Generations of Joy: VBS 2023

In fitting with the “Move” portion of the theme, this year saw the music rotation return for the first time since 2019. Alex Popejoy, adult volunteer, loved this part of VBS 2023 and the message that came with it.

“I always think of the verse when Jesus says, ‘Let the kids come to me,’” Alex said. I feel the Holy Spirit here. Something about a tiny voice talking about Jesus being their best friend just warms your soul.”

Alex, along with her husband and 15-month-old child, attends Cornerstone services and participates in moms’ Bible studies and events at the church.

“This church has become a family to me,” she said. “I see the other side—of these moms praying for them and trying to raise them to love Jesus—then watch it come out at VBS with these sweet kids.”

In order for parents to keep up with what their kids were learning each day, texts were sent with links to the VBS 2023 Spotify playlist; the Bible story taught for each day; and table topics to keep the conversation going at home.

Nine-year-old participant Judd enjoyed hearing these impactful Bible stories, along with being with his brother, making new friends, and playing games in his fourth year at VBS.

“I learned that when you listen to Jesus, things work out,” Judd said. “Like moving on the rocks instead of sand—when you move on the sand, the water will wash your house away, but the rocks will keep you steady.”

Natalie Lesikar, VBS 2023 early elementary coordinator, remembers attending VBS at HPUMC every summer when she was a child. She fondly recalls seeing friends there who she also went to school with. Now, as an adult, Natalie has connected with fellow moms volunteering at VBS.

“We all live in different parts of Dallas, but this is our common ground,” Natalie said. “Our children are all friends, and we all try to do things together. The more involved you get and the more that you do within the church, the smaller it feels.”

There was another person at VBS when Natalie was a child that would become a special person in her life—her husband. Natalie and her husband first met in the Day School at HPUMC. Little did they know that, decades later, their own kids would attend VBS just as they did.

“It’s just what you always hope for,” Natalie said. “I’m seeing it all come full circle, and it made such a lasting impact on me. My hope is that our children learn that they can come back and do this, whether that's coming back as a youth volunteer or coming back with their own children.”

VBS 2023 marks Natalie’s fifth year, which she said was a fun and meaningful experience, especially since her mother-in-law taught and her two daughters attended.

“It makes me emotional,” Natalie said “It's so amazing. There are also so many grandmothers volunteering that brought their grandchildren this year, which I think is super special—their children came through and now they’re back.”