“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” For some it’s Christmas but for me it is VBC week!!!

There is a beautiful kind of chaos going on at the church this week. Inside, outside, every nook and cranny of the church occupied by children and committed and faithful leaders. It is a beautiful sight!

Every 20 minutes or so, leaders in distinctive Amberlea shirts can be seen guiding little children to various stations in the church where, through a craft or activity, they learn about the point of the day.

This year’s theme is To Mars and Beyond and through the week we are being reminded to:

Go Beyond with Faith!

Go Beyond with Boldness!

Go Beyond with Kindness!

Go Beyond with Thankfulness!

Go Beyond with Hope!

A good reminder for all of us, I’d say. But what is simply awesome is that for some of our little campers this is the first time they are hearing about who God is and how much God loves them.

This week, I have a very special request of you. I am posting this early so that you might join me in praying for our Vacation Bible Camp.

Please pray for:

Nancy, Emma and our four awesome summer students, David, Grace, Nolan and Matthew. Pray for patience, energy, good health and opportunities to show God’s love to the children in their midst.

All our volunteers, without whom this could not happen. Please pray for good health positive attitudes and energy. Please pray that they would be both a blessing and be blessed this week.

Our little campers - for safety and good health. Please pray that this week they might have an encounter with God and that they would know that they are loved by a Loving God.

The families that each camper represent. Please pray that as parents or caregivers drop off and pick up their little ones that they too encounter God’s love through the songs, the activities, the crafts and the people who are selflessly serving their children this week.

I am asking you to pray because of what we are told in James 5:16, that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” and as it reads in the New Living Translation “It produces wonderful results.” Pray with me for a glorious week!

This Thursday night we will gather at the church at 6 p.m. for the Amberlea Family BBQ. I encourage you to join us in welcoming the children and families of this community. Let’s “go beyond” in demonstrating the love, generosity and hospitality of Jesus to our neighbours. All are welcome!

Then join us on Sunday morning at 11 am as we conclude our sermon series called, Called.

I look forward to worshipping with you!