Church Life
Quality Discounted e-Reading for Children and Adults Alike
In this “stay home” moment, a number of publishers have steeply discounted or made several books available for free. The TGC bookstore has an extensive roster of quality titles for your to browse: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/free-discounted-books-quarantine/
One Anothering in Women’s Ministry
Last spring, 27 or so women set off on the women’s spring retreat. I’m still humming off that weekend. In so many ways, we got moments of what CGS is about: the real Jesus, engaging real people, for the real world. From moments of hilarity (I mean belly-gut laughter!) that still make me giggle; to moments of honest heartache, wrestling with the stories Jesus has put us in; we got the opportunity to bring each other to Jesus, and Jesus…
A Picture of Ministry for All Who Follow Jesus
I’ve loved the book of 1 Thessalonians for a long, long time. Along with Acts 20:17-38, 1 Thessalonians has been a vivid, multidimensional picture to me of what gospel ministry looks like. This picture is not one only for pastors and seminary trained folks. It is for every believer in Christ who follows Jesus in ministering to others – to friends, spouses, children, grandchildren, neighbors, work associates and others. I read 1 Thessalonians and see a picture of what God…
Pondering Vocation
Preaching on Luke 9:18-27, Chuck asked, “Who do you say Jesus is?” We may struggle to discern our calling in life, but how we live is bound to our answer to that question, the same question Jesus posed to his disciples and which Peter answered correctly (Luke 9:18-20). The Gospels portray a particular type of Messiah on a particular type of mission and we are called to follow him daily in his way. That’s the life for which we’re made.…
Reflecting on Vacation Bible School 2019
Why do we invest so much time, money, and effort into Vacation Bible School? Do our kids not learn those things every week in Sunday School and Children’s Worship? Do we actually do that much outreach? Is it worth it? When I first signed on to volunteer at VBS several years ago, I wasn’t asking any of these questions. I was simply a new member and a new mom looking for ways to get to know others in my church.…
Vacation Bible School and Childhood Wonder
Vacation Bible School at CGS hits me with fresh joy and grace every year. I wasn’t raised in the church, but I did have some experience in one–the church where I attended VBS nearly every summer of my childhood. I recall with clarity the skits, songs (some of which I can still sing), crafts, and snacks. I remember being intrigued by the teenage volunteers’ vibrant faith, how they spoke of Jesus in ways that seemed so personal and endearing. While…
Who’s the Drama Coordinator at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Amelia Cassar, Drama Coordinator! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? While I am from California, I…
Who’s the Marketplace Coordinator at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Bethany Porter, Marketplace Coordinator! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? I grew up as a…
Who’s the Preschool Coordinator at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Rebekah Farris, Preschool Coordinator! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? Wilson – Home to the best BBQ,…
Who’s the Music Coordinator at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Martin Stam, Music Coordinator! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? My son was born in the same…
Who’s the Ancient Cultures Coordinator at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Penny Mayes, Ancient Cultures Coordinator! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? I’m one of the few people…
Who’s the Youth Coordinator at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Lauren Lockridge, Youth Coordinator! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? I grew up in Greenville, South Carolina.…
Who’s the Nursery Coordinator at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Beth Bottenus, Nursery Coordinator! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? Much of the Sopranos was…
Who’s the Outdoor Games Coordinator at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Justin Webb, Outdoor Games Coordinator! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? I grew up in…
Who’s the Director at VBS 2019?
What do you get when you mix rambunctious kids, tasty snacks, silly games, and gospel teaching? Besides a whole lot of noise, you get… Vacation Bible School! This year, we’ll be hosting VBS from June 17 to 21. In the days leading up to the big week, we’ll introduce you to some of the folks who make it possible. Meet Amanda Briscoe, VBS Director! What’s something folks might not know about where you grew up? Parkersburg, WV is a small…