see all these people running around the building and learning about Jesus. The theme is “Hometown Nazareth,” and we are taking the week to learn about Jesus in the place he grew up. Students are divided up into groups named after the Tribes of Judah. We practiced saying Issachar and Benjamin let me know that they didn’t need “Benji” as a nickname. Our volunteers are absolute rock stars; they have made everything happen including a marketplace, games, craft time, snack time with snacks similar to what Jesus might have eaten growing up, and ALL OF THE SONGS. I do mean all, every time I went by the sanctuary, the kids were dancing around singing all the songs I knew from VBS and a bunch I hadn’t heard before.
The highlight for me though? Kids as young as four years old yelling their memory verse to me in the hallways for high fives. Day one included about 15 different students declaring, “For nothing is impossible with God!” We had to work a bit to remember that verse came from Luke, but a bit of practice meant we could all yell "Luuuuukkkkkeee” at the end of the verse.
Y’all really love these young people so well. It is such a gift to be a part of a faith family that takes seriously the call to teach the faith to our children. Thank you for your faithfulness and for letting me be a part of this work.
Rev. Chesna Riley
Minister to Children, Youth and Families
| 
