Yesterday was our unofficial kick-off for Vacation Bible School. It made for a very interesting day …

-Vacation Bible School begins tonight.

-Our unofficial kick-off to Vacation Bible School (VBS) was a success. The building was already decorated for VBS. The adults had to duck and dodge some of the decorations. You post and hang things a little lower for children. The platform had been transformed and the worship team and I ministered in the middle of the decorations and props. I loved it, not so sure about some of our adults. Oh well, it is for the kids anyway.

-I preached on the focus of our VBS, which is God’s love. God’s love is incredible, faithful, invincible, unconditional and real. I preached on God’s love is real and what that means for us.

-Maybe it was all the decorations, maybe it was the anticipation of VBS or maybe it was all of the pizza I ate last week but I got very fired up while preaching yesterday.

-We had some major sound issues again yesterday. We really must start addressing this problem.

-Even with the sound issues our worship team did a great job of creating a wonderful spirit during our time of worship.

-We had good attendance once again. This has been a very good summer. We have not had a Sunday with an attendance less than our yearly average from last year. Yeah for no summer slump.

-Not everything is roses. Besides the sound issues I received my first “anonymous complaint” yesterday. I learned a long time ago not to get worked up over anonymous complaints because I can do nothing to dialog with the person who does not put their name on something. I am open to discussing issues, big or small, but it is not possible without a name.

-I received a very encouraging text yesterday afternoon. The person was asking for prayer about a personal struggle in their life. Part of my message yesterday was about God’s love being able to break the chains in our lives. I described a chain as anything that holds you down and prevents you from doing, and being, what God is calling you to do and be. This person took a major step forward in following Christ. Admission is a huge part in overcoming any chain in a person’s life. I loved getting that text, and it had a name on it, so I can follow up with them.

-We are praying earnestly for VBS. For the workers to be able to do get here without work or illness stopping them. Praying for children to come. Praying for lives to be changed and impacted by the love of Jesus. Praying for no rain so the outdoor activities can take place. For the energy and attitudes of the workers to remain high. Praying for impact on unchurched families.

Here’s hoping that receive some reminders this week that God’s love is real.

Dennis