Hello to all the Monthly Minute readers of West Hempfield Presbyterian Church!
Our VBS theme last month was camping, and it was fantastic! Thank you to everyone who donated and loaned the church decorations, props, and supplies!
Part of what was so cool this year was the very relatable theme. Not that there is anything wrong with super heroes, knights and dragons, or a spaceship headed to Mars, but camping is something many of us have actually done. No one had a spare space ship that the church could borrow, but there were lots of tents and sleeping bags this year.
When we take a step back and look at our Bible lessons from VBS this year, we see that in each one the main characters might have been camping, sure, but not on vacation or at summer camp. They were all traveling.
On a journey. Away from the comforts of home. New experiences. Family challenges. Interruptions. And new travel companions.
Jacob forgot to pack a pillow while camping at Bethel on his way to Harran.
Ruth and Naomi go apple picking … I mean, barley picking.
Mary and Joseph have some child care trouble.
Jesus struggles to get in a little nap on a busy commute.
Philip makes a new friend while carpooling.
They are all such relatable stories!
And especially in the summer season. Many people find themselves traveling for fun, for business, for family. Just like the people in the Scriptures.
As many already know, I will be traveling a couple of times this July myself. If you are reading this when the newsletter comes out at the start of the month, I will be in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the honor of participating in the PCUSA General Assembly as one of four commissioners from our own Redstone Presbytery. (Thank you to everyone who makes their per capita donation each year as this gathering and all of our travel expenses are paid for through the per capita budget.)
Later in the month, my whole family will be traveling to New Wilmington, PA, for the New Wilmington Mission Conference.
Perhaps you will be doing some traveling as well.
Hopefully no child care issues or forgotten pillows.
Whether we are traveling or staying at home, we will remember our lesson from VBS: we will put our trust in God.
Blessings, Rev. Andrew Wirt
West Hempfield Presbyterian Church
8 West Hempfield Dr., Irwin, PA 15642, US
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