Doing Something New

“Doing something new” is not always easy. Our recent financial challenges as a congregation have made it necessary at least to try doing some things differently—if not completely new!

One of these was to change how we did Vacation Bible School this summer.  Since at least 2001, we have had an evening V.B.S. That was not the case this year. We made the decision earlier this spring to reduce expenses where we could, and Vacation Bible School turned out to be one of those places.

One of the possibilities was simply to cancel Vacation Bible School, but that was never seriously considered. We finally decided to do a Sunday morning Vacation Bible School, using the basic curriculum already chosen. That saves us the cost of utilities and for an evening Vacation Bible School. It also meant a reduction in the expenses for snacks and other associated costs.

It hasn’t been a perfect solution, and we will revisit this way of doing things before next summer. However, there have been some positive aspects of doing something new.

For one thing, the entire congregation has been able to focus on the same scripture passages that are being used in Vacation Bible School. This has helped to reinforce what was being taught and also to help all of us focus more intentionally on one topic at a time.

This focus moved me into portions of scripture that were not familiar ground. The scripture passages for Vacation Bible School have focused on Moses and the Exodus. I have preached on both topics more than once over the years. However, to the best of my memory, I had never before preached on the plagues! That was the emphasis for the session on “God Is Powerful.”

The closing in Vacation Bible School has become what we use for the benediction on Sunday mornings–at least in the second service. The theme for the day is repeated—loudly and vigorously, e.g., “God Is With Us,” that is then followed by a resounding “Fear Not!”

Doing Vacation Bible School this way has given us a greater sense of focus and purpose as a congregation.

“Doing something new…doing something differently!” There may be more of value than we realized!