Mission Forward – St. Nick’s News May 30, 2025

St. Nick’s News for May 30, 2025

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite things about opening the St. Nick’s newsletter is seeing our mission front and center: We are a community of loving, giving, joyful followers of Jesus. That’s not just a slogan—it’s who we are. We love big, we give generously, and we live joyfully together in community. I pray you feel this spirit whenever you walk through our doors, and especially during our special gatherings—like the Pet Blessing in October, the Christmas Tree Lighting in November, the joyful feasts of Christmas and Easter, and of course, our annual JOY Camp/Vacation Bible School.

This summer, our all-ages VBS is taking us on a sacred adventure. June 25–27, 5:30–7:45 p.m., with dinner included each evening, we’ll step back in time to the dusty streets of Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid. Together, we’ll wonder about what it was like for Jesus to grow up—learning scripture, playing with friends, helping his mother Mary, and discovering God in everyday life.

But this is more than a kids’ program. It’s for everyone! Grandparents, toddlers, teens, parents, and neighbors of all ages are welcome. We’ll sing, play games, create crafts, explore a Bible-times marketplace, meet Mary, and celebrate each evening with uplifting worship. We’ll also take part in a special Outreach to help provide resources and food for the animals at Winding Branch Ranch. Here’s how you can join in the story:

• Come: All are invited. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and joy. Sign up here today!
• Help: We need volunteers to help in the kitchen, serve dinner, welcome guests, help clean up, and decorate.
• Give: Support our Amazon Wishlist and help us gather supplies for the week. You can shop here.
• Pray: Lift up this time of intergenerational learning, connection, and discipleship.
• Join: If you are a youth or adult volunteer helper join us on June 1st or the 22nd after the 9:30am worship for Team Training for Hometown Nazareth.
• Create: On June 8th after the 9:30am worship we will be making Tribal bracelets for VBS.

Our faith is meant to be shared—and JOY Camp/VBS is the perfect way to grow together in wonder, love, and joy.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+