VBS BlogFest Night 5!

Horizons VBS 2015 has come to a close, and we now celebrate the tremendous work that has been started and completed for the glory of our God and Savior.  This year we again had record registrations as we matched last year's top number of 544!  56 children formally received Christ during the week.  2,150 meals were collected for families hoping to keep their children nourished during the weekends.  And never in the history of Horizons VBS have we invited as many friends during the course of the week.  It was beautiful!

Today's post comes from Jill Knox, who volunteers during VBS in the nursery and toddler area and is a part-time staff member in the nursery during the year.  Jill says it all--this VBS thing is REA, whether God's working in the craziness, in the less noticed hallways, and in the areas completely behind the scene.  AND, God continues to work through VBS each day following, even if the decorations and nightly parties are now behind us.

God's Working, for Sure!

When VBS at Horizons rolls around, there is a buzz in the air and excitement all around. The amount of time and energy that goes into planning and preparing for VBS is nothing other than extraordinary! As kids start arriving and volunteers are scurrying around it seems unreal that it has all come together. There is a small group of kids and volunteers that hang out seemingly in the background. When I first experienced Horizons VBS, four years ago, I was "in charge" of the nursery and toddler rooms, and I still serve there now. I initially felt like I was missing out on the excitement. I mean, all the "fun" was happening in the worship center. God has a way of sending us messages and that first year he was talking to me. We may be a small group and we do stay out of the "craziness" that happens throughout the church but there is no doubt we have FUN experiencing God in our own little ways. We tell stories, we sing songs and it seems that these little ones certainly wouldn't pick up on God's message but a few days into it, the kids are jumping, dancing and singing along to the songs. There are hugs and high fives and smiles all around. This year was no different!

The other night as I was running around and not spending as much time with the kids as I would like, I was handed a tiny infant we were caring for and it made me pause and look around. I had to sit down and watch what was going on. What I saw was nothing short of God's love being poured out into these little hearts by the amazing volunteers and the kids having a blast. I think God was saying..."here is your God sighting, slow down and enjoy it". Although a lot of folks don't see us in the nursery and toddler room, I like to think we are helping God plant the seed for future VBS's to come. Getting the kids excited about coming back and moving up to the "big kid" room the following year. As I watch kids pass along in the hallways, I see a whole lot of kids that have passed through those nursery doors. Every once in a while they stop to give me a hug and a big smile comes across my face.

As the night came to an end, I was back in the halls watching some of the decorations being taken down. It made me sad that the excitement was ending and the fun was over. As I reflect back on it a few hours later, I realize that is not the case at all. VBS is just the beginning. It is the beginning of someones journey with God, it is the beginning of new relationships and renewed friendships. Seeds were planted and I know the buzz for next year will already be happening.

Thank you Horizons, thank you volunteers, thank you kids and parents but most of all...Thank you God for all you gave us this week. I needed it!

Jill Knox

More to come!  <><

VBS BlogFest Night 4!

If you weren't at Horizons' VBS night 4 last night, it may be hard to conceptualize how something already so good could get even better.  But night 4 proves that it can and does get better--better than we can imagine!  The energy was high, our leaders were enthused, our numbers leaped forward for attendance and meals collected, and the Spirit was very present.  Last night, 56 kids committed their lives to Jesus and invited Him into their lives!  This is a true and beautiful miracle, and it's the reason we do this every year!

Today's reflection comes from Heidi McInerny about how this crazy energy and full Spiritual presence in so many things at VBS have a way of taking a hold of our hearts and leading us into the next and best of our lives!  Enjoy!

It's the Music

I remember my first Sunday at Horizons.  It was in April of 2006, and I was pregnant with my second child.  I remember how friendly everyone was as we walked into this new environment, how inviting it felt, and most of all, I remember the music.  The music is what brought us back the next week and the next.  I never knew I could feel God’s presence so profoundly through music.

