My summer schedule has been populated with high action, kick it in gear, activities for the children and youth and friends of St. Stephen Presbyterian. From preparing for Vacation Bible School for over 75 children – it was wonderful, to immediately transforming Parish Hall into the Garage Sale of dreams, then to the Chicago Youth Mission Trip and the absolutely dynamic results there – relationally, and finally to Music Day Camp just a week ago. I’m shaking finger at those of you giving me any credit for the summer’s achievements; I’m just a forceful presence taking many a volunteer along for the ride. None of these events were done alone; all were done in tandem leadership and youthful shepherding. You have you to thank. I am grateful that we all made this spiritual summer happen successfully.
Each time an activity started, I prayed this, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. This I prayed as a humble plea for, at my age, I needed every bit of assurance and motivation as possible hoping these experiences were worth the efforts of our church family. And family we did become. Vacation Bible School went smoothly and was so well received. The Garage Sale with all the volunteers earned $1000 more than the year before and most of the stuff sold! The Chicago Mission Trip was a dream of a trip and the new friendships were indescribable as was the building of our own esprit de corps.
Then last week at Music Camp… “When we all get together, around the table, all get together to share God’s Love…” was the opening line to the first song from “Life of the Party, the Story of Mary and Martha.” The cast shimmered on Friday night as we explored the theme of working versus listening, over-scheduling versus relaxing, living versus dying versus miracles of resurrection.
The actors were marvelous from our 1st graders to our 6th graders. Applause to our starring church kids: Lily Kate Clayton – as Martha; Vendie Endres – as Lazarus; Sydney Robertson – a branch and dancer; Katherine Walters – a disciple and branch; Kara Totten – a sheep; and Andrew Wylepski – a disciple. Kudos to the staff: Cathy Corder – Asst. Director; Gab Ngeny – Stage Manager; Kent Kretchmar – Recreation Director & Spotlights; Kristin Campbell – Crafts Director; and Shepherds: Felicia Fultz, Chris Robertson, Jeep Endres, Noah Fergus, Samantha Flores, Tyler Hughes, and Micah Totten.
Wish you had been there with the Parish Hall full of proud relatives and friends as the show was performed. I wish you had been with us in Chicago as we celebrated our esprit on the river marveling at the city’s architecture on Friday night after a long hard hot week of glory. Wasn’t St. Stephen’s VBS grand – the grass was green and covered in water from all those kids and the slip and slide, the food was good, the stories revealed, and crafts created. What a family we are at St. Stephen. What a summer! To those of us who share these memories, I hope the images are as meaningful to you as they were to me. Let’s “All get together” often and create some new memories of God’s love and spread it over another season.
Go along with me into the fall and see what is next on the horizon.