The Pulse – Connect with the heartbeat of Effort.
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Effort Family,
When I went into ministry, many folks told me it would be a journey; a beautiful, messy, exhausting, rewarding, complex, totally worthwhile journey. They couldn’t have been more right.
That is what this week of VBS has been. It’s been a week full of extremes. Logistical nightmares (checking in hundreds of children can do that), lots of complex programming execution, lots of timetables to adhere to in order to get the kids to all the stations on time, etc.
But through all that, there’s beauty. Lots of it. This week has been one of the more rewarding weeks of the year. I got to witness scores of eager volunteers of all ages help make this week a huge success. I’m so proud of our church. I’m so proud of the VBS leadership team that helped plan and make this week a reality. I’m so honored to watch Jen and Sarah Lindsay Merriman, and Reagan Jones and Pierce Arnold lead our worship times. Our volunteers truly understand the importance of working as one team, not as a dozens of “look at me” rockstars. So I’ll take the opportunity now to honor and recognize all the little things our volunteers did that no one saw. All the times they put aside their comfort or preferences to help honor God and love these children. All the times they were patient when culture would permit them not to be. To all the volunteers this week, thank you for being the hands of feet of Jesus.
Last but not least, I got to be part of some incredible moments with the kids. Watching kids worship with abandon, singing and dancing and lifting their hands to heaven giving God the glory is a profound sight. Watching kids learn about Jesus in an uncomplicated way, a way that they really can understand reminded me how simple our faith needs to be. We adults can overcomplicate our faith (me included) sometimes and it’s good to get some perspective back by watching kids learn about God and worship Him for who He is.
Our God is our forever friend who loves us when we are unlovable, and reaches out His hand to make us part of His family. He helps guide us and grow us. He loves us and is good. Our lessons this week focused on God’s goodness through the tough times, the scary times, the stable times, the sad times. It’s a simple yet profound lesson of God’s unfailing provision and character.
This Sunday, we have a special treat: a bunch of kids are going to worship with us in our services singing the worship song popularized by Chris Tomlin, “Good, Good Father”. It’s a moment that you’re not going to want to miss, as we worship with the next generation of torch bearers of our faith as we give glory to God in solidarity. See you Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Matt O’Rear
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