VBS 2022 Makes Waves of Joy at HPUMC

“When we meet in Wesley Hall, and the music starts playing, and we’re doing the dance moves, even the shy kids, it’s like they come out. I think because the spotlight’s not really on them, they feel like they can really get into the music, so I‘ll catch a glimpse of these kids really singing their heart out for Jesus and having a really good time, and I think that’s really special." -Tara Versfelt, adult volunteer

Vacation Bible School ’22 kicks off in sunny Arden Forest, where 550 kids line up in groups, blow bubbles, and play games with volunteers. “There are so many people,” one boy remarks. His dad encourages him before heading out, and within minutes, he warms up to his group, laughing and playing games along with them. A balloon arch adorned with sea creatures from whales to mermaids waits to welcome the kids and volunteers at the church entrance.

This year's theme, “Make Waves,” immersed both attendees and volunteers by

inviting them into sea-themed activities and Bible stories to teach them that what you do today can make waves in the world around you.

“It’s important because you can help your community, and even just one person can go a long way,” Abbie Carrell, youth volunteer, said. One of 70 youth volunteers, Carrell served alongside 125 adult volunteers at this year’s VBS. These volunteers guide kids through the week’s festivities, leading and even joining in on the fun.

Along with being immersive, the “Make Waves” theme allows kids to experience the Bible verses and stories in a whole new way.

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” - John 7:38 (NIV)

Making waves in Wesley Hall

Waves made of balloons and diving dolphins on stage in Wesley Hall greet the kids as they find their seats. The music begins, and hands are thrown in the air. Kids do the wave and light-up beach balls are tossed around. Each day began and closed with a dance to “Making Waves,” the upbeat theme song of this year’s programming. The excitement can be felt in the air – just ask third-time participant Brooklyn Zaslaw.

“I’m most excited for if we get to dance on stage like last time,” she said. Like many of those in attendance, Zaslaw didn’t come to VBS alone. Her brother, Cullen, is beside her. It is his first time at VBS, and he is soaking it all in.

“Waterfall, waterfall, shhhhh.”

The kids quiet down, and Mary Lea Brown, interim director of HPUMC kids, reads this year's memory verse – John 7:38 – from the stage. The room buzzes when she explains that those who recite the verse from memory at the end of the week will win a prize. Brown closes with a prayer, and the kids head off for days of fun with old and new friends.

Fun and games in Arden Forest

“You get to make some bonds with people you maybe didn’t know before,” youth volunteer Ian Gibbons said. After playing ‘Duck, Duck, Goose’ with the kids in Arden Forest, Gibbons takes a pause to reflect on his VBS journey.

“I stopped going in fourth grade, but I went every year before that,” he said. Gibbons was inspired by his mom, who volunteered at VBS before him. “It’s weird because I remember seeing all the volunteers and thinking they were so much bigger than me, but now it’s years later and now I’m doing it,” he said. “It’s really fun.”

On the other side of Arden Forest, Ruth and Dorcas Carpenter, twins wearing matching necklaces, lead the kids in parachute games. The twins toss balls on the colorful parachute with the kids in an attempt to keep them in the air, before ducking under. “My favorite part is seeing the kids happy and helping with carpool when they come out of their car,” Ruth said. “I want to stay here for a long time.”

But Lord, you are more powerful than the roar of the ocean. You are stronger than the waves of the sea. Lord, you are powerful in heaven. - Psalm 93:4 (NIRV)

Art and connections in Great Hall

In Great Hall, kids use watercolors over crayons to put together a sea painting throughout the week. In their classrooms, the kids create ocean scenes with markers and stickers, have snack time, recite Psalms 93:4, play a matching game, and share Bible stories.

“We taught the kids about Peter and Jesus and how Jesus could walk on water, and the importance of that, and the importance of God’s purpose,” Molly Saunders, youth volunteer, said. Along with the stories and activities at VBS, Saunders said she also values the connections.

“The most meaningful part to me is the relationships that are made and how close you can get with the church,” she said. “The church is such a good community, and it’s a safe community, and I think that’s really important and it’s really special to me.”

Building community in the Tolleson

For Saunders, volunteering with the fourth and fifth-grade group ‘The Yachts’ truly is all fun and games. Playing dodgeball is her favorite part. “With the older kids, it’s really fun because we get to go over to the Tolleson Family Activity Center and play games,” she said. “All of them are so competitive, and even all the volunteers play, all the church leaders play, so it’s where everyone can come together.”

The older kids play ring toss with pool floats and traffic cones, sing about “waves of mercy, waves of grace,” and learn about Jesus’ resurrection in Celebration Hall. They also play games, including dodgeball and ninja, in the gym. “I like helping the kids get closer to God and seeing how much closer they’ve gotten,” Wyatt Swaner, youth volunteer, said. Swaner and his football teammate, Spencer Brown, are volunteering together this year. Swaner’s message for future volunteers is to go for it. “There’s nothing else like it that they can experience,” he said. “It’s one of a kind.”

In Brown’s case, his sister volunteering last year inspired him to do the same, and his choice proved rewarding. “We do a group discussion every day after the lesson, and it’s fun to learn about each kid’s life,” he said. As Swaner and Brown migrate to the second floor, where the kids play arcade games, they both agree that volunteering together makes the experience more fun.

“The student volunteers are essential parts of this because the kids just love to hang on them and play games with them. They get to be the fun. They’re definitely a huge part of VBS.” - Meg Bassett, adult volunteer

Experiencing the joy of volunteering at VBS

Back in Arden Forest, bubbles float through the air, kids test themselves in a game of limbo, and youth volunteer Audrey Teeples reminisces on her previous year volunteering. She volunteered the year before the COVID-19 pandemic, and returning for this year’s VBS reminds her of how much she truly enjoys it. “I just love connecting with the little kids,” she said. “I really like being with them in person and being able to see their faces.”

For Teeples, volunteering a second time is an easy decision. “I love working with kids, and my little sister also goes to VBS, so I wanted to be with her,” she said. Her younger sister made this year’s VBS extra special for Teeples. “It makes me happy because I see her sometimes and I go and give her a big hug, and it makes my day a little better because I just love her.”

Teeples also has a strong connection to HPUMC itself. “I love this church,” she said. “I’ve been going to this church my whole life, and I love just showing little kids the glory of Christ and God, and that even at a young age, you can still be strong in your faith.”

All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace. – Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)

This year, VBS brought waves of excitement and joy to HPUMC, reminding students and volunteers alike of the impact they have on the world around them. The kids say they loved every minute of the four days they attended, and the adult and youth volunteers made sure the week went smoothly and that fun was had by all.