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Getting on Board
It took four weeks to plan for and prepare, five days to hold it, and 30 minutes to take it all down.
It reminds me of cooking dinner. Preparation time is always longer than the time it takes to eat it.
Also reminds me of planning lessons for school. Planning and gathering the materials and resources takes considerably more time than the 20-60 minutes it takes to introduce and teach the concept.
We had a lively special Sunday service today, focusing on the Fiesta Vacation Bible School activities. All parts of the Order of Worship were there, but instead of the sermon, the VBS team presented a 12 minute slide show of the week's events. About one third of the kids who came to VBS (all total, we had 24 kids grades k-5, and four youth) showed up for Sunday Worship service today. They all received their certificates of attendance.
I thanked all the volunteers individually and asked them to stand for recognition. These are among the humblest of folks... most felt uncomfortable that they were being recognized for their work. They'd rather I didn't mention it, but I did. I know that without them, VBS would never have happened. They are the heroes of VBS without a doubt.
The slide show was excellent. Ann, our photographer throughout the week, put together an entertaining and historical record of our 2006 Fiesta VBS with a Slideshow from her laptop, projected onto a screen. She was able to check out he screen from our public library... Up until a week ago, we didn't know we could do that. Now that we know, we can have slideshows just about anytime we want to make one.
As we sat and watched the slideshow (Fiesta! music accompanied the photos), I laughed. I could hear our children singing along from the pews, and I turned my head every once in awhile to see them smiling or laughing at their pictures.
By the time the pictures from Day 4 came into view, I was getting teary eyed. What great memories we have made this year during VBS.
Two things touched me deeply, however.
One: Working with our pastor this week magnifies the loss I (all of us) will feel next Sunday when he preaches for the last day in our church. If you recall, a couple of weeks ago I wrote about how he was leaving us to go pastor another church.
Two: Four new church members got involved in this year's VBS. Jennifer, Heather, Amy, and Leslie had their first taste of Vacation Bible School, and from what I saw, they loved it, and likely they will be willing to help again next year! In addition, our Duke Intern, Madeline, had a major role as a storyteller and Fiesta Finale co-leader. And three other adults participated as storytellers... what all this means is that more and more adults are volunteering each year.
This prompts me to reconsider the way of things: Of those who are healthy and able to work, sometimes they like the idea of something, but don't want to do the work for it. Some may like the idea, and defer to others to do the work because they are already involved in other areas of the church's life. Some may like the idea, but are afraid to do the work. Others may not like the idea, and do not support the work for it. Then, you have the people who want to do the work, but don't know what to do or how to do it. Or want to help in some way but serious things are going on in their lives that prevents them from participating just now. Finally, there are the people who want to do the work, know what to do, and will figure out how to do it later (details).
So, in any given organization, you have this mix of people. There are probably other categories of people I've missed, but you get the point. Not everyone is on board equally at the same time, but generally, most of the people want to do the thing (in this case, VBS). They just need someone to get them started in the right direction, and to follow through with it.
Sometimes it takes time to convince people of a good thing, or a good idea. It takes time to get them all on board at the same time. I've seen that happen in my church. They've known it was a good idea and a meaningful cause long before I joined the church.
Each year, more and more people are getting involved. They are seeing the importance of VBS, to the children of the community. Theyare discovering that their time and skills are valuable to this event, and they understand that if they don't do it, it just won't get done. More people are volunteering to do the work. Yes!
Seven of the new adults that got involved this year will likely be able to volunteer again next year. That is seven more people on board the VBS wagon!
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I am so impressed with your dedication and commitment to this program. There are not many people like yourself that would give so much of themselves to something. I just think it is so nice that you gave so much of your time and yourself to these children. I am sure that the children that were lucky enough to take part in this will never forget the experience. and they will never forget you and your part in this.
Have a great week!!!
Maria
http://journals.aol.com/bobbysgirl8584/thoughtsaboutmylifem yfamilymyfri/ -
I like the way you broke down those groups of people - I'd never thought of it that way, but if I apply to the different types of people who helped us with Alpha, I can see how they all fit.
I myself am the "want to do the work but don't know what to do or how to do it" type. I don't mind working - at any job you give me - but I need direction. I'm not a self-starter. So I like it when I have a leader who doesn't mind delegating and doesn't expect me to see the need and run with it. I'm just not geared that way.
I really think this is a good point you've made - one that could be applied to any group of people working on a project together.
Hugs,
Gwynn
8/1/06 12:34 AM
well done and kudoes
natalie