Sometimes serving God starts with a simple “yes.” A small step of obedience can grow into something life-changing. If you’re reading this, chances are you attend or are connected to Grace Church in some way. Maybe you’re looking for ways to get plugged in, curious about what’s happening around campus, or simply hoping to find encouragement for this season of life. Whatever brought you here, I’m glad you stopped by.
God might already be whispering to your heart about stepping into service. Or perhaps that whisper begins now. In Galatians 5:13, we are reminded:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
For me, that tug on my heart started when Sandy Bowlin asked me to help with a kids’ program one night a week. It was something simple that fit into my life at the time, so I said yes and began serving in Awana. Before long, I realized I absolutely loved it. A few years later, Sandy asked me to help on stage for Vacation Bible School, and once again, I said yes — not realizing that small step would eventually blossom into full-time ministry. Serving the kids and families at Grace Church has become such a passion in my life, and VBS allows me to continue that passion with a special focus on the children and families of Lake County.
One of the beautiful things about serving is that it looks different for everyone.
Maybe you’re like Katie Mollett — busy raising kids, but still able to carve out a few pockets of time. Last summer, she joined me for a couple of afternoons making logs for our VBS theme. We laughed, created together, and those simple decorations became a huge blessing to the kids who walked through our doors.
Or maybe you’re like Gaye Harte or Jessica Phillips, who took supplies home and created decorations for our under-the-sea themed VBS at their own pace and on their own schedule. Their behind-the-scenes help transformed the stage and helped create a memorable experience for every child who attended.
Maybe you lead a Bible study group that could spend 20 minutes cutting paper leaves after the study. Or perhaps you’d enjoy volunteering alongside Robert Lienen’s group as they serve hot dogs and treats on the last night of VBS.
Service comes in many forms, time commitments, and skill sets. More than anything, it starts with a humble heart and a willingness to bless others.
This year at Vacation Bible School, we’ll be focusing on God our Creator. Our prayer is not only to create a fun and exciting week for kids, but also to point hearts toward Christ and share the good news of the Gospel with families throughout our community. And yes — to the parents who arrive early and quietly sit in the back watching everything unfold — we see you too.
VBS is one of those special weeks where our entire church body comes together like family to serve the community through a free program for the children of Lake County. Every decoration, snack, prayer, craft, conversation, and volunteer plays a part in helping kids experience the love of Jesus.
Maybe this is the year God is inviting you to step into service in a new way. Whether you have one afternoon, one evening, or the entire week to give, your “yes” can make a lasting impact.
Here are just a few ways you can help with VBS this year:
- Make 5 buckets of slime — one for each night (bonus points for fun colors!)
- 🍃Help create paper leaves and vines (supplies provided)
- Assist with building or gathering décor like fake palm trees🌴, grass, or a tree fort made from painted boxes
- Volunteer during July 6th–10th to help with decorating and setup
- Share VBS posts on Facebook or social media and invite families in our community to attend
If you’re saying “YES! I can help!” Please email Holly at frontdesk@gracechurchkelseyville.org or sign up online here!
In His Service,
Melissa Chapman