Playing a Long Game

June 6, 2023

Beloved:
          I ordered this VBS material just after New Years in 2020.  I was determined to get an early start to have a crack at those cool extras, posters and trinkets and such, before they all sold out.  I also got our church thrifter watching for items related to trains and mountains, and she scored toy railroad tracks within the month.  Then . . . . pandemic lockdown struck and the Rocky Railway ~ ​

Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through tin of VBS material sat in storage for three years.  ​
          We carried the railroad tracks back to the thrift store and all those extra trinkets are long gone.  So many of our usual kids have aged out or moved away, along with their volunteer parents.  Yet in the spirit of using what we have, both materials and volunteers, barring new diseases or disasters, VBS 2023 happens next week,  June 12-15,  by UBC, Red Door Church and McDoel Baptist Church.  We start at 5:30 with an easy supper followed by the usual round of stories, songs, silly skits, games and crafts  with oodles of popsicles and laughs.
          Vacation Bible School is a lot of work, work for which we see little obvious return.  Typically it generates no new income nor new members.  I believe it matters all the same and as much as it always has, to let kids know church is a safe place where people who love God love them.  My VBS intention has very little to do with the stories, crafts and games themselves, and everything to do with the memories that are formed in these little human beings.  We are providing childhood memories of church as a place and time where I felt safe and loved so that when they are no longer little and they are aching to feel safe and loved, church might come to mind.
          Playing the long game is how some people describe such work.  Ministering to the whole person also comes to mind.  Doing unto others works, if we want to get biblical about it.  The greater point being there is deep purpose to this work, with outcomes we likely will not live to see.  I am good with that and pray that you are too.  To that end here are some ways you can help with VBS this year:

1. PRAY daily for our VBS program over the next two weeks as we prep and present it.  Pray we will have the volunteers we need, that children will attend, that we will have a safe week,  that love will abound.
2. VOLUNTEER - we still have so many open spaces.  
3. WORK - Our set designer needs volunteer painters, builders, gofers, cleaners, chair movers and such.  Wear your work clothes and we will find a job for you.  
4. GIVE - VBS is not cheap.  We need food, materials, and such.  A few hundred dollars usually covers everything so whatever you can do is great.  You can also give to the VBS offering this year, the BackPack Buddies Summer Lunch Program through Community Kitchen of Monroe County.
5. REGISTER - Register your children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, co-workers — everyone you know who can and will participate. 

          I am so grateful for your faithfulness to the work we are doing all the time and in this time with VBS.  It is such a privilege to serve among you.  

~ peace & prayers, 
pastor annette