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Spare Change - March 2019

                                                            VBS - It’s Worth It!

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week-long evangelistic outreach to children.  It has become a huge event that most churches participate in, however, it has a very humble beginning.  In 1894, a Sunday School teacher, D.T. Miles, started a summer Bible school for kids. Initially it lasted four weeks; over time it was narrowed down to one week.  Other churches picked it up until thousands of churches participated every summer. Recently the question has been asked if VBS is worth it. Is it worth the volunteer hours and church resources?

Lifeway, the publishing arm of the Southern Baptists, did some research and found that of the 60% of adults who attended VBS, 9 out of 10 have positive memories.  On top of that VBS is one of the only intentional ways our churches evangelize. We are in an evangelism  crisis right now-- 48% of church goers are not inviting unchurched people to visit and 61% are not sharing Christ with anyone.  VBS helps with both of those problems.

It is a huge opportunity to invite families in our community to participate in something the church is doing.  It is also a way that we can share Christ with those children and their families. We take seriously the call to share the good news with everyone we can.  Our  teachers intentionally weave the gospel through all their lessons and our Pastor takes time on one of the nights to share the gospel in a way kids can understand.  We have seen many kids respond to the gospel through the years. It is an amazing privilege to be a part of something so gospel focused and God honoring.

Our theme this year is “In the Wild”.  We will be looking at snapshots of wildlife   throughout the different ecosystems, while looking at snapshots of Jesus’ life.  Our leadership team has been to the Lifeway preview conference and we are already so excited. I hope you will be a part of it.  I have listed four ways you can be involved in this year’s VBS:

1. Pray about who you can invite to VBS, then invite them!
2. Consider volunteering to help with VBS (a sign-up form will be available in April)
3. Register your kids early (registration opens in May)
4. Pray that kids would be saved and families impacted with the gospel

Women on Mission - March 2019

Reaching North America for Christ
By Laura Harper

Through the North American Mission emphasis, we can learn about, pray for, and support missions.  The week of prayer for North American Missions (March 3 - 10) helps church members understand what missionaries in the United States, Canada, and their territories do and how to pray for them.  The task of reaching North America for Christ is huge, but as God uses us, we can see results.  Let’s trust him and praise him for the results.

On Wednesday, March 6th a North American Mission study will be presented at noon in the fellowship hall following our meal.  The Annie Armstrong Easter offering gives our church a chance to support the work of more than 5,600 missionaries as they plant churches, reach out to college students, and so much more.

Women on Mission will meet Monday, March 11th at 6:00 pm at the home of Barbara Burns.  All our ladies are invited to join us for study, prayer, and fellowship.