Are you having trouble finding enough volunteers for a week of Vacation Bible School? Are your children and families so busy it is hard to find a full summer week to spend at church? Are your staff and Christian Education Board getting burned out trying to do it all?

This is what was happening at our church. One summer four years ago five dedicated adults tried to lead approximately 50 children in the traditional VBS week. After that the board was to the point that they considered just not doing VBS any more.

Then the idea was brought up to have a one-day VBS packed with fun and inspirational faith building activities. We chose to schedule 9:00 - 2:00. We included 45 minute rotating stations (Music, Craft, Game, Memory Verse/Prayer and Lesson). We had a 20 minute opening and closing, as well as, time for brown bag lunch.

Searching online we discovered that other churches were trying this format. There were even a few curriculum companies that had developed one-day formats.  That first summer we ordered one. It was a fun theme and the scripture references fit it well.  But it didn't work for us completely because of some differences in theology and lesson concepts. We did use parts of that curriculum and ideas started flowing to fill in the lessons and station activities.

As we started promoting the idea of "it is ONLY one day", we found that people were excited to bring their children and to help out. We actually ended up with close to 2 children to 1 adult (or youth) volunteer. It was an amazing day. The kids loved it and the volunteers left feeling blessed. Our second summer was just as successful.

Since then we have found that once we come up with a theme idea, we are able to find many resources to pull together a great Christian learning experience that is fun for all.

We are looking forward to another wonderful day this summer.

In February, 2016 I began serving in the part-time position as the Administrative Assistant to the Equipping Minister for your SW Minnesota Synod. I will be working under the direction of Pastor Bill Nelsen, the Equipping Minister; Bishop Jon Anderson; other Synod staff and lay leaders as they develop the tools to support to the Synod's innovative "Embrace God's Mission + Equip God's People" Funding Initiative. The position was created when we received a major grant of $500,000 from the Lilly Endowment Inc. of Indianapolis.  As administrative support I am called to be the connection between the Equipping Minister and the programs that will enhance the ministries of lay people, our congregations and clergy.

 

As an ordained ruling elder, I currently serve as the Vice Moderator of the Minnesota Valleys Presbytery, which supports 56 churches in SW MN. I am an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Redwood Falls. I share some of my spare time with the Redwood County Sentencing Circle (a restorative justice program) and Redwood Falls Community Youth Foundation, and treasure my time with family and friends.

 

While volunteering for and serving as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Inventors Congress I was actively involved in budgeting; board administration; non-profit governance; grant writing, administration and compliance; program development; event planning and meeting oversight; marketing initiatives, communications and the day to day details of putting together projects. Serving 2 terms as a Redwood County Commissioner was an excellent way to develop policy and planning skills.

 

I am honored to be a part of this initiative and look forward to the fruits of the labor of all involved.