Today kicked off the first day of VBS 2011, Son Surf. Whoo! For those of you who came out for the morning to drop off kids, volunteer, hold babies or hang out you got to experience first hand how exciting it was.

Our morning started by meeting our “fearless” lifeguard and his cool surfer buddy as they began Jr. Lifeguard camp. After singing some songs we talked about our “Big Question” of the day, “Who is Jesus?”. So through our lessons this morning we told the story of Jesus’s birth, of being God’s Son and the people who came to “Meet Up with Jesus” when he was a baby and growing into a little boy. Today’s verse is 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

Take it Home!

Parents, throughout this week we will be doing different service projects for area non-profits that meet the needs of people throughout Gainesville. Today your kids packed boxes of food for the Bread of the Mighty food bank. Our Youth group will deliver the food and help stock shelves all afternoon.

This is a great opportunity to have a discussion with your kids at home. Talk about why its important to help out those who have less than we do. Ask your kids, what they know about poverty, hunger or homelessness. Let them tell you what they know, take the time to listen to their understanding of the topic. Let them ask questions and use this time to clear up misconceptions children might have.

For further reading, or resources for kids on learning about poverty, hunger, homelessness, compassion, ways to help etc…

Compassion International

Heifer International

Second Harvest Food Bank (talking to kids about hunger)