Wow! We really “Rocked the Dock” this week at VBS! This week we learned:
· God is with Us;
· God is Powerful;
· God Does What He Says He’ll Do;
· God Gives Us Life; and
· God Cares for Us.
…FEAR NOT!!!
Horizons VBS touches so many lives each year including the directors, volunteers, and especially the children. I truly feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing community of volunteers and wonderful children. At the beginning of the week, it is exciting to see all of the hard work and months of planning come together; however, the true ‘God Sighting’ is watching everyone become closer to one another through God’s love and most important—closer to God.
God is active in our lives everyday….we need to remind ourselves to take time out each day to appreciate all of his beauty, his miracles and challenge ourselves to share his love with others.
One great way to make this happen is to help our children keep an eye out for “God in action.” You will help them discover how they can be a God Sighting by showing Christ’s love.
· Find four powerful things God made.
· Look for someone showing God’s love at a sporting event.
· Take a long drink of cold water—and thank God for providing the water you need to stay alive.
· Place a fun treat or note on a family member’s pillow.
· Give a smile to someone who doesn’t have one.
· Share an extra-delicious chocolate chip cookie.
--Shelley D.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Day 5 of VBS
Night 5, Crocodile Dock……………INCREDIBLE!! What can I say? Kids were laughing, singing, screaming, and best of all, loving our God!! The last night of VBS is always bittersweet for me. I am tired, but don’t want to see the week end. Coming into church each night, seeing all of those kiddos worshipping and learning about our awesome God really fuels me up. Bob and Karl were on fire last night. They were totally pumped about night 5. “All out Night 5” is what Bob called it, and I would say the crews gave it their all. I think this year, more than ever, I heard and saw kids who didn’t want the week to end. They wanted one, two, even 4 more nights of Crocodile Dock. That speaks volumes to me. Our outdoor finale brought tears to my eyes. I watched and listened to the kids sing about our God. Do they even realize how amazing they are, the kids that is?
When Bob talked about our kids coming back and leading other kids to God as crew leaders, and volunteers at Horizons, the lone tear snuck down my face, as it does now thinking about all of these kids growing up with God’s love surrounding them. They will move forward and spread His word and make an impact on so many lives. I can’t wait to watch that happen! For now, we put away our boats, the shack, all of the firefly posters, and worst of all… the trampoline! Another VBS has come and gone. We’ll talk about it for months to come and remind each other of all the fun we had. But best of all, we’ll get to move forward with our God’s love wrapped around us to remind us of all of those nights back in July.
Heidi M.
When Bob talked about our kids coming back and leading other kids to God as crew leaders, and volunteers at Horizons, the lone tear snuck down my face, as it does now thinking about all of these kids growing up with God’s love surrounding them. They will move forward and spread His word and make an impact on so many lives. I can’t wait to watch that happen! For now, we put away our boats, the shack, all of the firefly posters, and worst of all… the trampoline! Another VBS has come and gone. We’ll talk about it for months to come and remind each other of all the fun we had. But best of all, we’ll get to move forward with our God’s love wrapped around us to remind us of all of those nights back in July.
Heidi M.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 4 of VBS
Wow, what can I say but “AMAZING.” A whole night of kids just being kids in the “House of God.” If you would’ve asked me 6 years ago if I had ever seen or heard of a VBS program that the kids just can’t wait to bring their friends and get in the doors, I would have said, “No Way!”
Here we are on night 4 and all one can ask themselves is where did the other 3 nights go? Each night went by so fast, much like how time passes as our children grow up. Tonight I took a few minutes, sat back and watched all the children and their leaders interacting and having so much fun. All I could think about was what a way to glorify the Lord in his house! These kids where glorifying God right in front of me, singing, dancing and praying. Years ago I heard someone make a statement that went something like, “Kids can teach anyone how to pray, all you have to do is listen.” As I sat back tonight and observed that thought just kept running through my head. As an adult, it’s important for me to remember that my impact on their faith is just as important as their impact on my faith walk.
What fun these children are having learning and building a special relationship with the Lord as well as our faithful Horizons family, what more could a parent ask for?
Blessings to you and yours! Mike Schoen
Here we are on night 4 and all one can ask themselves is where did the other 3 nights go? Each night went by so fast, much like how time passes as our children grow up. Tonight I took a few minutes, sat back and watched all the children and their leaders interacting and having so much fun. All I could think about was what a way to glorify the Lord in his house! These kids where glorifying God right in front of me, singing, dancing and praying. Years ago I heard someone make a statement that went something like, “Kids can teach anyone how to pray, all you have to do is listen.” As I sat back tonight and observed that thought just kept running through my head. As an adult, it’s important for me to remember that my impact on their faith is just as important as their impact on my faith walk.
