VBS 2014 — Thank You!

Parents and grandparents did bring their children to VBS.

Almost 40 children registered and took part in Gangway to Galilee “Jesus Amazing Grace Adventures.”

Children learned that Jesus calls us by name, teaches us, protects us, rescues us, and provides all we need.

photoOur Friday evening Closing Celebration was packed with families and SMLC members to support these students, God’s disciples, as they proudly sang and danced to their favorite VBS songs.

The children made new friends as did the parents and grandparents.

Sharing God’s blessings with the students of the Evangelical Lutheran School near Bethlehem was our VBS Mission Project. Our VBS students drew pictures and wrote to 23 students of the Evangelical Lutheran School. Free-will offerings were collected and $258 was sent to the Holy Land for the school to purchase athletic equipment. We reached across to the Sea of Galilee and taught as Jesus taught: “…Love One Another…” —John 13:34.

Learn about our VBS Mission “Evangelical Lutheran School” near Bethlehem.

IMG_20140718_183312403Thank you to all who answered God’s call to serve in this year’s week of VBS. From the many who showed up to decorate, move tables/chairs to the 10 youths and 10 adults/leaders who volunteered all week every night—thanks are to God for you all. We saw God work through us to lead his children to be his disciples.

Please continue to pray for VBS students, leaders, volunteers and their families that all of our lives continue to be touched by God.

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Special Thanks to Lisa Merrill

IMG_7569The congregation thanks God for… Lisa Merrill – who coordinated Vacation Bible School this summer. We had the highest attendance in recent memory, possibly due to Lisa’s avid and early publicity. Most of the children were not members of SMLC. There was much camaraderie among the faithful adults and youth aides – many of whom returned to assist.

Lisa’s attitude toward the week was a witness to many of us. Using images from the parable of the sower – we were to “simply plant the seed, and let God do the rest.” This was apparent in her joyful attitude towards the volunteers and children, and her refusal to stress out during the week. I rejoice that she plans to coordinate us all again – next year!