Dear Friends, 

God transforms lives at Vacation Bible School (VBS). It’s as simple and it’s complicated as that. At this time of year, we are busily preparing to welcome children—from age three to entering 5^th grade—to our Rolling River Rampage Kids’ Camp during July 30–August 3. 

I have been involved with VBS my whole life—attending, planning, leading—and I have seen over and over how God meets people and changes them during this dynamic week of ministry outreach. I know of people who first heard the good news of Jesus’ love and saving grace during a week at camp, as well as people whose first real experience of the power of Christian community came from serving as a leader and sharing this good news with others.

At VBS, people of all ages discover gifts they didn’t even know they had. When we gather together, support each other, encourage each other, point out each other’s strengths, and work together toward the common goal of seeking God’s will for our lives…we change. This is God’s will for us—to transform us completely so that so that we may do God’s reconciling work in the world. 

We are preparing for an incredible adventure! Come this summer and see for yourself what God can do in and through you at VBS. Invite your friends and family to attend camp or serve as volunteers. We would love to invite you to this adventure!

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rosemarie Eichner-Raja
Director of Children’s & Family Ministry

Sharing the Joy of God’s Love at Vacation Bible School
By Sue Yajko

Vacation Bible School holds a special place in my heart. I remember going to VBS as a kid and knew that when I had children, I wanted them to experience VBS too. In 2006, my two sons and I were involved in VBS at First Pres—they were campers and I was a volunteer. I’ve been involved in one way or another with VBS here for the past 12 years. I started out as the craft leader, and in my second year I felt a call from God to do more. So for three years I was the volunteer VBS Director. I loved being involved in all aspects of VBS, especially interacting with adult volunteers and youth counselors, but mostly seeing the children just loving VBS and learning about God!

At VBS, we start each day with a big group opening ceremony, which includes singing, a skit, and a Bible verse for the day. Then the kids rotate to crafts, games, Bible story, small group time, and service projects, and we end the day in a group closing time.

One of our Bible story leaders, Arlene Hatfield says, “It is my joy to serve at VBS. I take seriously the promise we, as a congregation, make at a baby’s baptism to uphold the parents in prayer and share in the responsibility of spiritually nurturing children in Christ’s family. We prayerfully prepare and present Bible stories in fun ways for children with skits and activities where they are immersed in the good news of Christ. What a privilege it is to see the children grow in their understanding.”

I love VBS because I have seen God working in so many places. I’ve watched so many faces light up each day, and by Friday, campers are asking if we can have VBS all summer. Camper Liam Watt, shares his experience, “I’ve been to VBS for seven years and it has not gotten old. There’s a great tradition every day and seeing Garrett (Youth Counselor and die-hard Cal Fan) clad in Stanford colors is always special!”

Longtime VBS volunteer Shirley Easton is proof of the power of VBS. She shared her story saying, "As a ten-year old non-English speaker who was new to First Pres and VBS, I was surprised by the acceptance I felt that was different from other places. Then I learned the reason for the joy I felt: God created me and knew me. He loved me and knew my circumstances. I was going to be okay. I want all children to know this truth."

More than 60 volunteers including adults and youth help with VBS. Middle and high school students are Counselors in Training (CITs) or Youth Counselors who attend a week of training about leadership skills, working with children, skit practice, decorating, and bonding. Many campers cannot wait to become a CIT. Bella Eichner-Raja said, “Now that I am a youth leader, I can teach others about Christ. Leaders of all ages work together as a team and we have built strong relationships with each other over the years. I look forward to VBS every year!”

We hope you will join us for an amazing week where we meet God, form deeper relationships, and have lots of fun! Adult volunteer Elizabeth Watt says, “VBS is a week of hope. It’s full of music, yarn bits, bouncy balls, noise, and best of all, the family of God hanging out together with the story of God.”