VBS: Destination Dig

Seek truth! Find Jesus! That was the motto shouted out last week as children filled our church for Vacation Bible School. Through the Destination Dig VBS theme, children learned that we can seek truth through God’s Word and find our salvation in Jesus. God tells us, “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11).

 After so many months of quarantines and anxiety surrounding COVID, the weeks leading up to VBS had unique challenges and concerns for the directors as they planned. Would parents bring their children so soon after COVID? Would we have enough workers to fill all of the necessary roles? The directors moved forward in faith and prayer, knowing that God would work within our community. As always, God was faithful to bless their efforts. A total of 136 children and 48 volunteers participated in the week’s events.

 For VBS 2021, children explored present-day Israel as they learned about the life, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Digging through the Bible each night, children discovered God’s promises, His power, and His plan for our salvation. They also learned that modern-day archeologists have evidence to prove that the Bible is not just a bunch of stories. It is real. The places in the Bible can be visited today, and many real-life archeological finds have helped uncover the truth about Jesus. By the end of the week, 15 children made decisions to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

 The week ended with a very successful Family Night. The preschool and elementary children performed the theme song, motto, scripture verse, and a few fun songs for their parents. Following the performance, families and volunteers enjoyed a fellowship time outside, complete with food, inflatables, games, and prizes. Throughout the night, many parents expressed their appreciation for VBS this year. They were so grateful to see their children gathered with others again, laughing, singing, and learning about the Word of God.

 Big Top VBS

While the preschool and elementary children enjoyed an air-conditioned VBS, the youth braved the heat to gather outside under the tent for Big Top VBS. Despite the heat consistently reaching over 90 degrees, 53 students came to join in the fun over the course of the week.

 Each night students dressed in themed outfits, brought visitors, and participated in games in order to earn points for their team. Whether it was Sports Night, Cereal Night, or Color Night, the competition was fierce. Students worked to “out eat” each other in the Oreo Race and Watermelon Eating Contest. They raced to snag points in Head, Shoulders, Knees, Spoon. The final game challenge was a Dodgeball Tournament in which the stakes were very high.

 Even with crazy themes and games, God’s Word was the focus of the week. Christian High School’s Bible teacher, Stephen Loeffler, preached each night. As an ex-Marine, Loeffler, earned the students’ immediate respect and attention while he shared his personal stories and preached from the Word. Within his messages, Loeffler highlighted several of God’s faithful servants, including Moses, David, Rahab, and Jonah. Students learned how the Old Testament points toward Christ, proving that God’s plan was in motion from the beginning. Each night, Loeffler gave the students an important takeaway and application for their lives, including

 · God desires for us to respond. (Where are you?)

· God desires to release our captive hearts. (What sin is holding you?)

· God desires to restore your identity. (Where do you find your identity?)

· God desires to reign as Lord in your life. (What battles are you fighting?)

· God desires to redeem others through you. (Are you willing to be sent?)

 Overall, the success of VBS 2021 reminds us that God is faithful at all times. We might have been unsure of what would happen this year, but God knew. He knew that 15 children would make decisions to follow Him. He knew that 53 teenagers would hear his Word. He knew that His faithful servants at FBCW would be blessed through their participation in a long, hot, sweaty week. No matter what we see in the world around us, God is ready and willing to do great things. As our church moves into a season of rebuilding, we can be truly thankful that God will provide when we are willing to serve and step out in faith.

We are back!

For the last eleven months, the church has been quiet on Wednesday nights. Life has been strange and tough in many ways during this time. However, through it all God has remained faithful and good, and I, along with the other WAM teachers, am ready to get back in the swing of things, celebrating who God is and what He has done for us. With glad hearts, we are ready to welcome your children back to WAM this Wednesday night!

Preparing for a new season of WAM always draws my mind back to the previous years. I love thinking about how this ministry has evolved and adapted to bring a new generation of kids to Christ. When I began serving in this ministry in 2003, it was called “Children’s Choir” and didn’t look anything like it does today. Each age group was split up into classroom settings where we sang, played musical games, and did crafts as an individual class.

Though the program was working fine, the leadership team had a vision for something bigger and more dynamic. And so, we began WAM, Worship Arts Ministry, which incorporated a variety of ways to worship God. Instead of focusing on just using our voices to worship, we began teaching how to worship the Lord with all of our gifts and talents. And boy, have we done it all: percussion, bells, cooking, sewing, construction, hip hop, sign language, painting, drama. Every year has been something new, something wonderful.

Once again, WAM is set to undergo some changes. For the health and safety of our staff and children, things will look and run differently this year. However, the energy, message, and student-centered approach will be the same.

One goal of the WAM leadership team has always been to provide students with the opportunity to have a worship time made just for them. As always, we will incorporate energetic worship songs that speak to their hearts. We will also continue ministering to the students with biblical applications on their level. Our biblical focus for the upcoming months will be the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Who is Jesus? Who are His followers? How can I live like Him? Students can also look forward to some of their favorite activities: wacky games, crafts, and, of course, Worshiper of the Week!

We can’t wait to get started up again. Our team is excited to show the children the love of God and teach them that worship permeates all aspects of their lives. Join us each Wednesday at 6:30, and we will fill the church with laughter, music, and praise once again!