We know that a church is not the building but the people who come together to worship and serve alongside one another, and this year’s Vacation Bible School was a beautiful representation of just that. Children, youth, young adults, parents, grandparents, and loving members of our congregation all came together June 13-16 to help us have the Very Best (week of) Summer!

We had approximately 60 children and 25 youth and adult volunteers begin each day upstairs in the Parish Hall for worship led by Father Andrew and his talented assistant, May Fitzgerald, along with the Aloha Hula Girls (aka Chloë Gilbert and Lilly Johnson). After worship, the children got to experience live theater at its finest. David Gilbert wrote, directed, and narrated a hilarious and Gospel-centered skit to go with our theme, “Make Waves: What You Do Today Can Change the World Around You.”

Throughout the week, we covered such truths as the fact that we were created by God with a specific purpose: to make an impact (“make waves”) on those around us by loving others like Jesus did and by sharing the Gospel. The children obviously took that truth to heart when they participated in our Change 4 Change drive for Water Mission, with some even putting up neighborhood lemonade or popsicle stands––they raised $1,295.89!

The VBS team faithfully scattered seeds, and now we would love for the whole congregation to join us in prayer that at God’s appointed time those seeds will take root in the hearts and minds of the young people who were with us for VBS.

The memory verse for the week was John 7:38: “Whoever believes in me … rivers of living water will flow from within them.” We had so many great discussions about the meaning and source of “Living Water” and what it practically looks like to have it flowing from within you. Thank you to everyone who prayed for the success of the event even if you could not physically be a part of it! Your prayers were definitely felt!

Our time together ended with a fun family celebration lunch. I think parents really enjoyed the chance to experience even for a brief moment the excitement and joy that VBS brings. And they were treated to Chick-Fil-A nuggets and delicious (and beautiful) cupcakes made by St. Philippian Ainsley Monda (@birdiesbestbakes on Instagram)!

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone who helped make the event so special: Joy Avera, Sarah Baldwin, Morgan Bearsch, May Fitzgerald, Katie Freer, Penny Galván, Vera Galván, David Gilbert, Chloë Gilbert, Molly Hare, Ann Hunley Harrington, Rutledge Hyman, Lilly Johnson, Nora Kanich, Anne Lancaster, Gregg Lancaster, Mary Kathryn Lancaster, Julia Mitchell, Rogers Moore, Whitney Morrison, Andrew O’Dell, Ellen O’Dell, Brendan O’Shea, Frances O’Shea, Roberta O’Shea, Katie Parker, Chase Patterson, Sallie Robinson, Irene Rowe, Martha Vetter, Margaret von Werssowetz, Will Walters, and Loretta Williams. 

It was such a glorious thing to witness so many people in our congregation using their various gifts and talents to bless the children. If you missed it this year, please consider helping out next year––I promise you will have fun!

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