Vacation Bible School is More Than Just a Week

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Annually, Vacation Bible School is one of the best attended events that our church hosts.  VBS, is about more than just a week together, it is a foundation of learning, not only for the kids that attend, but for the adults that lead them.

For the kids, VBS is a fun, exciting way to learn about God, enjoy the company of other kids and it’s a way to have fun.  VBS is a great way for us, as adults, to teach kids that learning about God’s wonders and Jesus’ journey isn’t just sitting listening to Bible stories, but that God really can be exciting!  Through music, scripture, arts and crafts, and recreation (even the water balloon nights), God really wants all of us to have fun as we worship him.

For Adults, sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in the mundane, everyday life of work and the rut in which we can often find ourselves trapped.  But VBS is a way to climb out of that rut and see the faces of kids that are excited about hearing stories from the Bible and watching them come to life over the course of five days.  This is a chance, for the adult leaders, to look back, and recapture just a small piece of our childhood as well.

I have had the privilege to assist with VBS for over 15 years, most of the time leading or helping with recreation. Over the years, I have seen a lot of kids that have had their lives changed because of the time that the adults of the church put into VBS, and believe it or not, I have seen a lot of adults who had their eyes opened as well.

As we approach Vacation Bible School 2015, considers registering your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors or any other kids that you may know.  While you’re at it, think about helping out with VBS as well.  It just may open your eyes and change your life!

Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren Vacation Bible School is set for July 13-17 and will run from 6:00pm-8:30pm each evening.  To register, contact Heidi Bunn at the Church Office.

https://www.facebook.com/events/846299115407169/

Weekend of Service

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Service – Fun – Fellowship

August 21-22, 2015

456-community-service-pictureReady to put your faith to work? First Church is planning a Weekend of Service where individuals can experience a community service project for the first time. The projects are designed to be short and simple, and get us out into the community to meet our neighbors.

The projects include painting a fence for the New Community Project, handing out water bottles, visiting a nursing home, and assembling disaster and school kits. The complete list of projects, lists of items needed to be donated, and sign-up sheets will be available in late July.

Friday night, August 21, we’ll kick-off the weekend with a Bike-A-Thon followed by a prayer service. On Saturday morning, there will be a short prayer service before heading out to morning, afternoon, or all-day projects. That evening we’ll enjoy a cook-out at the church following by swimming at the local pool.

For the truly adventurous, camping will be available at the church on a “bring your own tent and equipment” basis. You can share your plans and experiences with other participants, and enjoy fellowship and S’mores around the camp fire pit.

If you are interested in volunteering your services in preparation for the weekend, contact a member of the coordinating committee: Auburn and Ruth Boyers, Heidi Bunn, Beth Cash, Julie Foster, Brenda Fox, Sharon Helbert, Beth Jarrett, Micah Morris, Karen Moyers, Heather Smith, Peggy Stickley, and Derek Young.

Check this site later on in July for full details about the weekend. In the meantime save the dates of August 21 and 22 on your calendars.

 

New Sermon Series Beginning July 19th, 2015

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Be the Gospel

There is no doubt that the most famous teachings of Jesus are found in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. One of the reasons for this is because we all care about authenticity. In a world that is inundated with information and technology, it has never been more important for the church to be authentic by living out the gospel in very practical ways. The old saying, “Actions speak louder than words” should become the Church’s new mantra. For the next six weeks, we will be exploring the Gospel of Matthew and looking at what it means to be the Good News and how it differs from simply believing the Good News. We will also have the opportunity to engage in community service and share our stories. Get ready for interactive worship times and regular engagement with the community! If you are new to our area, this is a great starting point. Come and join us!

Service themes:

Sunday July 19th – “To be or not to be” – Matthew 5:13-16

Sunday July 26th – “A peculiar people” – Matthew 5:1-13

Sunday August 2nd – “The gospel little word is love” – Matthew 5:43-48

Sunday August 9th – “The bottom line” – Matthew 19:16-30

Sunday August 16th – “What we did and didn’t do” – Matthew 25:31-46

Sunday August 23rd – Weekend of Service Celebration! – Sharing stories of our weekend of service in our community at the picnic shelter.

Youth Summer Service At Bridgewater Home

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Summer 2015: Senior High youth will be serving at Bridgewater Home on the second Sunday of each summer month wheeling residents to and from their chapel service.