Dear St. Paul’s Friends & Family,
We are on the cusp of our annual Community VBS! So far, we have over 60 kids registered and more than 40 volunteers ready to greet them next week! Volunteers and staff have spent approximately 70 hours transforming the Sanctuary into Snowball Mountain, craft kits are almost all assembled, snacks purchased, and lessons planned. Most of the props, decorations, and craft materials have been generously donated by church members and friends of our church and our partner congregations. Making VBS happen in truly a community project! It simply would not happen without folks working together.
Our gospel lesson from Matthew chapters 9 & 10 provides for us some important reminders about the importance of community and teamwork. Jesus went throughout the towns, cities, and countryside of Galilee preaching, teaching, and healing. He was overwhelmed by the needs of those he met. In his words, “the crowds were harassed and helpless…like sheep without a shepherd.” His response was not to send some heavenly wonders to sort it all out, but to commission his disciples to go on his behalf to help their neighbors. Instead of Jesus himself, they would be the ones teaching, healing, comforting, and even bringing life out of death. Of course, the Holy Spirit would be upon them, but they were the ones being called to be part of Christ’s saving work.
Throughout history, Jesus has called followers to continue his life-giving work. We too are called as members of his body, the church, to bring hope, compassion, love, and healing through our words and actions. Whether we are helping to house a homeless person, praying for someone with health challenges, advocating for those who stand on the margins of society, or planning Community VBS, we join a long line of disciples who have answered Christ’s calling to tend his sheep. May the Holy Spirit bless us with wisdom and strength as we live and work together.
Blessings on your journey!
Pastor Matt
June 12, 2026
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