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By Barb Mazarakos    Mission Impossible

 

There is nothing like looking around the opening of Vacation Bible School every year and feeling the buzz of excitement as old friends are reunited, teachers see former students who are now serving on staff, and music fills the room to be reminded of how truly blessed we are. We may not have everything we “want” in life, but most of us have just what we need. But as we know, sometimes life doesn’t go the way we plan and sometimes we need a little help. That’s where Vacation Bible School mission projects come in.

 

Each year, our VBS staff and students raise funds and collect items to help people in our area. This year the beneficiaries will be Voice of Care ministries and Sharon’s Angels. Voice of Care is an agency that provides spiritual care not only to people with disabilities, but those who care for them as well. They rely heavily on monetary donations to provide these programs, and a large part of their ministry lies in training churches-both clergy and lay people- so that they can best serve these members of God’s family within their home congregations thus preserving the important bond of parishioners with their home church that we all get to enjoy. These relationships and part of belonging are so important for all of us, and to be able to help provide that for those who are differently abled is truly a blessing. A love offering will be taken on Sunday, June 18 as well as throughout the week of VBS. You can find more information about Voice of Care at voiceofcare.org.

 

Sharon’s Angels was started by CELC member Sandie Falco in honor of her cousin’s memory. She has been collecting desperately needed school supplies which get distributed through Orland Township as well as sister congregations. This year we will be collecting plain backpacks (without characters), notebooks, 3-prong folders, pens, pencils, paper, glue sticks, white index cards, and crayons (available at Five Below for $1, according to Sandie). A collection box will be available throughout the week of Vacation Bible School for your desperately needed donations.