Announcement about 2020 Vacation Bible School
After consultation with our church staff, our Church Council, our Health and Welfare Committee, and our insurance provider, as well as consideration of the CDC guidelines, the North Georgia Annual Conference recommendations, and the results from our recent survey for Tucker First UMC, there is great concern regarding the potential risks of offering Vacation Bible School this summer. We have canceled the Vacation Bible School (VBS) program scheduled for June 2020.
There has been near unanimous consent that VBS is one of our most vital ministries. No one wants to limit ministries with children. However, the safety of children is our top priority. Mimi Sanders is to be commended for her devotion to trying to make VBS work amid the challenges of COVID-19. She has put in countless hours of work and has also recruited volunteers who were committed to offering the best program possible. There are not adequate words to properly express the gratitude that is due to her and her team.
In next Tuesday's video, I will address some of the factors which led to this decision. I will also explain in greater detail some of the data we are consulting as we consider when to resume in-person gatherings. Some decisions are difficult. The right decision is not always the popular decision. There are great challenges in offering meaningful ministry amid social distancing. I covet your prayers.
Until we can gather in person, God bless you and keep you safe.
Rev. Gerald Varner
Senior Pastor
Churches offering Virtual Vacation Bible School this Summer!
WEEK OF JUNE 15
Dunwoody UMC
Dunwoody, GA
June 15 – 19 and June 22 – 25
Theme: Focus
We have a flexible participation schedule June 15-27. We will have interactive events June 22-25, otherwise you click start and let it run! We are doing packets for pickup, so we’d love to offset costs if we go above our expected number. I can give you print outs and a supply list so you can assemble if that’s easier. Cost: FREE Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBZtEhSnP2Izf3v24qzXVMypNih_CX6zIL654i1pA1U/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0SjmudMHmtFApeHRY_TFKtqDq3QVeyOQpqOuADHJvUDzryVi-sLPda1u0&edit_requested=true
_______________________________
Hillside UMC
Woodstock GA
June 15-18
Theme: Focus
No need to register. Check out their website: Www.hillsideumc.org/vbs
_______________________________
Powder Springs UMC
Powder Springs, GA
June 15-19
Theme: OPERATION OVERBOARD
June 15-20, 2020 - 10:00 AM (Can watch at anytime)
Ages 3 - 5th grade
We're bringing an underwater universe adventure to the kids at our Vacation Bible School, OPERATION OVERBOARD: DARE TO GO DEEP WITH GOD! Your children will become divers-in-training at OPERATION OVERBOARD as we plunge into God's Word and discover stories of deep faith. The divers will experience Bible lessons that reveal five ocean insights for living as a follower of God, and your divers will discover Sea Scripture memory verses that will boost their faith long after VBS. The divers will make their own art projects, sing music and explore science activities each day.
Register here: https://www.powderspringsfumc.org/content.cfm?id=3123
_______________________________
Sandy Springs UMC
Atlanta, GA
June 15-19
Theme: Knights of North Castle
Live online events June 15-19, take-home packet available beforehand, digital resources available on your own schedule. Cost: $30.00
Register online: https://ssumc.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=682
WEEK OF JUNE 22
Sam Jones UMC
Cartersville, Georgia
June 22nd-25th
THEME: Rocky Railroad
We are so excited to host Vacation Bible School straight to your home this year. Families may pick up their travel packs with music and all the crafts on June 19th from 9:00-2:00pm or by appointment at our Drive thru celebration. Our VBS program filled with the characters you love and strong Biblical truths will be available on our YouTube channel Sam Jones Kids
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel @
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCHJIC9vPrkgcftLx_ny4NiA
https://youtu.be/s0JaQuG-q6s?fbclid=IwAR2ni3Bt9E207tAzHbaIQW45Qwkt64qNzfyK2sLsmu1Rf1WiwA4yc_C8vPY
Register here: www.samjonesumc.org/vbs
WEEK OF JULY 13
North Alabama Conference
July 13-17
Theme: Little Bugs, Big Impact
Virtual VBS the week of July 13-17
Register here: https://na-reg.brtapp.com/2020VirtualVBS
June 22 - 26 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | 4 years (by 9/1/2020) through rising 6th Graders