July 13, 2023

This week is Vacation Bible School week at Galilee—probably the happiest week of the year in our church if you judge by the shouts, cheers, and giggles heard in our sanctuary and hallways. We have opened our doors and hearts to 62 young campers, from fifth grade down to preschool, who are playing twenty different sporting activities run by the energetic and inspirational coaches of GamePoint Athletics.

The games are led in a way that uplift virtues we don’t hear about everywhere. Virtues and values like perseverance, courage, integrity, joy, humility, gratitude, self-control, patience, respect, responsibility, and kindness. These lessons are reinforced through fun crafts and valuable service projects led by dedicated volunteers from our congregation. 

VBS coaches and volunteers

More than enjoying games, the campers are learning what it means to be a “game changer,” or someone who makes the world a better place through their values and good character. As they sing and dance to favorite VBS songs, the kids are hearing Bible stories like Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Queen Esther, Peter and the Centurion, Moses, and Joseph—all brought to life in puppet shows by Galilee preschool’s own Susan Reese.

VBS campers are learning what it means to be a game changer when they or their friends face defeat, adversity, or just a sporting challenge. They are drawing on the tools that God has given them, tools of courage and integrity, kindness and patience, to make the world a more joyful place for all.

Every summer at VBS we do a mission project to serve our community. This year, we’re asking families to donate food for make a Kitchen Kit to send to Loudoun Hunger Relief. 

In addition to our younger crew of 62 campers enjoying VBS, a separate group of a dozen middle schoolers are going out in the community to do volunteer projects at our annual Summer Serve (SRV). Read about that here.

We want to thank our volunteers and staff  for giving of their time and their patience (!)  for making this excellent, spirit-filled week happen for 62 VBS campers and our Summer Serve contingent. They are teaching lessons and creating memories that will long endure.

Check out the pics and this short video.