VBS is such a fun program—or any sort of Bible Camp experience for that matter. And why is that? Is it because of the music and the games?
Well sure, but not just because they are music and games. Maybe it’s the novelty of it—music just a little different than the regular, and permission to run around and play while at church (or a church-related event): that certainly is unique. At VBS, or at Bible Camp, you get to connect to the stories and the lessons with so much of yourself. They didn’t just hear the Bible story in a worship setting, or read it together as a class…the story took them to various parts of the world! They learned to paint in a style that used amate, a paper made from a tree bark in Mexico—they learned about some struggles that farmers there face in growing food. They learned about sculptures from soapstone deposits in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe was the place they learned about when they discussed health crises. They made pencil cases when they learned about Guatemala and how education for girls is not always a reality. The Lord’s Prayer took them around the world and engaged their creativity in making crafts. They used their bodies and voices as they sang and danced to the songs. The used relationships and teamwork on the games and simulation lessons. They read and listened to stories. They prayed and learned together. Can you think of any ability or skill, or part of themselves that wasn’t engaged? It’s the same with all our own lives, isn’t it? There is no part of us that our baptism does not apply to. There is nothing about us that does not fall under that central prayer: your kingdom come, your will be done, give us our daily bread, forgive us as we forgive. Maybe VBS is so much fun because it is a clear and short reminder of what our whole life of faith is. It isn’t just worship on Sunday morning, but it is what we do in our work; it is how we are with our family; it is how we treat all those around us; and it is how we live and advocate for God’s kingdom to be realized in ALL the world. Today our world faces many things that our faith would call us to. Many places where the we can be the hands and feet of God at work. Actually, it’s kind of a lot…and can be overwhelming. That’s why we have a body of Christ that is more than just any one of us. Each of us do not have to do all of it. Some of you may feel a tug toward Haiti, who had a devastating earthquake, a tropical storm, and fears aftershocks. Lutheran World Relief is a great organization to get connected with if you want help there. Some of you may be thinking about the wildfires in the West of our own country. Lutheran Disaster Response is taking help now for that. Afghanistan of course, has many looking for shelter and safety. And may troops to support as they arrive home. There is the ongoing pandemic, distribution of vaccines to areas of the world that are not getting them. There are likely many things in your own household and your own family to which your life of faith is calling you. No one of us can do it all. All we can do is focus on one thing at a time. As the whole body of Christ, his kingdom will indeed come. As people of faith, baptized into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our whole selves are caught up in the work of Jesus’ kingdom on earth. From our worship, to our play, to our work, to our creativity, to our generosity… and a VBS experience is a good reminder of that. So let this simple (as in a single thing, not something easy) exercise of our attempting to do the actions to these songs throughout worship today, be your reminder we are God’s people everywhere, and in every aspect of our lives. May that be encouragement to you as you face your days. May you feel a sense of strength and empowerment that God is with you, that Jesus sends others to help, And above all, may you be reminded that you are totally loved and adored by God. Comments are closed.
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AuthorRev. Chris Sesvold is currently the pastor at Halfway Creek Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Holmen, WI. Archives
October 2021
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