VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

AT WHITE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN

JULY 12-16

COME BE A PART OF “CAMP EDGE”

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

Last year only weeks after my arrival as your pastor I was immersed in the whirlwind of activity called VBS at W.M.P.C! Dozens of delightful (usually) children wound their way from crafts to science to recreation to music to storytelling, led by able guides, taught by capable and enthusiastic teachers. By the end of the five evenings, leaders were exhausted and the buildings were looking a bit ragged, but the jungle theme had communicated Christ’s gospel in vivid terms to a whole generation of eager youngsters, to say nothing of the adults who also faithfully attended. Well, that week is here again, almost upon us, July 12-16, in need of your assistance in preparation and your interest in attending.

 

“CAMP EDGE” is a Cokesbury curriculum, the publishing house that handles most Methodist and Presbyterian publications. It will feature an environment of forest trees and pup-tents, cooking stoves and kerosene lanterns, mosquito nets and woodsy background, all to get us in the mood of learning. A flyer handed out in church last week requests congregation members to temporarily loan old camping gear and artificial Christmas trees to Jenn Baudoux, our “artistic director”. She will be sure you get them back. She can also use your help the week before camp to set up and arrange things. As in years past, our team of cooks and helpers will prepare a delicious and nutritious meal every day for a 5:30 beginning, with quick cleanup getting us ready for an opening ceremony time of 6:15. Children will rotate through their sessions and return to the fellowship hall for a closing ceremony at 8:15, so parents, you can pick them up there at 8:30. A light snack will be served midway through the evening. We look forward to another year of happy children and enjoyable learning. We are very grateful to Judy Morris, VBS director, Lisa Stanley, assistant director, the Christian Ed committee and all the teachers, helpers, cooks, and other volunteers for making the week a great event! Invite your friends!

 

I also want to extend a special invitation to adults of the congregation to attend the adult class that occurs from 6:30 to 8 during VBS week. The topic, which I will teach (assisted by Ann Stephenson on Sunday, when I am away), is of historical importance to Presbyterians. This is the 500th anniversary of  John Calvin, the founder of our Reformed branch of Protestantism. He was born in Noyon, France, on July 10, 1509. Our denomination’s Office of Theology and Worship has produced a videotape study of Calvin’s life and thought, with five segments which will divide nicely into our five days of VBS. Topics include “Calvin in Context”, about the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, “Calvin on the Character of God and Jesus Christ”, “Calvin on the Church and the Human Condition”, “Calvin and Culture, on the Social Order”, and finally “The Legacy of John Calvin”.

 

This adult class is a substantial undertaking, with an opportunity to study and discuss key themes in our Protestant theology. But do not be scared away by the topic. Each session includes an excellent short movie about the ideas John Calvin started, the city he lived in, and scenes from his life, along with comments from many Christian thinkers today. There will be plenty of time for questions and unpacking the ideas that led to the spread of Presbyterian churches across the world. I do hope you will join us for dinner and this fine study honoring our most important Presbyterian founder.

 

We all know that VBS stands for Vacation Bible School, but it also could mean “Very Beneficial Study”, if you let it! Come and join us that week!

 

                                                                                    Shalom,

                                                                                    Duane