“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” – Luke 18:16

Question for the day:  Are we leading the next generation well in their spiritual walk?

Friends,

What a wonderful week we have ahead of us.  As I write, numerous volunteers are working hurriedly to prepare for one of our most important annual events, Vacation Bible School!

I know most of you have fond childhood memories of VBS – the songs, the games, popsicle stick crafts – I have heard many of your stories over the years, and how heartwarming they are.

But for those of you like me, who never had the blessing of a VBS experience, let me tell you about it.  For over 6 months a group of dedicated volunteers, along with our Children’s Director, Laura Cox, has been working to plan and execute this event.  Much preparation has gone into staging, decorating, recruiting, and learning curriculum.  And why, because when the children get here, not just our church’s children, but children from all over the community, when they get here – something magical happens:  They walk into an environment in which they are soaked in the love and knowledge of Jesus.

They sing songs, play games, hear stories, make crafts – all in the name of teaching them about their Savior.  VBS is at the heart of what we aspire to do – Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  And I never forget, the future transformation of the world does depend on these little shoulders – therefore, we have to be diligent in our leading of them at this stage.

And it takes so many people to make it happen – we have Moms and Dads and Youth and Small Groups all pitching in to make this a good event.  It is, and should be, an all-church effort.  So if you feel led to go and be a part of this incredible outreach, there is most definitely something that you can do:  final preparations will occur on Sunday afternoon, as well as, there are all sorts of utility functions during the week – making copies, sorting t-shirts, picking up lunch for volunteers – just contact Laura and she will gladly put you to work:  laura@libertycrossingsumc.org.

We are also praying today for the safe return of our Nicaragua team.  They will be flying home tomorrow after a long week of hard work along with many blessings.  Make sure when you see one of the team members to ask about their experience and let them know that you were praying for them.  It means a lot.

Happy Weekend Everybody,

Gracious Lord,

We come to You today, thankful for the blessings of service that You provide to us.  As we have ended one week, and begin another, of serving the least of these, we ask that You continue to lead us.  May Your Holy Spirit continue to show us the needs of this world, and how to respond.

We lift up to You all those involved with VBS service, and ask that Your Spirit reside within them.  May each one have a spirit of joy, purpose and love for these precious ones they serve.  May the children that come be made aware of Your manifest presence in their lives, and may they come to know Jesus as their friend and Savior.  Speak to them, Lord, on a level that they can understand.

And we ask as well that Your favor wash over our Nicaragua team.  Please allow them grace, mercy, and protection as they travel home.  Please clear any obstacles from their path, and let their journey be quick and peaceful.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for the servants’ hearts in our congregation.  May they continue to lead and inspire the rest of us to follow in their path.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen