Every year at this time of year as many of our churches have begun the preparations for VBS and summer day camps,  I seek out the dates of those camps to compile them into a prayer calendar. Given the uncertainty of the next months and what parameters will be in place, it is a good idea to begin thinking through what options you might have to still do summer ministry inititatives, in the event that we still have limitations on group gatherings and events and remain connecting through digital connections. We have had to cancel many events and occasions this last month and that will continue for at least another month at this point, but that does not mean we need to automatically cancel summer initiatives! There is enough time now to consider and plan for alternate approaches to ministry.

Here are a few considerations.

If you have not already, begin gathering your key leaders to pray for the summer ministry. You can do this through Zoom, conference calls, etc. Seek God’s wisdom to creatively adjust how your summer ministry might happen.

If you have already purchased a VBS kit and supplies, check to see if options are being created to support a possibly altered delivery.

Consider shifting the dates of your VBS to later in the summer or even as a fall outreach ministry.

Consider shifting this to a ‘family’ approach. Engage family groups in the activities and use digital resources to connect people for activities. Prepare at home packs of supplies to deliver or make available as a ‘curbside pickup’.

If it seems like VBS/day camp is not something that you will be able to carry out this year, consider other ways you might bless your community and share the love of Jesus. You might want to consider the ‘Takeout Church” resource we created last year and/or the updated resource for this summer. (available June 1, 2020)

There will be a Zoom Call Meeting held on Wednesday, April 22 at 1pm to hear from others and share creative ideas to consider for this summer. Email Tanya to reserve your place.