Fast forward a couple of years to a Horizons VBS…..  I stood in the back of the worship center watching kids dance and sing to that year’s VBS music. They were so fired up, they were yelling, screaming, dancing, laughing, and loving on a God I obviously new nothing about.  I. WAS. IN. AWE!!! I wanted to know this God, this God that accepted this kind of craziness.  I knew I had to be part of this. I had to have this relationship with God and with all of these kids that made loving him look so easy.  Again, it was the music…

Now here we are, night 4 of VBS 2015.  Again, I stood in the back of the Worship Center watching in awe as 500 kids sang and danced.  I too, was singing and dancing and feeling such love in my heart for all of these kids.  Goosebumps rose on my arms and legs as I let the sound of their voices run through my head.  Tears stung my eyes as I looked around and smiled.  I wondered… Do these kids, these incredible kids, have any idea of how lucky and loved they are by this God that has brought us all together?  Probably not, but that’s okay.  They are here.  They are dancing.  They are singing. They are laughing.  They are loving on one another.  They are alive with God’s Spirit, I see it in all of them. 

I know that there will be kids who will be so sad when this week is over,  I will be too.  There will be kids who will beg their parents to come to church on Sunday, mine will too.  There will be kids singing those VBS worship songs throughout the coming months, remembering the incredible time they had at Horizons VBS…. I will be too!  And again, it’s the music…

-Heidi

VBS BlogFest Night 3!

The energy and presence of the Spirit continues to flourish at VBS.  We are thankful for this that we love and live.  Today's thoughts come from Lisa Butler!

VBS is a Verb!

We are smack in the middle of The Best Week of the Summer!  People often think about VBS as the week during the summer when kiddos can get some God and have a good time doing it.  Volunteers may see VBS as a time to serve those kiddos, their families, and the Kingdom. They also get some God and have a good time doing it.  I suspect the volunteers are learning right alongside the kiddos. I know from personal experience that the kiddos' families are getting a pretty good dose of God on the way home each night. The kiddos have been learning about God's power; I have been fortunate to witness it.

My volunteer position allows me the opportunity to listen to other volunteers and to the families visiting the church.  What I hear and what I see are indeed "God sightings!"  Not only are the youth and adult volunteers building connections to the kiddos, they are building connections to each other by sharing silliness, laughter, song, and exhaustion.

In my conversations, I hear about people growing.  They share their stories -- what I would call faith journeys -- about how Horizons' VBS is so different, so outrageous, so raucous, so joyous, so exciting, so welcoming.  With a light in their eyes, they talk about how they didn't know that church could be like this, that God could be like this.

I observe people encouraging and leading others on their faith journeys.  Young people who were in my crew years ago who are now shepherding their own crews.  Adults who hadn't walked into a church for a long time (or ever) before they brought their kiddos to VBS, and who are now volunteers just as zany as the rest of us. These folks are telling their stories to others who are walking in our doors for the first time.

I often imagine the early church was like this, too, so filled with the Spirit that their faith became action.  Yes, we jump in the house.  Yes, we ear-splittingly proclaim, "Jesus loves!"  Yes, we spin in a new direction.

The Spirit moves.

This is how -- this is why -- we VBS.

Lisa

VBS BlogFest Night 2!

Today Liz Troyer shares about God's "1 million little things" that are happening daily at VBS!  It reminds me of what Jesus said about the kingdom of God--if you won't receive the kingdom of God like a child, it's impossible to enter it (Mark 10:15).

Thanks Liz!

Vacation Bible School for me really is about seeing the whole week through the eyes of a child.  I am blessed to see many of these children weekly in Discovery Zone, but VBS gives me the opportunity to get to know these children on a different level and to meet many new faces as well. 

It’s no wonder that as adults we turn into “Big Kids” during this week as well.  The atmosphere that is created at Horizons is contagious and magical! I have watched so many eyes stare in wonder at the decorations, or their faces light up when Bob and Karl arrive on stage, or the smiles as they dance and jump to the music!  They see how as adults we dress up, sing along to the music, and aren’t afraid to let our guard down and dance and be silly.  Then mix in activities and stories that help build and grow their faith! 

