Focus On Children– Chatfield UMC, Chatfield

Chatfield UMC has provided a community wide VBS for a number of years. This year the ELCA in town will be joining us in a joint effort to provide an ecumenical program. The people of the church put amazing amounts of love, work, creativity, and commitment into providing children will an almost magical VBS experience. Each year children leave on the last day asking when the next VBS will happen. Each year children are singing VBS songs (most of which are based on biblical passages) to their families, neighbors and friends. For many months after VBS is over. Each year, they eagerly come back to learn new songs, hear new stories, reconnect with the adults from the church who have shown them love AND learn again and more deeply that they are beloved children of God.

Chatfield UMC is known throughout the community as the church that is involved and the ‘go to’ place for space, hospitality, and God’s grace. We often receive financial gifts from those not of our church as a thank you for the work that we do in community. We have seen new families come to the church and desire to be involved.

The ELCA in town has asked to join us in the VBS ministry

We have initiated smaller ministries like the Empty Bowls Fund raiser for the food shelf that have been facilitated by other churches. We have invited the community into difficult discussions about end of life issues, race, aging and dementia.

People know that the church seeks to meet their needs in a spirit of openness to their place in their spiritual journey.

First steps:

Identifying the person who had a heart, calling and willingness for the ministry. Giving that person the permission to ‘go for it’. Supporting that person with whatever resources were needed to get the ministry off the ground. Providing continuing support and celebration for the innovative ways the ministry grows and establishes practices.

Providing the staff that is needed for success of the ministry.

Not over “committeesizing” the ministry. Giving people freedom to plan and implement without jumping through hoops. Yet, at the same time, following proper procedures to keep the person(s) and receivers of the ministry safe.

For information contact: VBS: Jennifer Collett (507) 867-2909 Pastor: Debra Jene Collum, 507-923-1097