Summer is finally almost here and that has me thinking about the beach, the sand, the sun, and all things fun! Ahh, vacation… Bible School… VBS has been a longstanding, popular tradition not only for the children of HBC but also children of the community, many of which, didn’t attend church, giving us just 15 hours to plant and water the seed of Jesus in their lives.
Growing up in HBC I have memories of racing to the church a bit late every morning for a week (IYKYK), to line up on the grass under the big tree in the yard of the church. Moms, grandmothers, other saints dutifully standing about holding handmade signs with the various grade numbers so we could find our classes. Marching into the Sanctuary to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the Pledge to the Christian Flag and the Pledge to the Bible. Singing funny little songs, and then following the leader off to classrooms to begin our games, Bible stories, crafts, and endure the much too long wait for snack time. Heading home at noon, all sweaty and tired but excited to go back in the morning and do it all over again! I loved everything about VBS, and I couldn’t wait to become a youth helper.
About the time I was in 6th grade; my mom was directing VBS; I got my first assignment. A few of you may still remember, Mom in front of the church giving her introduction for the beginning of that year’s program, “Vacation Bible School is gearing up… starts Monday… Come see what the BUZZ is all about… Be there or…” that was mine and my brother’s cue. Decked out in a homemade bee costume flitting down the aisle from the double doors in the back buzzing and shouting, “Bee? Bee? Did somebody say Bee? I’m a BEE and I’m going to BEEEE BuZZZZY at VBS tomorrow!” HAHAHA
I remember helping Teacher, (Evelyn Lambert) and Gambie (Jane Strong) in the preschool age classes, which a long time ago was located where Dr. Olson’s office currently is. I’ve helped Becky Thompson teach the 5th graders, manned the rec time in the big room, and of course one of my favorites; helping the kitchen ladies (Frances Crisp, Frances Kennedy et al). They had the best job; chit chat and eating whatever someone had baked and brought in to share and then of course, taste testing the kids snacks as we filled up tiny paper cups with goldfish or animal crackers or whatever… one for you… two for me.
Beyond VBS, there are memories of Girl’s in Action (GA’s), children’s and youth choir, and Sunday School, where we learned Bible verses and practiced Bible drills (a true fav) to youth group where I made friends for life, had lock ins, and made-up silly races (FYI the support under the middle of the pews WILL slow your roll). All the way into adulthood, the baby showers, Bible studies, retreats, softball games, picnics, and homecomings. Each one etching itself into my mind and heart.
This building holds a lot of memories for most who have stepped through her doors. Once strangers, who become a family; coming together to learn and teach, bless, and be blessed. Some leave, some stay, some come home again after a loss or to celebrate, and here she is standing firm with welcoming arms to take them in and love them once more.
So as the children and the saints who signed up to lead them in VBS get ready to “Start the Party” for probably the 125th year, I encourage you this month to
- Pray for them. The leaders, the children, the snacks… they are planting and watering seeds that could potentially grow into a Tree of Life for Jesus and making memories and friendships that could last a lifetime!
- Pray for your church family. The biological, the spiritual, the ones we haven’t met yet… the children’s programs, the adult programs, the current leaders, and the ones to come, all the committees working to be a blessing to our community.
- And most of all, ask God to show you where you would best fit into His mismatched, sometimes crazy, but definitely fun-loving family tree. Friends and memories are here just waiting for you to make them!
In His Love,
Amber Terrant
Deacon of the Month