I love to see the growth that the youth are experiencing.  I love to see how my children that are going into first grade are “thriving” being part of the Elementary VBS.  They are so ready to be BIG kids!  I have loved watching how the Fusion kids (many of whom I taught when they were 3 years old!) are now old enough to volunteer and give back. 

I am blessed to see the personal growth in my own children during this week as well.  My son, who is 2 is truly experiencing VBS for the first time this year.  His smiles and laughter, and his constant humming and singing of the songs he hears are priceless.  My 8 year old raced from her softball game yesterday, because she could hardly stand missing even an hour of VBS.  My oldest, now almost 12 and able to volunteer.  She is so excited to “serve” this year.  Her stories she tells of her own “littles” make me proud.

I know sometimes we expect God to talk to us in a profound way.  But I feel that God talks to us in a million little ways every day. We just have to slow down and notice them.  In VBS we talk about God Sightings each night. Ways that the children have seen or experienced God during their day.  I encourage all of us to look for these God Sightings, because they truly are all around us.

My God Sightings are very simple…the smiles, waves, high fives, knuckles, hugs and the snuggles from my “littles” every night. When they crawl up into my lap at the end of the night, when they are dying to tell me about their day, or show me the crazy outfit they are wearing.  Many times these priceless moments help erase the stresses of my day and help restore and strengthen my own faith. 

Liz

Praise God!  More to come!

<><

VBS BlogFest Night 1!

Below is just one story of how God's working in our lives, situations, and plans.  Do YOU have a story from night 1 or 2?  Let us know (jason@horizonschurch.org)!

Everest VBS: Night 1

Tonight was the first time in 6 years that I was a Crew Leader. I have been attending VBS at Horizons since 2009 but in the capacity of Red Crew Coach for the past 5 VBS’s. I enjoyed my time as a Crew Coach, but both myself and my-co Crew Coach decided last year that it was time to pass on the reigns to someone else and share our time and talents in different capacities. I signed up for Security, but at the last minute was asked if I would be able to sub as Crew Leader and I said sure.

I had forgotten what it’s like to have a group of kids on the first night who don’t know each other and are unsure of the craziness that is Horizons VBS. As the night progressed we had a great discussion after the movie and the girls I had in my crew were the first to volunteer in Bible Adventures. By the time we got to games they were having a great time and working together as a team. They still were unsure about the singing and dancing until “Spin”. Then they all had smiles on their faces and were having a blast!

As I looked around the Worship Center, during closing, it was amazing to see how fast the kids had changed from being shy and unsure to jumping up and down and having a blast in just a couple of hours. God has truly blessed Horizons with great Crew Leaders and Volunteers and I can’t wait to see how He will continue to work through all of us the rest of the week.

~ Kelso Larsen

More to come!

VBS BlogFest Begins! (Intro)

Blog Hijack!  

It's finally here, VBS 2015 at Horizons!  Most are familiar with Horizons' VBS.  It's a big deal.  It's the biggest thing people, energy, and Spirit wise Horizons does each year.  Last year 544 kids came and learned about Jesus.  That means 254 volunteers were also present, running computers, playing worship music, leading crews, leading games, making meals, and so on.

Yes, it's a big deal.

Daily Life-Change Blogs

And ultimately, what makes it such a big deal is what happens in people's hearts over the week--with the kids, their families, parents not familiar with Horizons, and with the leaders.  For the next week, I'll be posting blogs daily about the life-change happening within and because this event.  They'll be authored by whomever the Spirit chooses to reveal himself to.  Be sure to catch these authentic sightings of what God's doing here!

And so, this year we're pushing for another record attendance and registration number.  The energy is high right now with people bustling here and there, wailing on guitars, waiting in printer lines, and getting into their "Expedition Gear" for tonight's theme.  It's a great environment.

But do we ever get tired?  Will the energy ever wear down?  Will the numbers finally peak?  The answers are sure, at times, and ALL of this is truly in God's hands!  We get frantic from time to time, many of us make big sacrifices to take off from work to get here in time, and there are tons of things going on behind the scenes not even I know about!  And no matter what, we keep going.  This is for God, and God hasn't given up on us yet.

Here's to VBS 2015!  More to come!


