Weekly Update // Pastor Chris

Hi folks,

As I write this, we are amid Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Youth Week. This week’s VBS theme is scuba diving, with the overall message of diving into God’s love. Though it's fun for the kids, it truly reflects how immense God’s love is, as vast as the ocean. Considering how God is able to hold all of us, children and adults alike, it is certainly a tall task. Overall, all I keep hearing is how much fun and how the kids are being showered with love. I even heard Scuba Willy has made a guest appearance or two!

In addition to Vacation Bible School, we have Youth Week, where our youth helpers participate in some fun on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. It’s Wednesday morning as I write, we haven’t gone bowling yet, but we did visit Topgolf on Monday. Without boasting, I must say I brought my A-game and showed some students how it’s done. Bowling might be a different story. We will wrap up the week with a fun day at SeaWorld’s Aquatica on Friday while the younger students enjoy a water party at the end of Vacation Bible School back at the church.

Reflecting on Vacation Bible School and Youth Week, what comes to mind is joy and a sense of wonder. These elements are integral to us, not just as humans, but as Christians. Scripture often highlights the playfulness of children, and Jesus himself spoke about letting the children come to him (Matthew 19:14). Perhaps Jesus knew that children possess a sense of playfulness and curiosity, constantly asking why. One commentary states, “It calls believers to adopt a childlike faith, characterized by simplicity, trust, and a sense of wonder.” Children are always searching for greater meaning, a trait I see in my own children as they grow up. Their curiosity sometimes leads to a bit of mischief, but I love their playfulness and eagerness to explore new things. May we all retain a sense of playfulness throughout our lives, continually having fun, being playful, and having a sense of wonder about God’s love. 

This week in worship, we continue our Moses sermon series as Pastor Chris delves into the Ten Commandments and the events surrounding God speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai. We invite you to join us at our 9:30 AM Celebration/Contemporary service or our 11 AM Traditional service. Both services are also live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers for Vacation Bible School and Youth Week. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made this week possible. We couldn't have done it without your help!

 Thanks and have a blessed weekend!

Pastor Will