A little over a month ago I found myself in a new leadership role at my church and subsequently the director of our VBS (now known as Summer Bible Camp). In the two years that I’ve been at my current church, my role had been very, very small. Did I mention my role was very, very small? This year, I am leading a leadership team of 20 (who, in turn, are leading 150+ volunteers).
I am so blessed to be able to lead with such a fine group of capable, take-initiative leaders. It has truly made my job a lot easier! For the past several days, I’ve been asked, “Are you okay?” and “How are you holding up?” countless times. I’ve also heard, “You look great, considering the amount of responsibility on your shoulders.” Again, because of our capable leadership team, my primary role as director has been to troubleshoot and equip our leaders (what I love to do..the equipping part!).
After many months of thinking, planning, purchasing and organizing, our VBS kicked off yesterday. We were expecting 300+ children and it seemed like they all showed up at once! Thanks to our security and registration teams, we were able to get the children settled in rather quickly before the Celebration (worship) time began.
Of course, there were issues that came up that we needed to address: parking lot congestion and traffic flow, implementing and enforcing a new drop-off & pick up policy (persons picking up children must now show a valid photo ID), building safety, a broken copier, and helping our youngest campers be active participants in the worship time.
All in all, the day went well. When I was leaving the building for the day, someone asked me how I’m surviving such a busy time. My answer: God’s grace. I am operating in His strength, not my own. I am energized by my leaders and how I can best serve them. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do this week!
Verse for the day:
“The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.”
Psalm 145:9
Here are a few pictures from Day 1:
