Heartland Column

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.

← Back

One of the best aspects of Heartland Community Church’s Vacation Bible School is always the many volunteers who answer the call to create a memorable and impactful event for kids. This year’s crew included teens from youth group, teachers, parents, and others who signed up to teach elementary students what it means to “Live It Out”. The theme is from John 13:34 where Jesus said, “I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.”

The Church foyer and classrooms were transformed into a giant campground with the addition of tents, sleeping bags, canoes, and more. “Our kids had a blast experiencing a whole different atmosphere inside the church,” explained VBS director Eliza Bock, “and much of that was possible because men from Heartland Recovery came to help with setup. They went the extra mile and even created handmade wooden directional signs that were on point. The kids loved it!”

The first evening featured learning how to put other people first. The students were asked to describe a time someone put them first, and then were encouraged to think of a way they could put other people first. On night two they learned about God‘s love for us and that because of what Jesus did to forgive us, we can live it out by forgiving one another. The final evening the groups talked a lot about what we do as a church to serve other people in our community, and then discussed ways the kids could serve one another.

Another practical way the kids were able to “Live It Out” was by donating to Soles4Souls, a global organization making a difference in the lives of the homeless and families in need. They met their missions goal by donating 60 pairs of shoes for this cause. Great job, kids!

The final take away from the week was that as we follow Jesus, we will learn together, pray together, spend time together, and be looking for ways to serve one another in love. That’s a great example to follow at any age.