Shepherd's Heart 07/17/26

VBS week is a glimpse of heaven.

Maybe not the goodbye tears or the occasional boo boo but when you pack over 700 kids and leaders in a building for a week of worship, the God Sightings abound.

I have been filled with joy simply by sitting in the hallways of Good Shepherd this week. As the groups of Rainforest Falls VBS travel from sticky scripture to bible adventures to imagination station, they are sprinkling high fives, singing songs about God’s love, and skipping along with their new friends. Kids can’t wait to share with each other about how they are watching for God. They are peppering the neighborhoods with lemonade stands to benefit Loaves and Fishes (even in this heat!). And of course they are jumping and singing at the top of their lungs when the band plays their favorite VBS songs.

Revelation is filled with descriptions of what heaven will be like- the heavenly host never ceasing in their praise, joy in the presence of God, the leaves of the trees of the holy city going out to heal the nations. I see what’s happening at VBS and can’t help but draw parallels to the finale of God’s story- the endless energy praising God from kids and leaders, the explosive joy from this community gathered together, the commitment to expand this joy to serve others. I’ll say it again, VBS is a glimpse of heaven.

It’s not an effortless glimpse. Staff and volunteers have been working diligently for months to prepare the each area of the curriculum and activities for the week. Student and adult volunteers have been in every corner of the building to lead small groups, help us include kids of all abilities, demonstrate song motions, individually pack snacks, and count the offering (among many many other jobs!). I am so grateful for the people that are committed to the vision of VBS at Good Shepherd. This isn’t just an excellent kids camp. We get to build a holy space for kids of all ages to encounter the love of God in ways that make sense for them. If you were one of the over 260 people that made VBS happen this year, thank you. From the biggest to smallest of things, your participation matters in building this picture of heaven for each and every participant.

If you missed out on VBS, don’t worry, the glimpse is coming on Sunday morning too. Make sure you join us in all services as our VBS participants and leaders show off their dancing and bring their joy to the congregation. Weeks like this renew my faith as I am reminded through this church of the awesome God we serve. Wow God!

See you Sunday!
Pastor Elisabeth