True North
Posted on Jul 02, 2025 by Pastor Jealaine Marple
“… but Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’” (Matthew 19:14)
For four days, Overland Park Lutheran Church was transformed into the “Great North” as a way to remind children (and adults alike) that Jesus is our “true north.” Vacation Bible School was a huge success, and it was a reminder (at least for me) of what the kingdom of God looks like.
VBS can be a wonderfully holy (and wholly) chaos. On top of having kids from all three congregations (and the neighborhood) we also welcomed several adults with special needs. We all shared a meal, songs, Bible stories, science adventures, water games, and so much laughter.
At the root of our time together, though, was an important message: whatever we encounter in life, we can trust Jesus. This was a message that was repeated each one of our days together, several times during VBS. I think the repetition was just as much for the kids as it was for the adults. I need to be reminded of this message a lot. I tend to put my trust in anything else other than Jesus and then act surprised when that fails me.
The time at VBS was a joyous reminder of why we do what we do. Part of the promises we make in baptism (to and for the one being baptized) is that we, as a community of faith, promise to “live with the baptized among God’s faithful people; nurture the baptized in faith and prayer, so that the child may learn to trust God …”. VBS is a wonderful way to live out those promises to children we may not even see again until VBS next year.
Yes, VBS is a great way to meet new families that will hopefully return before next year. And yes, VBS is a fun time with old familiar friends. But, most importantly, VBS is a wonderful time to spread God’s message of love to all and for all. THAT is our true north.
With joy and peace,
Pastor J