July 2026

“Serving Today, Shaping Tomorrow”
“Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.”
(Proverbs 22:6)

As we enter the month of July, our parish is preparing for one of the most exciting ministries of the summer—Vacation Bible School. Beginning on July 15th and continuing each Wednesday through August 12th, children from our communities will gather to learn about God’s love, grow in faith, make friends, and experience the joy of belonging to God’s family.

Vacation Bible School is not just a ministry of one church. It is a ministry of our entire parish: Upper St. Croix Parish. One of the greatest strengths of our parish is our ability to work together with three churches, Atlas, Central-Grantsburg, and St. Croix Falls UMC. Members from all three churches come together with a shared purpose and a shared love for children. Through donations, volunteer service, and faithful prayers, we support this ministry as one church family.

I am especially grateful that all three churches have embraced VBS as a mission project. Some members prepare lessons and activities. Others provide meals, supplies, and financial support. Many offer their prayers for the children, volunteers, and families who will participate. Every gift, every helping hand, and every prayer becomes part of God’s work through this ministry.
Our ministry theme for 2026 is “Sent to Serve, Sent in Love.” Vacation Bible School is a beautiful example of that calling. We are sent to serve not only the children of our churches but also the children and families of our surrounding communities. Through our hospitality, kindness, and witness, we share the love of Christ with the next generation.

This year’s VBS theme is “Pool Party.” As children gather for five Wednesdays of fun, learning, music, crafts, games, and Bible stories, we hope they will discover that God’s love is refreshing, welcoming, and life-giving. We are also excited to invite the families of our children to a special VBS presentation and potluck dinner on August 12th, followed by a community Pool Party on August 16th. These celebrations will be more than children’s events; they will be opportunities for our entire parish and community to gather, build relationships, and experience Christian fellowship together.

We believe that children are not only the future of the church—they are an important part of the church today. By investing in their faith now, we help shape tomorrow’s disciples, leaders, and servants of Christ. A Bible story learned this summer, a song sung with joy, a prayer spoken for the first time, or a friendship formed at VBS may remain in a child’s heart for years to come. God often uses small seeds to produce a great harvest.

As our VBS begins this month, I invite you to continue praying for this ministry. Pray for the children, volunteers, families, and all who will take part. Pray that God’s love will be shared, faith will be nurtured, and lives will be touched by the presence of Christ.

We are excited to see how God will work through this year’s VBS, through the children who participate, through the families who join us, and through our parish working together in ministry. May God use these opportunities to strengthen faith, build community, and expand God’s Kingdom in our midst.

Thank you for being a parish that serves together, loves together, and reaches out together. Through your support and faithfulness, we are serving today and shaping tomorrow.

In Grace and Love,
Pastor Jenny Lee