The Messenger - August 7th

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"Merry Mayhem"

by Rev. Neal Neuenschwander

Today, I am surrounded by the "merry mayhem" of Vacation Bible School. There are young children in every nook and cranny of the church, and wonderful cadre of Adult Volunteers. We also have several fabulous teenagers who assist with every facet of the program: teaching, crafts, drama, music and recreation. Our theme this year is "Son World Adventure Park" (a sort of Amusement Park), but our real focus is on Jesus and the people whom he touched in this world:

• Monday, we studied the Blind Man who boldly testified of Jesus' healing in his life (John 9).

• Tuesday, we studied the 10 Lepers healed by Jesus, and wondered why just one of them returned to say "thanks" (Luke 17:11 ff)

• Wednesday, we told the story of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof (Mark 2)

• Thursday, we will study the "rich young ruler" who lacked "one thing" in his devotion to God (Luke 18:18 ff))

• Friday, we will recall "doubting Thomas" and the events which changed his discouragement back into faith.(John 20:19ff)

Most of us in the church are quite familiar with these stories, but it's fun to see them experienced by the children whom we serve. So many of them catch on quickly, and so many become excited by the stories that they hear. You can catch a bit of that excitement in their singing. Still others become thoroughly engrossed with recreation or with crafts.

Dottie Hill has been recording these bright young faces and their priceless works of "art" with her camera all week long. Keith Headley is going to turn those pictures into a slide presentation, and all of us will have two chances to see them

• The VBS Pot-Luck Supper this Friday evening, August 8, at 6 p.m. , and

• The VBS Pancake Breakfast this Sunday morning, August 10, from 7:30 to 9:15.

We will NOT show this slide show during worship (due to time constraints), but you will be able to hear these children sing. I hope you'll make a special point of coming to these events and thanking those volunteers who have served our community's kids so faithfully all week.

--Neal

• Aug 8 - Youth Lock In
• Aug 10 - VBS Sunday at Worship  AND the Outriggers Pancake Breakfast