Summer City Kids: Pirates!

We are just a few days away from our annual, one-day VBS event, Summer City Kids: Pirates, on July 8th and I cannot be more excited!

As some of you may know, I have a background in the parachurch ministry of Young Life. Young Life's founder, Jim Rayburn, would always say that it is a sin to bore a kid with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I agree with him. Now, don’t hear what I’m not saying—we aren’t trying to merely cater to entertainment—but we do want to convey to children that the gospel breathes life, joy, and excitement into our existence. This is what a VBS aims to do. We are seeking to give kids a memorable experience where they can have fun, be a kid, and hear about God’s amazing grace and love for them through Jesus Christ.

This year we are exploring the theme of God’s amazing grace using Ephesians 2:8-10 where Paul writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” There are so many demands placed on kids even at a very young age these days. They can be tempted, just like us to find their identity in anyone and anything that gives them affirmation. But the truth is that grades, trophies, and rule following do not define them…we are defined by Jesus and the work that he accomplished for us! We all are seen as well-loved sons and daughters of God through grace. It is my prayer that your student would be reminded of this great truth on July 8th.

Here is a short video highlighting our program this year:

It’s not too late to invite a friend or neighbor to join in the fun this coming Saturday! Please send them over to piratesrva.eventbrite.com to register for Summer City Kids: Pirates!