Jason <><

Why the Church is Still Good (pt 3)

It's simple:  the church (as the true body of Christ) is still good today when and because it leads its members to FREEDOM.

There are few, if any gifts, capable of delivering more joy than freedom.  There's something very powerful about shedding the weight of worry, of the harness that seems to dictate my choices whether I like them or not, to feel as though there is still true hope and possibility in the world, to know that God trusts me to make the best choices in my love toward Him and others.

Freedom.  Good stuff.

But the concept of freedom is still a crazy concept, especially as Jesus explains it.  This morning in my time connecting my heart with God's, I read Mark 8:34-36.  My Bible has conveniently done the hard work by placing the subtitle over this section reading "The Way of the Cross."  In this short passage, Jesus tells us what is required of those who want to have a growing, maturing relationship with him in verse 34, in three simple steps:

1. Deny yourself
2. Pick up your cross
3. Follow me

The concept of freedom isn't spoken about until Jesus summarizes what this process and the journey of this process renders in verse 35:  if you truly want to live and have life to the fullest, you have to let go of your grip on it.  Freedom.  Yet further, in verse 36 Jesus says:  how can you have life-giving freedom if you keep heaping the world on yourself?  You'll pile so much junk on top that you'll suffocate yourself.  Does that make any sense?

So today, as many of us eagerly go off in pursuit of the Christian faith and seek to grow deeper in our relationships with Jesus, let us remember this simple lesson:

• Quit focusing on yourself as your primary object of care and attention.  Our self-absorption and our me-preoccupations will only drive us further into our chains.  We each have an unlimited number of needs and desires that are absolutely impossible to meet or satisfy.  Like the fountain of youth we can spend the world's store of wealth and resources in pursuit of meeting all our personal needs and find that we yet have nothing but more need.
• Accept your call to more important things as your foremost role and identity.  Interestingly enough, before Jesus' death on the cross, the cross was a symbol completely absent of hope and redemption.  At the time that Jesus uttered these instructions, it was as though he might have been saying, embrace the electric chair.  Is this bizarre?  No.  Jesus is ultimately saying once you have made the decision not to focus only on your self, also embrace that what you choose to live for is worth dying for. 
• Follow Jesus example in everything you do.  It's easier said than done at this point because many of us haven't really taken the time to dig deeper into what Jesus actually did.  We have thousands of years of layers, assumptions, and interpretations of what Jesus did so much so that the basic, foundational story line of Jesus' life is nearly lost.  To follow Jesus, first we must relearn His footsteps.  Second, we apply His behaviors in our lives:  when we wake up, with the first people we meet, at the very first moment we enter our work space, and in every moment we have to care for or respond to others.  Do what Jesus would do as if your eyes are intently focusing on His movements and you are doing your best to be His accurate shadow.  

I'm convinced the only way to freedom is to forget how unsatisfied we are in our brokenness and incomplete status.  I'm also convinced the only way to forget is to focus on something, someone far greater and more worthy.  

Happy pursuing!

More to come!

Jason <><

Why the Church is Still Good (pt 2)

I've talked about Monday mornings before.  They're not my favorite.  But today as I rolled down to the church to begin the cycle of another big week in ministry, it came apparent to me the existence of the church even combats the Monday morning blues!

It's easy for any of us, whether our vocation is religious or otherwise, or whether we're headed to school or an intense work setting, to look at our mountainous Mondays and feel overwhelmed by the weight of so much to do or so many big things to try and resolve, tackle, or overcome.  After all, we're just humans; we can only do so much.  Yet what is often demanded of us seems to be so much more than we can handle.

Without the church (as being the true presence of the body of Christ in the world), that's where our stories stay whether it's Monday or not:  the world is more complicated than we are wise, the weight of our problems is heavier than we are strong, the pressure from others is higher than we are able to withstand, and the destitution is often darker than the light of our hope.  Only by the work of our own hands, the luck in our own circumstances, or the pity of bystanders do we make it through or by chance get through on top.  Otherwise, we might just accept that this is the way life is for now, with no real way of knowing exactly when for now will finally turn into now it's different.

