Last week we had a great Fine Arts Camp. We had around 50 children who were involved. I say ‘around’ fifty, because the exact number isn’t important. What is important is that we had a chance to show community families that we care about them and, more importantly, Jesus cares about them.
Back in 2004, I visited a large church in San Antonio. They have acres of buildings and acres of land. While my group was touring the facility, our guide made the offhand comment that they had over 800 children in their Vacation Bible School. 800 children! I had a hard time even imagining the number.
Compared to that it may make our 50 children seem a little shabby. But when you remember that Jesus touches hearts of people – young or old – one person at a time, it doesn’t matter if there are 5 or 50 or 800 or 8,000. What matters is that people find out He loves them and has some pretty amazing plans for them.
That’s what our children heard during the Bible Time at Fine Arts Camp. Chances are, their parents brought them so they could dabble in music, art, drama or dance. And then they found out from me, with the help of some of my puppet friends (thank you for your help, Devin and Allie!), that whatever talent they have received from God (or whatever passion or interest) is so important to Him, and so important to the work of His kingdom.
During Fine Arts Camp, we lived out this truth (working in the area of your gifts, following your passions, etc.) on a number of levels. Our teachers shared their passion and abilities in music, art, drama or dance with the children. Our helpers shared their love of Jesus and young people by giving of their time of the week. Our church got started with Fine Arts Camp (instead of VBS) years ago in the first place because of the passions of some of our members. And through it, God has given us a special little niche in our community. Cool, huh?
This Sunday, I’m going to be preaching on Ephesians 4. Here are some excerpts. “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it… It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” Jesus’ formula for a church that does His fill effectively is one in which the individuals recognize His gifts in themselves and one another, and in which everyone willingly plays their God given role. That’s what we do each year in Fine Arts Camp. And that’s what we need to keep doing as we live for Him each day.
Thanks for reading. Blessings to you this week!
Pastor Tom Lange
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