JUNE NEWSLETTER

On June 9 - 13, Bethlehem Lutheran Church hosts Vacation Bible School for the children of the surrounding community.  It is one of the highlights of the summer for me.  It's a fun week filled with songs, skits, and crafts; all geared to teach our young people the Biblical truth.  The counselors from Riverside are always a joy to work with and an inspiration to the young people, and I'm sure this year will be no different.

On the Day of Pentecost, I said the job of the church is to tell the story of Jesus and His love, so the people can understand it. Vacation Bible School tells the story of Jesus and His love, so the children of our church and our community can understand it.  It has been said many times, but our Vacation Bible School is one of the best missions of Bethlehem Lutheran Church

The ministers for this mission are many.  There are the Riverside counselors.  There are the teachers and helpers.  There are the ladies who help out in the kitchen and with the crafts, and the men who help set up everything.  There are the parents who take time out of their busy schedule to get the kids here each morning.  And of course, there is our fearless leader Diane Stewart, and her secretary and organizer Rhonda Jensen.  Indeed, our entire church contributes to the ministry that is Vacation Bible School.  But we can always use more volunteers.  You may find out it is one of your favorite times of the summer.

The theme for this year is "Remedy", based on 1 John 4:10, "In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins."  We kick off on Sunday, June 9 at 5:45 pm, with an outdoor picnic and hotdog roast.  Immediately following will be a puppet show, put on by Trinity Lutheran Church of Avoca.  From Monday to Thursday, we go from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (the pre-school goes to noon).  On Thursday, sometime after lunch, we have our water fun day, so bring your swim suits and towels.  It all concludes with a special program on Thursday night at 7:00 pm, with a potluck supper at 5:45 pm.  Set aside these days and plan to participate in the ministry of Vacation Bible School.

Your friend in Christ,

Pastor Ron