♫ It’s the most wonderful time of the year ♪

I’m not singing about Christmas, or the Staples back to school jingle, but VBS—Vacation Bible School is here! When I reflect on my childhood, the memories of VBS warm my heart and bring a smile to my face: the learning and singing of new songs, playing games and making new friends, the Bible stories and the crafts.

I loved making the crafts and then presenting my handiwork to my mother at the end of the week. But the best memory of all is that I heard about Jesus at VBS and it was "good news" to my ears. That’s where I made the first definitive decision to follow him my whole life with my whole heart.

I’m thinking there might be some new “Jimmys” who will meet Jesus in a life-changing way for the first time at our VBS. I want to be there. I want to play a part in that. I want to meet their parents and grandparents. I want them to know the joy of following the Way of Jesus. I want those who may not have a group of people with whom to share life’s ups and downs to find a place where they are loved and where they matter.

We try to always be mindful of three things—invest, invite and include. Invest your time in building new relationships, invite your new friends to hang out with your church family, and include them in activities that point them to Jesus.