We had our first night of VBS last night, and I thought things really went smoothly. We’re doing quite a different VBS this year — using Group Publishing’s Galilee-by-the Sea curriculum. The idea is that the kids go back in time to experience the crafts, foods, and stories of the Bible. Because it’s so different, there was a lot of work on the front end — the weeks leading up to the opening, and yesterday as we created shops and hung atmospheric scenery (recycled from previous children’s musicals!) But the work paid off last night, as volunteers commented, “This is so different than usual — it feels more relaxing to spend time in the marketplace, choosing your own activity.”

Addendum (June 12): We will continue to add more pictures to this post as the week progresses. You can also click here to see many more pictures of VBS on our Photo Galleries page of our church’s website.

Addendum (June 14): We had a great week of VBS! All pictures are now posted up on this post and on our church’s website.

To read the rest of the post and view a small sampling of pictures, click here. (more…)

In days gone by, church members would often invite the preacher over for dinner after church. This June, Beth and I decided to turn that venerable tradition up on its head and invite the church over for dinner.

On Friday, June 1, about twenty five adults and children from various young families in the church came over and enjoyed pork barbeque out in our back yard. They brought the fixings, drinks and dessert. Then on Sunday, June 3, we had thirty three from our senior adult group at our house for lunch after worship. We served chicken salad, a lime congealed salad, squash casserole, fresh strawberries, rolls and cake. Since it was raining all day due to tropical depression Barry, we had everyone inside. It was kind of cozy, but I think everyone had a great time!

Later on this month, we’ll have our young adults, median adults and youth over for a meal. I’ll give an update on this post once we’ve had them over.

Addendum (June 24): We just had the youth group and their parents over to the house this evening. We didn’t have a big group — there were several youth who couldn’t make it because they had prior commitments. But those who were there had a good time. And it was great fun watching the youth play ball with their parents!

For more pictures, visit our church’s photo gallery page here.

Pastor’s Column in The Informer (FBC’s Newsletter) – published June 2007

This week, I’ve been reading a book called The Blogging Church: Sharing the Story of Your Church Through Blogs. Now, if you’ve never heard of the word “blog,” let me assure you that it is not some contagious disease. A “blog” is a short-hand word for “web log.” A web log or “blog” is an on-line journal where you post your thoughts and reflections on a web site and anyone in the world with an internet connection and a web browser can read it and comment on it. “Blogging” is becoming increasingly popular, not just among the young, but with people of all ages and backgrounds. Now, you might ask, why would a church want to get into something like this? Is this just the latest fad toy for a pastor with too much time on his hands? Well, I would like to think that this is not the case. For I have come to believe that blogging can be a solution to a pressing problem in the church. (more…)