But with the church, our stresses, pressures, and feelings of depression don't have to reach as deeply or linger nearly as long.  With Jesus' presence firmly established in the world today through the hands, hearts, feet, and prayers of believers, hopers, and doers, we have been given the gift of a different outlook.


Jesus reminds us when we are weary to take His yoke, because His burden is light.  He reminds us what is impossible with man is possible with God.  Time and time again, the sick or concerned are reminded it is by their faith they were made well, not by their skills, determination, or hard work.  This means to me and to all of us that no matter the weight, pressures, or mountains, we don't have to work hard enough, rely on luck, or pressure others into sympathy.  In Christ we can do all things; or in other words, it's Jesus who accomplishes the work we need to do, who resolves the worries we have, who combats the pressures we face.  We are NOT alone, and we are not left without a great hope that rests in the one who can overcome anything for the glory of God.


Furthermore, because the body of Christ is evident in a group of people, we are reminded we rely on the work of many hands, the presence of mercy and grace in all circumstances, and the support of others who walk with us.

This is the church Jesus intended to see present in today's world.  A church that binds together, that holds us firmly to it, and that as one has the power to combat the weight and pressures.  And this is why the church is still good!

More to come!

Jason <><

Why the Church is Still Good! (pt 1)

It's a funny thing we do these days:  now when the president (any president) makes an unpopular decision, we poll the people to see how liked or unliked he has become in light of it.  It's like a big Facebook for the White House.  I imagine the country is taking similar polls right now of the church.  How many people still have a positive opinion of the church in light of recent changes in laws and the subsequent reactions of many outspoken religious leaders?  It's likely that churches not in favor of the changes may be labeled as being "hateful," while churches approving of the changes are working to spread the news they are on the "good" side.   Interestingly enough though, public approval opinion hasn't always been the primary way we measure a leader's success or capabilities.

So, in the midst of ongoing controversy, the church has a very important task at hand.  Regardless of where a church falls theologically on the issue of same-sex marriage, it is crucial we remind ourselves and the greater world that this topic is not the epitome of our existence.  Yes, believe it or not, the body of Christ has been purposed for much greater things and we are called to live for even bigger triumphs and victories.

Today is Part 1 of why the church is still good:  Sacred Community

A little under a year ago, Sarah and I decided it was time to get into a HOME group, or more commonly known, a small group.  We prayed, we listened, we talked, we invited some people to consider being in our group.  Our growth and synergy has taken time to cultivate, but today, our group is thriving.

We meet weekly, we feast together, we laugh and tease, we check in, catch up, we pray, and we dig deeply into God's word.  We hold each other accountable to our practices and choices, we talk about our marriages, we ask each other for parenting advice, and ask how we can be there for each other between the Sundays when we meet.  Our members keep having babies, and everyone's children come with them to our gathering.  Our houses are tiny, our living rooms are packed, and our voices are often not heard over the exclamations of children.

But whenever we meet, we are extremely blessed.  It's a sense of togetherness we don't often have the chance to experience in today's world of digital contact and busy schedules.  While many may argue the case of community formation being a solely human phenomena, I am convinced that the deepest, most joy producing example of community comes only from the example of the church as the body of Christ.  Here's why I believe this:

• A greater purpose has been set for our coming together:  growth, service, support, giving God glory
• A deeper accountability runs through our connections:  we have agreed to make sacrifices to be there, and our conversation isn't allowed to stay on the surface
• A true expectation and example to support each other exists in Jesus' and the disciples' examples
• We are called to pray for each other
• Our personal growth goes beyond just what we need to know for "survival" to what God needs us to know for building His kingdom
• We're held to a higher standard of interaction that quickly dismisses drama, gossip, and dissension within the group

Before we had formed our group, I was unaware of how good it would be.  But now that I've tasted and experienced it, I can say it has been one of the most life-giving components of my week.  If it weren't for Jesus' example and the church in motion today, we wouldn't have this sort of community and resulting joy.  I'm sure of it.  

Here's to the Church!

More to come!

Jason <><