07/27/2026
A quick note of gratitude from Pastor Mary Kate, VBS Edition:
If there’s one thing I know to be true, it’s that the work of God—especially when it comes to little ones—is NEVER an individual endeavor. Vacation Bible School is forever a shining example of that truth.
Every single person—from the person who ordered the curriculum, to the people who put snowflakes on the walls, to the people who blew up balloons, to the people who made sure audio/visual was up and running, to the person who ran registration, to the people who made it possible to pivot from sanctuary to CLC last minute, to the age group leaders, to the sessions leaders, to the floaters who went wherever needed, to the people who oversaw inflatables, to the people who wiped windows and swept floors—was vital in order for the 2026 Hilldale UMC VBS to be the fruitful experience it was.
It wasn’t about the numbers.
It was about the joy that radiated throughout our building from Sunday to Sunday as we prepared, executed, and cleaned up VBS. It was about the toddler coming out of his shell dancing to the music with all his might. It was about the snow machine bringing winter wonderland magic to hot July nights. It was about the quiet voice of a child telling her parents “I had so much fun at VBS” as she left on the last day. It was about multiple children who aren’t always quickly welcomed into spaces with their peers being met and loved exactly where they are. It’s about post-VBS nighttime prayers spoken by little voices as they hold their parents’ hands and say, “Thank you God for feeling Jesus’ love at VBS.”
And without our numerous volunteers, excited parents, and supportive church family, these glimmers of goodness (along with countless others) could not have been possible.
We’re already looking forward to what next year’s VBS will bring! May we, the grownups, do our very best to bring the magic of VBS to life for our littles from now til then so that their faith continues to grow and grow! With God’s help, we believe it will be so! 🩷