Blast Off! St. Mark's Hosts 'Stellar' VBS
More than thirty children enjoyed a 'cosmic quest'
As many of you know, last week we finished up Stellar VBS. This year the theme was outer space, and we explored what it means to “Shine Jesus’ Light” into the world. VBS typically stands for Vacation Bible School, but perhaps it’s an even more appropriate abbreviation for Very Best Stories. Truly, the very best stories from my ministry have come from Vacation Bible School, and this year has been no exception.
I had a parent tell me that she’s heard her child whispering to himself our motto, “Shine Jesus’ Light'' in the week since VBS. He followed it up by saying or doing something kind to his siblings and friends. I am so fortunate to play a small role in planting these little seeds. Being able to watch these kids grow in their love for Christ is the absolute best part of my job.
I’m going to be very honest here, maybe too much so. Just like we discussed at VBS last week, there are times that God can feel really far away, and I’m certainly not immune to that. Although each Sunday morning my body is present in worship, my mind, many days, is running through a list of things that need to get done. While my relationship with God does not begin and end on Sunday mornings, our corporate worship is certainly a part of it. We all have reasons for feeling the distance sometimes. For me, it can be hard to slow down and be present, and although this distance is temporary, it sure doesn’t feel great.
Earlier this week, Father James asked if I felt recovered from it all. Even though there is still plenty of work left to do, somehow I do feel refreshed. As odd as it may sound, it’s just what I needed. Maybe it was the “space-air” (kidding!)? Perhaps it is because everything-the chaos and fun, the songs, games, and even the conflicts- all point to the love and joy only Jesus can provide or maybe it was seeing all the people who came together for the sole purpose of sharing Jesus with the children, or maybe God just knew what I needed! Either way, I left the week seeing Jesus’ light shining so bright that the distance doesn’t feel so far away.
Lauren Johnsen