Although this blog was originally started as part of First Presbyterian's "Year of the Bible" it quickly became an easy way to let folks know what was happening on our mission trips. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that studying the Bible and serving go hand in hand.
Right now we're packing up the remnants of a week of Vacation Bible School here at First Presbyterian. Sand, bird seed and dirt have found their way into the far corners of the church-- as have a few hula hoops and a the occasional art project. We were blessed to host 30 kids this past week as we dove deep into God's word, built community and had a pretty good time. One of my favorite parts of VBS is watching as new and old come together. Folks new to FPC and well established pillars of the congregation were out side by side making sure that every child was welcomed, safe and engaged-- pretty great! It was just as much fun to watch as our youth acted as shepherds and volunteers during the week. I can't begin to tell you how much hope for the church I feel when I watch that new generation of leaders stepping up. For a whole week, we focused on serving children and our church was filled with joy and creativity. While we were focused on those fifth grade and younger, I saw the whole church growing together. It was a veritable hothouse of faith!
Reflecting on the energy and the growth I saw during VBS makes me think about next week. On sunday we will make the long trek to Montgomery to serve with sisters and brothers in West Virginia. Some of the participants have helped build habitat houses (not to mention their own homes), while others are still working to identify a hammer. Some are mission trip alums, and others are packing for their very first trip. We don't learn how to live out our faith in a day or even in a week, but we do over the course of a lifetime. Who knows, some our mission trip alums may learn a thing or two from our first time participants. We learn by doing-- by actually serving others, but we also learn by watching. When we see how others share their faith, how mentors, strangers and friends speak about God; our faith is shaped.
This past week we were blessed to walk along side 30 children as they grew in their relationship with God. Next week, I ask that you keep us in your prayers as 21 of us stumble learning what it is to live out faith with hammers, paintbrushes, nails, saws and pipes, but also in the community brought together on this trip. Keep an eye out for updates.
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