What fun these children are having learning and building a special relationship with the Lord as well as our faithful Horizons family, what more could a parent ask for?
Blessings to you and yours! Mike Schoen
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day 3 of VBS
Wooo! Wooo! What a night! Well since I am a rookie blogger, and I have been scared to attempt this blogging thing, I am going to change it up a bit…..You see folks I may not be much of a blogger….but I am one awesome story teller, so grab a cup of something to drink and settle in because I have one incredible story to tell…
Once upon a time in a church you all know well……There was this amazing week of VBS called Crocodile Dock, 300 plus kids, 200 plus volunteers and tons and tons of fun. As you all know Crocodile Dock takes place in a swamp/bayou. The kids have spent the week so far laughing, screaming, singing, rocking, running, crafting, watching skits, going to Chadder theatre, playing Gator Games, and most important of all worshipping and learning about God. You see folks this week of VBS is so awesome I get choked up just telling you about it. The smiles and laughter I have heard this week let me know how important this week is to our church and community. Imagine the sound of 300 kids singing and doing the actions to the amazing music our VBS Worship Band plays each night. Now Take that same 300 kids and listen to the screams they let loose for our very own Bob and Karl, my ears are still ringing. It gets so loud in the worship center that some of the kids and adults wear earplugs. No I am not joking, I have witnessed the earplugs. Now if this doesn’t get you pumped up about the Lord, I don’t know what will. No I take that back, you need to show up and witness this for yourself. This week has been spectacular. The canoes are getting stacked with school supplies and non-perishable food. Change for Change jug is filling up….but wait! I forgot to tell you folks about a little problem we had today. Remember that mouse that has been hanging around the church the last couple of years? The one that loves to harass Bob and Karl. Well the mouse is at it again, he has stolen the almost full, Change for Change water jug. Bob and Karl, with the help of the kids, are doing a little detective work and all the clues point to the mouse. They have put up WANTED posters with the mouse’s mug shot throughout the church and I am sure they will solve the mystery. In the meantime we have found a replacement jug that we are trying to fill. In closing I would like to thank all the volunteers that make this week so great. I would also like to thank the church staff for all they do for our kids and families. If you have not stopped by VBS this week, please do. It is a great opportunity to see the Lord at work. And they all lived happily ever after in God’s light.
Chris Mac
Once upon a time in a church you all know well……There was this amazing week of VBS called Crocodile Dock, 300 plus kids, 200 plus volunteers and tons and tons of fun. As you all know Crocodile Dock takes place in a swamp/bayou. The kids have spent the week so far laughing, screaming, singing, rocking, running, crafting, watching skits, going to Chadder theatre, playing Gator Games, and most important of all worshipping and learning about God. You see folks this week of VBS is so awesome I get choked up just telling you about it. The smiles and laughter I have heard this week let me know how important this week is to our church and community. Imagine the sound of 300 kids singing and doing the actions to the amazing music our VBS Worship Band plays each night. Now Take that same 300 kids and listen to the screams they let loose for our very own Bob and Karl, my ears are still ringing. It gets so loud in the worship center that some of the kids and adults wear earplugs. No I am not joking, I have witnessed the earplugs. Now if this doesn’t get you pumped up about the Lord, I don’t know what will. No I take that back, you need to show up and witness this for yourself. This week has been spectacular. The canoes are getting stacked with school supplies and non-perishable food. Change for Change jug is filling up….but wait! I forgot to tell you folks about a little problem we had today. Remember that mouse that has been hanging around the church the last couple of years? The one that loves to harass Bob and Karl. Well the mouse is at it again, he has stolen the almost full, Change for Change water jug. Bob and Karl, with the help of the kids, are doing a little detective work and all the clues point to the mouse. They have put up WANTED posters with the mouse’s mug shot throughout the church and I am sure they will solve the mystery. In the meantime we have found a replacement jug that we are trying to fill. In closing I would like to thank all the volunteers that make this week so great. I would also like to thank the church staff for all they do for our kids and families. If you have not stopped by VBS this week, please do. It is a great opportunity to see the Lord at work. And they all lived happily ever after in God’s light.
