Summer Ministry

It's that time of year once again here at UPCS. 

Vacation Bible School! 

I still remember my own years as an attendee: sloppy joe sandwiches, going to church on weekdays, getting to know other kids my age who didn't usually come to our church. It was almost like the first day of school, but in the middle of summer. 

Funny thing, I don't really have that many memories of volunteering at VBS. Was it possible that I wasn't really around? I remember leading my own small class of elementary school students as a high schooler...I remember playing music on stage (my sister played guitar and I played bass and we got into a big fight)...but besides that, I don't really remember much. 

Oh how times have changed. Two years into my ministry here in Seattle, I'm seeing just how big VBS is not only for the children we invite, but for everyone who pitches in to help make it happen. From what I've heard, in years past it was an even bigger deal: setting up go kart racing around the parking lot, building a near life-sized pirate ship, putting together elaborate, Broadway style productions. Though the past couple of years have been more modest, I'm still seeing this awesome energy as middle, high school, and college students work late into the night to assemble the stage, turn design ideas into design realities, and practice music. In other words, I see our church come to life as it works to serve someone else (the majority of children who are coming for VBS don't go to our or any church). 

Have you ever gone to a lifeless church? One that felt like a museum? Chances are it didn't start that way. Chances are the incredible energy that drew people together in the first place had to do with serving others for the sake of God's name. But it's easy, once things get rolling, to think that church is more about the programs that you're putting together than the people that you're serving, the God that you're worshiping. 

Whether it's putting on a week long program of games, teaching, worship, and crafts for children, whether it's building homes for victims of earthquakes and hurricanes, or whether it's sitting next to and spending time with the sick or infirm, followers of Christ were meant to follow, and it's pretty hard to follow sitting down. 

God, may we not be satisfied with personal comforts as long as others are in need. God, may we serve and love you not only in word, but in our lives.