How could he not with that color scheme and how the designer crowned the "S"?
Doesn't it make you want to paint your chest with your buddies to spell out J-E-S-U-S one Sunday morning? (I call dibs on the "S", so I get to wear the crown.)
Sure Jesus wants followers, not fans. But this foam finger might have him rethinking that. Or it has some little kid in Mexico really excited.
Such Christian creativity can only mean one thing: It's time for VBS.
I'm a fan of VBS.
Growing up, my dad had three churches on his circuit. (Most United Methodist pastors have more than one church at a time.) Two of the three had VBS, so I know the ins and outs.
Nothings builds community in a church like VBS.
I think Jesus even likes it (most of the time).
Kids get to hear the best of the best Bible stories, play some games, make some crafts, learn some songs, and drink Kool-Aid with an imitation Oreo. Not to mention, it is all about the kids.
Once I graduated from VBS, I took a year off to recoup. Then I started volunteering.
The summer entering my freshman year of high school began my maiden year as a helper. I got my sea legs in the entertainment end of it as a puppeteer. I have done just about everything with the exception of snacks (that's the big game).
But there is a dark side of VBS.
Most churches have VBS for five days, some fewer with good reason. If you haven't volunteered, you probably don't know about the dark side. While VBS is fun for the kids, often tension runs high among the helpers.
The tension stems from a combination of reasons.
One reason is too many chiefs. Everyone has ideas. They want them heard and followed. And when they aren't heard (or followed) alliances are made and venting occurs.
You will not believe this, but sometimes churches guilt people into volunteering. VBS is an easy target since all your pastor or VBS director has to say is that it's for the kids. People who are pressured into volunteering, never make for the happiest of helpers.
Another reason is the heat. The heat of summer puts no one in a good mood or a good smell.
The last reason is Scriptural following the disciples' example (not a good one). What happened when the children came to Jesus? The disciples got annoyed, complained, and took matters into their own hands.
There's something about sweaty children and Jesus coming together that can bring out the best and the worst in people.
Question:
What has been your experience with VBS? Have you witnessed the dark side?
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