Join us for
ReNew: The Green VBS,
July 18-21, 2022
Four days of environmentally-focused fun and theology
for children entering kindergarten through 4th grade!
ReNew is an environmentally-focused Vacation Bible School program inspiring children to grow in faith, have fun, and change the world around them as they practice stewardship of creation! Children entering kindergarten through 4th Grade are invited to join us in person July 18-21 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. for four morning sessions, including:
- Gathering and Sending Rituals
- Focused Readings of Jesus' Parable of the Sower
- "Self, Community & World" Multi-Sensory Activity Sites
- Action-Oriented Service Opportunities
- Cooperative Games & Memorable Music
- Tangible Takeaways to Continue Thinking Globally, Acting Locally & Living Faithfully
In Genesis 1:28, God tells the humans to have "dominion" over the earth. A clearer translation for the Hebrew word behind "dominion" is "to care for" the earth. God's creation is a gift we all share. We all live in it together and depend on it together. Caring for it together is both a good work and collective act of faith. the Bible is filled with stories and teachings that reveal our dependence on God through the bounty of the earth. In fact, you could hardly tell the story of the chosen people or hear one of Jesus' parables;es without the water, trees, wilderness, animals, and weather that form their backdrop. ReNew weaves together this rich natural imagery with engaging activities, resulting in a deeper, more embodied experience of God's Word.
Digging into Jesus' Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-9) from the perspectives of Self, Community, and World, children will daily hear the entire story before focusing on one section to explore what the passage means for them and how it relates to caring for creation. Like caring for creation and addressing climate change, Jesus' parables aren't tidy or self-explanatory! Each day's theme will challenge us to jump in and join God as co-creators in working toward environmental justice and renewal.
- Day One: Planting Seeds
- Day Two: Taking Root
- Day Three: Growing & Facing Challenges
- Day Four: Living Together
Important Details and Covid-19 Precautions:
Each session will take place at and around First United Methodist Church of Evanston. Parents, guardians and/or caregivers are responsible for checking in and signing out from First Church's Church Street entrance at the program's start and end time. Only named individuals below are permitted to sign out unless prior communication has occurred with Director of Children's Ministry Colin McDonald.
Covid safety measures will be practiced throughout, including sanitizing, distancing, and as much time outdoors as possible on the church's front lawn or in nearby Lunt Park. In the event of inclement or extreme weather, we will move indoors to a space large enough to accommodate distancing. Masks/face coverings are required indoors, and extra masks will be available. At this time, we plan to serve snack safely, distanced and outdoors, in individual, biodegradable containers. We will continue to monitor updates from the CDC, State of Illinois Public Health Department, and City of Evanston and will adjust these plans if/as needed.
No fee is required to attend! A medical form, attached here, must be completed and can be submitted electronically to [email protected], or printed and returned in person on the first day of camp.
-