“Can anyone find the past schedule? I’m pretty sure the boxes are still in the attic. Who handled registration?” We couldn’t remember the details, but we couldn’t wait to have the feeling again of joyfully coming together as a community and sharing the light of Jesus. Due to COVID and the changing landscape that followed, It has been three years since Vacation Bible School (VBS) overtook every inch of Lord of Life. We deeply missed the Holy Spirit working in such a powerful and exciting way. We are thrilled that 2023 ushered in a new era of VBS!
Our adventure into space was “Stellar!” Stellar means exceptionally good or having a star-like quality. Or as one student described what he thought was stellar, “It’s like mac and cheese!” Yes, perfect goodness! I think we achieved that on our journey, but it wasn’t because it was a meticulously planned or executed space-themed extravaganza (but that was pretty awesome!). It was because of the group of teens and adults that came together to share their spirits, talents, time, love, and faith in Jesus with everyone they encountered in the weeks of preparation and throughout this week. It spread through the kids throughout the experience, and you could feel that same energy of kindness and enthusiasm head out the door each day and into the community. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus calls us to do?
Every day we explored how Jesus’ light shines in the world. (Warning, you may want to step back if you talk about this with anyone who attended VBS, we tend to break out in big hand motions and possibly a song to show how his light shines all over the world!)
“Shine Jesus’ light in the darkness! Sadness and hurt are in our lives. Jesus, the light of the world, offers the promise of peace and joy.
Shine Jesus’ light when people don’t get along. Conflict can pull us apart. God calls us to live in unity, treating others with compassion, kindness, and grace.
Shine Jesus’ light when good things happen. We tend to remember the big things we are thankful for in life. However, life is made up of countless little blessings. Where or in what did you see God today?
Shine Jesus’ light when people are sad. Sorrow is part of our world. Jesus comforts and heals.” (Group Publishing)
How can you experience and share the light that comes with following Jesus?
Someone asked me today to tell them about VBS. My heart just swelled, and I said, I wish everyone could experience it. It’s hard to describe. It’s more of a warm, comforting, smiling-to-yourself feeling. If you couldn’t be there, a picture is truly worth 1,000 words. You can capture the feeling. Be sure to check out our Facebook (Lord of Life Lutheran Church, West Chester) and Instagram pages (lord_of_life_ohio). There will be many pictures in the next issue of the Lifeline, too.
We may be tired from the week, but it’s a good tired. One that lets us rest in the knowledge that Jesus’ light is shining in these beautiful children, families, and volunteers. When we get mired down in the darkness of our circumstances or things happening in the world, there is still so much hope, kindness, and love continuing to spread when we open our hearts to the light that is in Jesus.
Shining Jesus’ light with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation