by Dave Carl, children's pastor

Summer is a magical time for kids. There is freedom and swimming and those really artificial, banana-flavored popsicles—I love those things. My favorite summertime childhood memories happened at church. Summer camp and Vacation Bible School (VBS) were the highlights. The adults who worked and played with us were the guys I wanted to be like. The kids I ran around with and jumped in pools with and played tug-of-war with became the friends I looked for on Sunday mornings as we continued to learn Bible stories.
 
I feel an ache in my chest for kids who do not get to run around wearing a paper crown made with macaroni shells and for children who never get to experience the thrill of being in a room full of kids and parents dancing, jumping, and singing praises to God. I really want your kids to experience these things. I have talked to a lot of adults who became believers at VBS or at camp. These are powerful, even life-changing events.

This summer we have a host of activities planned for you and your kids that are both exciting and very purposeful. We want you and your family to laugh, play, and worship in new ways. For the first time ever in our church history, we will hold VBS in the evening. We did this intentionally to allowmore parents—especially more dads—theopportunity to share this time with their children. This summer more than 1,000 kids and adults will have the opportunity to sing, play, and learn together. It is a thing to behold. Don't sit it out. Join us for VBS and for our Family Experience nights and watch God touch little hearts and a few adult hearts, too. We are always in need of extra hands, and if you serve with us, I can confidently promise you will like it even more than a caseload of artificially-flavored banana popsicles. Seriously!

Connection Newsletter Stories:

The Experience of Summer by Dave Carl

Inviting All Families: Summer Activities at Stonebriar by Susan Jacobson

Gone and Been: A look back at May 1

Sports Camps: Changing Lives Near and Far

Memorial Paryer Garden Now Complete

Special Needs Playground: Allowing All Children To Play Together

HSM's Mystery Road Trip

Let the Games Begin: New MPR Flooring

Sports Fields: Kicking Off to a Good Start

Getting to Know God's Reluctant Prophet

Summer Escape

Coffee, Bagels and a Good Book

June/July Calendar of Events