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Pastor's Page

Posted on June 11, 2004 ...

It occurred to me recently that I have participated in a Vacation Bible School during at least 40 of the 44 years of my life. The only exceptions were a few summers during my college days. I am among the last generation that took part in a two-week VBS with an additional “Preparation Day” thrown in to get things started. During my youth, I led worship songs and performed puppet shows depicting familiar Bible scenes. When I became a pastor, my primary role became leading the opening worship time (which now requires that I learn new songs each year complete with various motions and gyrations!) During nineteen Vacation Bible Schools at North Cleveland Baptist Church, I have dressed up in Biblical costume, sat in a dunking booth, mastered various crafts, and driven the church bus. (So far I have avoided making Kool-Aid).

We have had Rodeo VBS, Outer Space VBS, Underwater VBS, Amazon VBS, Mountain Climbing VBS, Truth Tracker VBS and, this year, Asian VBS. Bible School themes come and go, but the thing that makes Bible School memorable is the relationships enjoyed with leaders, participants, and families. The joy of these days occurs as we establish and build upon new and existing friendships.

The death of former president Ronald Reagan reminded me of the value of being able to relate positively with people. President Reagan possessed exceptional relationship skills. His natural charisma and optimism enabled him to connect with average men and women. His warmth and wit communicated care and compassion. It was the distinguishing mark of his presidency.

As God’s people, we are to be agents of positive relationships with all the lives we encounter. All of our activities should communicate care and compassion. Our Vacation Bible School staff has done an excellent job at this during these days. In the next couple of weeks, we will seek to follow-up with a personal touch to those we have met through VBS. Of course, this should not be limited just to VBS participants. Look around. Who can you communicate warmth and compassion to this week?

I’ll see you Sunday with the fourth in my series on The Armor of God.