The reading club came to an end in a Super way! After finishing up our Super Reader Capes, some of our favorite stories were read to us. We played Super Group Games and then we all worked together to make a Super Size Sundae over 8′ long! With so many toppings to choose from, it was hard to pick our favorites. After a summer full of fun and reading, we all are officially Super Readers!!!
In Kids’ Church, we have taken a Road Trip without leaving the building! We witnessed Peter making a mad dash to the beach when he saw Jesus. A trip to the museum reminded us about the past and how we can learn from our mistakes, just like Saul. Outside play is always needed and got us up and running! We even went to summer school and learned how Jesus enjoyed going to temple to learn and teach. The last trip, we took, was to camp. It is a place that you can do crafts, sports, take hikes and make a true friend, even though it might only be for the summer. Join us to finish out the Road Trip as we go to the fair, the pool and then back home! Whew! We will need a rest after all of this!
There are so many things to love about Vacation Bible School…making new friends, surprising science experiments, delicious snacks, songs that make you dance, rambunctious games, inspiring Bible stories and so much more!
One of my favorite things, and I think the participants as well, is the mission project that is done each day. On Monday, the kids made Bee-attitude bookmarks, Tuesday was decorating cookies, Wednesday was decorating the cookie boxes and making SUPER size thank you cards, Thursday was filling Super Treat Bags and Friday was a Super Scroll of Thanks! Whew, they were busy!
The bookmarks and treat bags were given to The Harvest Home in Akron. The scroll was for the kids to give to their own personal Super Hero. The cookies and cards were delivered by three Super Heroes to the Stow Fire and Police Departments and Akron General Hospital in Stow. The recipients were so thankful to be thought of and could not express how this act of kindness made them feel. We need to take time out to remember these “Everyday” Heroes that serve and protect us.
Serving others is something we need to do all the time. You get a warm, fuzzy feeling back when you give to others. Jesus wants us to leave our comfort zone and “Do good! Seek peace and go after it!” Psalm 34:14
One of the missions I enjoy is Kids’ Church. Occasionally, there is a lag time when we’ve finished our lesson or craft early and the children are restless. We love to play games but often don’t have the equipment we need. But there’s always chalk! I invented a way to make one of our favorite word games, Hangman, a bit kinder. Instead of a hangman’s noose, I draw a clay pot, so anytime the children don’t give me a correct letter for the puzzle word, I add a stem, leaves, petal, or center to the pot. This seems silly, I know, but it softens the idea of the Hangman game to one of life instead of death. Isn’t that what our faith and our children are all about? Join us sometime on Sundays and we’ll try and figure out a word of your choosing!
Calling all Heroes! One of my favorite events is quickly approaching and I can’t wait! At Vacation Bible School, we will be visiting Hero Central to see how we can be everyday heroes. We don’t need any special powers when we discover our strength in God! Each day we will find our strength through heart, courage, wisdom, hope and power. Rotate through several stations including Bible Story, Science, Snack and Recreation. Join us at missions to work on projects honoring heroes in our lives and the community.
Every year, I am in awe at the amazing kids that visit us. VBS takes a lot of planning and time, but the rewards far outweigh the time! As a church, we touch the lives, on average, of 75 children with this outreach mission. There are adult assignments just waiting to be taken on. Accept your challenge today and become an everyday hero to so many kids!
VBS meeting this Sunday, May 7, right after second service in Room 200.
Register yourself and/or child today on the church website (http://umcstow.org/vbs/) or pick up a registration form at church.
My mom died a few years ago and I miss her so much. I wish she could see my two grandsons and experience the joy we have in them. At a recent church dinner we somehow started talking about Mom and four-year-old Trey asked where she was. I told him that she had died and was in heaven with Jesus. He asked what her name was and what my father’s name was too. Then he seemed to get interested in something else and I thought that was the end of it until my daughter reported this conversation which occurred on the way home that night.
Trey: Mama, I’m sad about Nana’s mommy and daddy.
Beth: Why buddy?
Trey: Cause I want to meet them!
Beth: They would have loved you Trey, and your brother!
Trey: Yea, I would have loved my great grandma and great grandpa!
What a tender heart of a little boy who can love, even people he has never met. I have a feeling that he can even feel the love that is passed down from my parents in very real ways. They are always with us.