Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Our church, Kennesaw United Methodist, just completed a fabulous, fun-tastic week of Vacation Bible School. Entitled "Everywhere Fun Fair," the program enthralled the children with energetic songs and a wide variety of activities which taught them all about what it means to love their neighbors.
My partner, Marcia, and I were blessed to work together with our sweet group of kindergarten kids. We were their "shepherdesses" every morning, guiding them to snack time, Bible story, missions (where they learned about our church's outreach activities), crafts, science, and games. The two teens assisting us were absolutely outstanding with the children, making our time with them even more enjoyable.
Each day had a theme which described the aspects of a good neighbor. The young people learned that "neighbor are: friendly; giving; bold; forgiving, and welcoming." And, each day, the children learned a part of the scripture quoted above. so, by the end of the week, even our five-year-olds had a good grasp of the concept, "love your neighbor."
Truth be told, I don't know who had more fun that week, the children or the shepherdesses! In fact, after the first morning as we are sitting in one of the nursery rooms for our reflection time, and waiting for parents to arrive for pick up, a little girl asks me this question:
"Is this your work?"
Bingo! Without a split second's hesitation, I answer, "No, this is my play! I have so much fun at VBS!"
And, I do! Even though this summer's session has just ended, I'm already looking forward to next year. What joy it is to share God's love with His beautiful, amazing children!
~
Have you ever volunteered to help at a Vacation Bible School? What was your experience like?
~
As you scroll through these photos taken by Pastor Emily, will you say a prayer over each person you see? They are, after all, your neighbors!
Love and blessings to these little ones and to you all!
Amen!
"Is this your work?"
ReplyDeleteBingo! Without a split second's hesitation, I answer, "No, this is my play!
Love that line, Martha!
Shows how much you enjoy life.
I laughed out loud because that's exactly the way I experience life.
--Full of joy
--Full of play.
Good for you, my friend!
--
Chris
Thanks so much for visiting, Chris, and for your kind comment. Yes! Full of joy and full of play - it's the only way to go!
DeleteBlessings to you, my friend!
I went to a VBS one summer. It was a lot different than this one. Yours looked like fun, my shepherdesses were not quite so fun. I'm glad your charges had such a good time :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Cairn!
DeleteSorry your own experience was not a fun one - VBS programs have really changed and evolved over the years, and every one I've participated in/volunteered for has been superior.
Blessings and love!
I loved this, full of life, full of joy. And those photos, so honest and real, expressions of love.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Brenda!
DeleteOh, yes! Such joy and life in the faces of these little ones! Pastor Emily captured some great moments.
Love and blessings!
What a wonderful experience you had Martha! I;m not sure if we have VBS in my country but there are summer camps for the disabled kids here.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the images. I enjoyed each one of them and I pray with you dear friend ~ to love God 'more' and our neighbors 'more.'
Lots of love!
Thanks so much for coming by, Melissa!
DeleteYes! I had a marvelous time, as you can tell. And, the children could not have learned a more powerful lesson during this fun-filled week.
Glad you enjoyed Pastor Emily's photos, too!
Love and blessings always!
I never went to any sort of summer camp and wish I had. This looks so fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Adriana!
DeleteAs a kid, I only went to camp once and never really wanted to go back. :( Since VBS is only a 5-day morning program, the majority of children really get into it and can't wait for the next day's excitement.
Love and blessings!
my kids LOVE VBS...they sing the songs all summer! thank you for sharing your faith!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Annmarie!
DeleteSo glad to hear that! My children loved VBS, too, when they were growing up. And, yes, we listened to those songs over and over and over, but that's exactly how those lessons in faith stick in our minds.
Blessings and love!
Thank you for sharing these photos Martha. I too prayed for all the kids in the photo. So wonderful for these kids to learn more about and love God more at a younger age. I'm sure this school is a life-changing and memorable experience for the kids (and volunteers)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping in, Vishnu!
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed the photos and prayed for the children. I'll be sure to tell Pastor Emily. :)
And, yes, it was a life-changing and very memorable experience!
Blessings to you!
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DeleteBlessings!