First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains

We arrived at New Colony Baptist Church, our wonderful host church for the week! We started with some unpacking and getting settled in before opening orientation. With both groups we played a fun get to know you game, where you “take as much as you need.” It was a great night and we are just so excited to see what the Lord has in store for us this week!

This morning we started off with some quiet time and muffins before we headed up to church! We met Mrs Sandy, the VBS director, who filled us in on what we need to know right before service! It was a wonderful service led by Pastor Dave, New Colony’s pastor. The congregation was so welcoming and we are just so grateful for their hospitality!

After service, we all went to Pressed Cafe! A semi local lunch and breakfast spot with tons of options to try. Some got burgers, some paninis, and some got things we’d never heard of! It was such a delicious lunch we spent together in great company!

We kicked off VBS for the week! The theme for the week is “Shine a light on Jesus”. We started off with some dinner and dancing before heading off with our classes for the night!

Emily, Lila, and Ben worked with purple group, the younger kids. This is them helping the kids do the lesson. They each stamped their thumb print to show how unique it is to each individual!

This morning we started off at Victory Gardens. A community garden that acts as a food garden, pollinator zone, and even a teaching opportunity. We met with Peter, the owner of Victory Gardens who showed us around and helped us get started!

Once we finished our work for the day, we took a group photo with Peter! It was so cool to be able to help out and save them days of work!!

Another night of VBS! Monday nights lesson was “Jesus is Gods perfect son!” We’ve really been able to grow great relationships with the kids and it has been so much fun to watch them learn! Emily is dancing along with some of her class to some fun songs before VBS starts!

On Tuesday, we got the opportunity to go and serve at Bread and Roses! Bread & Roses has achieved over four decades of fighting hunger! We were so blessed to be able to go and organize and prepare boxes of supplies that would be handed out the next day!

Tuesday night at VBS we learned about Jesus being the powerful Son of God! We learned about miracles Jesus preformed. The relationships we have with the kids are just growing and growing! Hayley has done a great job with leading her class and making them feel welcomed!

On Tuesday night during debrief, Sam stepped up and led the group devotion! He did a wonderful job and talked to us about treating everyone you come into contact with the utmost respect! He started off with the question, “What is the first thing you would do if Jesus walked in?” We are super proud of him and just the gift he has for sharing!

Yesterday we started off our last day of morning ministry at Billerica Community Pantry! This pantry supplies food and other necessities around 6 days a month to around 400 people. They do not have an income check requirement, so whoever is food insecure can come. Mrs. Daryn immediately explained to us what they do and got us to work! We spent time organizing, counting, stocking, and weeding!

Wednesday was Water Day at VBS! We had a blast with the water balloons, sponges, and relays! Lila has done a great job leading her class this week! This is one of the boys she spent time getting to know!

For the younger kids, the lesson involved a reenactment of Jesus rising from the dead. Ben got to play that role and did a great job! It was a really great way to help the younger kids picture was really happened!

Yesterday we had a fun day where we went to Level 99 together! It’s a large-scale entertainment center with over 40 immersive, physical and mental challenge rooms for teams of 2-6 players! It was so fun and just a great way for us to make some last memories!

After some lunch out and much needed rest it was time for the last night of VBS! It was so beautiful to see the relationships that have started just throughout the week!

To end VBS, we had a parent worship night where the kids showed what they learned this week! What a joy it was to see around 50 kids recite the same Bible verse and do some songs! VBS was such a joy this week and a wonderful opportunity for us to partner and help out with New Colony Baptist Church!

Last night Lilah stepped up and led the devotion! She did a wonderful job and talked to us about the Prodigal Son. We are so proud of her and the way she wrapped up our week of service together!

This morning we said a sad see you later, but not goodbye! The connections formed this week will last a lifetime! We are so grateful for the memories. Prayers for safe travels home!