September 2024
“Reflection on 2024’s Vacation Bible School”
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name
of the Lord our God.” (Psalms 20:7)
2024’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) took place from August 4th to August 8th, with the exception of August 6th, due to the community event, “National Night Out.” Building on the wisdom gained from last years’ experience and evaluations, we began preparations for 2024’s VBS early. We held VBS staff meetings on May 10th and June 1st. During the first meeting, we discussed the theme, “Western: Calling for Cowboys and Cowgirls of God,” and outlined the preparation timeline, including the training schedule.
All our VBS volunteers and staff moved forward step by step in the preparation process, much like planting a new program. Indeed, it felt like planting a new program because our parish wasn’t able to have VBS for more than fifteen years due to lack of financial resource, volunteers, and kids. But in 2023 we were able to successfully deliver a VBS program with many helping hands from outside of the church. This year was different from last year when we had significant assistance from outside the church, such as the Wood Lake Camp Crew and Worship Team. Unfortunately, they couldn’t help us this year due to their busy schedules.
We applied for a grant for VBS, and thankfully, we were able to receive it again this year from the Wisconsin Foundation. We decided to learn and work together with the youth group, which, fortunately, has been growing. The senior youth led VBS songs, playing the guitar and cajon, while the junior youth group led activities such as crafts, games, and STEM projects. Both groups met weekly to practice for their roles in VBS. The junior youth spent their evenings and weekends preparing, and the senior youth even hurt their fingers from practicing the guitar and cajon. Despite this, they sincerely and joyfully followed the VBS staff’s instructions.
On the first volunteer training day, July 21, we gathered fifteen volunteers, including the kitchen team, Bible study team, worship team, and activity team. We had dinner together, shared a devotion on the VBS theme, and prayed together. We studied the theme, Bible story, and song in the sanctuary, then continued with group study in our respective teams.
On the second volunteer training day, July 28, we gathered seventeen volunteers, including youth volunteers. Some members of the worship team suggested using videos instead of live music, which the youth worship team would play and sing. I understood their hesitation, as the worship team was not quite ready yet. I often prayed to God for guidance on how to lead our newly organized worship team, consisting of beginners on guitar and cajon. I, too, a beginner on guitar, injured my fingers while practicing the guitar. I thought that if I gave up, our youth members might also give up, so I continued to practice guitar alongside them, encouraging them along the way. Some didn’t want to stand while playing the guitar due to back pain, and some didn’t want to stand before people due to their personality. I listened to their concerns and supported their preferences.
On the first day of VBS, August 4th, right before the final rehearsal, the entire congregation worked together to complete the decorations. The final rehearsal also went smoothly. However, I didn’t anticipate that they would actually stand on the altar during VBS. Children arrived with their parents to register, and we greeted them with excitement.
Finally, VBS 2024 began with the theme song, dancing, and everyone shouting the scripture theme verse together: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalms 20:7). All the worship teams stood on the altar with their instruments, playing songs and singing confidently and joyfully. It was an awesome moment where we felt God working with us. The church was filled with excitement and the joyful noise of children.
After worship, we provided dinner, bible lessons, and activities each day. After two days of VBS, on August 6th, we took a break for the community event, National Night Out. We set up a church booth near the Grantsburg Fire Department and had the opportunity to reach out to kids and their parents.
On the third and fourth (last) days, more kids joined us whom we met at the National Night Out event. By the end, we had 16 younger kids, 10 older kids, and 15 adult volunteers for 2024’s VBS. It was a wonderful turnout, made possible by God’s help and the support and prayers of all our parishioners.
On the last day of VBS, the children ran to me and gave me hugs, saying, “Thank you, Paster Jenny! When will VBS be held again?” They returned to the church on Friday and, as soon as they saw me at the front door, asked, “Can we join the youth family game night?” I answered, “Sure, you can.” As a result, we changed the program from youth family game night to a “post-VBS game night.” I prayed to God for guidance on how to continue caring for these children. Shayna, our Youth Director, suggested an additional program, the K-Up Weekday Gathering, so that we can continue to care for these children in the love of God. We will keep the momentum going in our children’s ministry, inspired by this experience.
Please continue to pray for our children and youth ministry. Without your support and prayers, we cannot continue to develop the next generation’s ministry.
Blessings!
Pastor Jenny