June 27th, 2025 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Dear Friends,  

If you have been around our campus this week you know that we have been alive with the happy sights and sounds of nearly one hundred children attending Vacation Bible School (or VBS for short) at Camp Memorial. Yes, we have transformed Maxwell Hall and the Multipurpose Room into campgrounds, as the kids learn more about Jesus’ life and ministry and his own “camping” experiences.

The kids have spent their mornings in praise and worship, hearing stories from the Bible, learning about God’s creation, crafting, and playing fun games. I had the pleasure of watching morning worship each day, and it looks like the kids, youth volunteers and adults are all having a blast.  

Do you know what I love most about VBS? The movement of God’s prevenient grace in this space. For some of these kids, this may be their first encounter with Jesus and learning about the unconditional love of God. These kids may only come this week. They may never attend worship here. Their families may not even be believers. But for one week, they heard that God loves them just as they are, that nothing they do can separate them from the love of God, and that God is always with them. Will you join me in praying that the Good News they heard this week will move in them to bring their friends and family to know God more closely?  

I also want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to Katie Greenwell for her diligence, coordination, and vision in implementing this year’s VBS. Thank you to our youth and adult volunteers who showed up throughout the week to care for and guide these kids. VBS cannot happen without the many people who work as team leaders, activity coordinators and behind the scenes with all of the daily preparation. Thank you! It’s been a great week, and we’ll look forward to it again next summer.  

Grace and Peace,  

Pastor Rachel