God uses ordinary people to help kids experience His love in extraordinary ways.
VBS is special because it is one of the few opportunities where our entire church family can serve side by side – kids, student, parents, grandparents – everyone.
There’s something special that happens when we all gather and serve together at VBS. We become more than just people serving – we become a community that stretches across generations. And that small community has the unique opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to kids and families we may never have met. Together, we not only create lasting friendships with each other, we also become part of something that can change hearts and lives.
All in just four days.
And nothing communicates the heart behind serving in Kids Ministry better than a personal story. I’ve had the joy of serving alongside Nick Scibilia for the past few years, and I’m excited for the opportunity for him to share a little of his heart with you. Nick loves Jesus, loves kids, and understands the impact a few days at VBS can have. We both pray his words encourage you to consider being part of our VBS community this year. And who knows? Once you experience VBS, you just might want to keep coming back for more!
“A few years ago, while sitting in a Sunday service, Pastor Sean addressed the congregation with a call to help in Kids Ministry. Week after week, he spoke of the need for volunteers to help guide kids in their faith. And each time I assumed someone else would step up even though deep down, I knew God was nudging me to serve.
The truth is, I struggled with the calling. I didn’t feel qualified or comfortable taking on such an important role. I wrestled with feelings of doubt and insecurity, wondering if I was the right person for the job. But after hearing the same message Sunday after Sunday, I finally stopped making excuses. Instead of picking up my girls and leaving church right after service that morning, I reached out to Sean and was connected with our Kids Director, Beth Green, and the rest is history.
That simple step of obedience has changed me more than I expected.
Why do I serve at Peachtree City UMC? Despite how I may have made it sound, it wasn’t Sean’s persistence that convinced me—it was God working through those conversations to open my eyes to where I was being called to serve. Each week, Sean’s requests for help made me reflect on my relationship with the church and with God, and I became more aware and appreciative of the blessings my family had received through PTCUMC.
In Kids Ministry, each month we focus on a virtue word that shapes our Bible lessons and activities. In April, our virtue word was Humility, defined as “putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve.” Looking back, I can see that my resistance to serving was rooted in putting myself first instead of acting with humility. Whatever finally persuaded me to volunteer has turned out to be one of the greatest blessings God has given me.
One of the most rewarding parts of serving has been building relationships with the kids and their families. I’ve seen how important it is for kids to know they are loved, valued, and welcomed at church. Sometimes a child just needs someone to listen, encourage them, and remind them that God loves them.
Serving in Kids Ministry has also opened opportunities to lead small groups at Vacation Bible School each summer. While it’s always fun to share the Good News with our regular Sunday morning kids, it’s especially meaningful to connect with kids who may not otherwise have a church community. Every summer, I’ve watched anxious or guarded kids slowly come out of their shells as they experience acceptance, encouragement, and God’s love through PTCUMC.
As summer approaches, our ministry could always use more volunteers for Sunday mornings, VBS, and other opportunities to serve. If you feel called to give back to the church community that has blessed your life, I encourage you to reach out to Beth about serving in Kids Ministry. You may find it becomes a blessing in your life, too.”
Nick couldn’t be more right. You don’t have to be a Bible expert to serve in Kids. You just need an open and willing heart. That matters as much as the lesson being taught. Because throughout history, God has used ordinary people to help others experience His love in extraordinary ways.
I invite you to join our VBS community this summer. If’s your chance to be part of creating meaningful memories for others – and make some unforgettable ones of your own, too!
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