Chris Mac
Monday, July 27, 2009
Day 2 of VBS
Tonight’s theme was “God is Powerful!” In drama, the kids helped reenact the plagues God sent against Pharaoh, complete with hailstones (crumpled paper) and diseases (pox-shaped stickers) that overflowed from Egypt into Horizons’ hallways. In the end they brought Pharaoh to his knees!
At VBS, we get to see God’s power in so many ways. I guess you could say everyone has caught “swamp fever.” Our kids, families, and volunteers are rising to meet Bob and Karl’s challenge to fill a 5-gallon bottle with Change 4 Change. It’s easily 80% full already! During opening and closing worship, the kids and adults are singing and dancing and praising God together so loudly that it literally rocks the dock! From my post, I get to see God’s power in the small things too: big kids helping little kids get where they need to be and being an arm to cling to or a hand to hold; volunteers consoling kids through their boo-boos, toothaches, and apprehensions about being without mom or dad; volunteer teams clicking and getting the job done with joy; and volunteers gladly jumping in to help out where they’re needed.
One of the best moments of the evening – where was my camera when I needed it! – was when one of our teen guys came around the corner with his preschool crew in tow. They were all holding hands, smiling and laughing as they moved between stations. The connection this guy was making with these kids was clearly God’s power at work. Horizons is blessed with volunteers of all ages whose love for God and love for His children make VBS the powerful event it is.
Can’t wait to see what Tuesday night brings!
- Lisa B.
At VBS, we get to see God’s power in so many ways. I guess you could say everyone has caught “swamp fever.” Our kids, families, and volunteers are rising to meet Bob and Karl’s challenge to fill a 5-gallon bottle with Change 4 Change. It’s easily 80% full already! During opening and closing worship, the kids and adults are singing and dancing and praising God together so loudly that it literally rocks the dock! From my post, I get to see God’s power in the small things too: big kids helping little kids get where they need to be and being an arm to cling to or a hand to hold; volunteers consoling kids through their boo-boos, toothaches, and apprehensions about being without mom or dad; volunteer teams clicking and getting the job done with joy; and volunteers gladly jumping in to help out where they’re needed.
One of the best moments of the evening – where was my camera when I needed it! – was when one of our teen guys came around the corner with his preschool crew in tow. They were all holding hands, smiling and laughing as they moved between stations. The connection this guy was making with these kids was clearly God’s power at work. Horizons is blessed with volunteers of all ages whose love for God and love for His children make VBS the powerful event it is.
Can’t wait to see what Tuesday night brings!
- Lisa B.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 1 of VBS
What a night! Crocodile Dock, night one, was incredible! Watching kids come into the worship center with smiling faces and laughter brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my skin. I love to see the kids so excited about God! Bob and Karl kicked off the evening with a high energy entrance, as always. What would we do without those 2? The worship band and our 2 song leaders (Niki Ford and Terri Piper) rocked the house! Crocodile Dock‘s music is awesome. I could feel the energy radiating throughout the room as Bob and Karl brought several volunteers on stage to gag down a blended happy meal. Rusty, a yellow firefly crewleader, was the victorious volunteer! Go Rusty! The blue herons walked away with the spirit hat for the loudest crew of the night.
God was definitely shining his light on all of us tonight, reminding us that he is always with us. I could feel his presence everywhere tonight. He was all around us pouring out his love on us, letting us know how great he is. I know that He will definitely be present for the next 4 nights, sharing his great love with all of the volunteers and children who are lucky enough to be a part of Horizons VBS for 2009!
--Heidi M.
God was definitely shining his light on all of us tonight, reminding us that he is always with us. I could feel his presence everywhere tonight. He was all around us pouring out his love on us, letting us know how great he is. I know that He will definitely be present for the next 4 nights, sharing his great love with all of the volunteers and children who are lucky enough to be a part of Horizons VBS for 2009!
--Heidi M.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Mission trip reflection
The mission trip was amazing. It was a life changing experience for me, because I realized how fortunate I am to have the life I have. I think it was cool that we all fell in love with the kids and we just hung out with them and had fun with them. The best part of the trip for me was just any time the kids laughed or smiled because you could tell they were happy. It was awesome to see them happy because the things they have to go through everyday you would think would make happiness hard. The hardest part was seeing the poverty they live in and knowing that this wasn't like a third world country, it was in America. Anyway I know I will never forget this mission trip, and I can't wait until our next one.
--Brynn
--Brynn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)