If you close your eyes and click your heels in Dorothy tradition, you may be able to hear this phrase repeated in the halls of First Church, “There’s no place like Rome.” First Church has been transformed into ancient Rome, with an official Marketplace, catacombs, Roman games (minus gladiators or lions!) and a daily visit to the Apostle Paul’s house arrest site. Our students are discovering Paul and The Underground Church this week in our Vacation Bible School. Over sixty of our children and guests are living this week in family groups, while discovering God’s Word and experiencing life in ancient Rome. You’ll get to hear them sing one of their songs this Sunday during the offering time and get a flavor from the week via Tony’s video camera!

I want to take this opportunity to thank Marla Jones, Katie Christensen, and Jan Chapman for organizing this year's VBS and for ALL the adults and students engaged in registration, music, drama, games, crafts, snacks, media, etc. Our own Bill Parks served as a most believable and memorable Apostle Paul (Bill, did you meet Paul personally?).

Vacation Bible School is a great Outreach tool to introduce children to Jesus and some potential new families to our church. Thanks to each of you who invited and brought neighborhood children to this year’s VBS. In just a couple of weeks, our VBS is “going on the road” to McKee Center where our own Tammy Patton is the Director. We’ll invite all the local neighborhood children to come and take part. Please contact Marla Jones with The Mission’s Council to volunteer, or volunteer online. Your help is needed and appreciated!

How many of you accepted Christ at a Vacation Bible School as a child? I’d love to hear from you! We never know how God might use us to make the difference in a young person’s life, if we’ll simply invest the time. Thanks to each of you who teach in our Children’s Ministry and give your life to caring for our little ones. You make your Pastor and your Heavenly Father most proud. I know you are the ones blessed as well!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Be sure to review the second half of Philippians 1 this week in preparation for Sunday’s message, “Four Keys to Joyful Living!” I’ll see you here. Stay cool!!