VBS Family Celebration

Welcome/Announcements

Campers Commissioning

Bill’s Announcements

Worship Team

Acknowledgments/Thank You

Let me start by sharing an email I recieved on Tuesday Afternoon from a parent.

I never recieved permission to use her name or her child’s name, so this will be just the core.

“Pastor Joe, I wanted to send you and your VBS Team a huge Thank You. My daughter came home today so excited about her day and she is so excited to go tomorrow morning. She spent the entire ride home and all of lunch sharing with me how Peter walked on water. She said, “Jesus took Peter’s hand and walked with him back to the boat during the storm. He never let him go and Jesus will never let me go too mom! I love Jesus!” Made my heart smile. Continue sharing the gospel to these children.”

Friends, when she said “your VBS Team” I thanked God for so many. Let me share.

I want to thank the parents and families from this past week. All of you that took time to bring your children here each morning and come back to pick them up. You repeated that process for 5 days.

I want to thank our Shepherds, our volunteers. Will you please stand if you served ev en one day last week, you need to be recognized. We had 60+ volunteers each day serving His kiddos with an excitement and joy.

Listen to the teams that served last week:

-Bible Study Leaders/Rotation Guides

-Rec Team, Craft Team, Snack Team, Music Team, Missions Leader, Worship Rally Team, Registration Team, A/V Team, PreSchool and Nursery Shepherds, Safety and Security Team, Evangalism and Outreach Team, Prayer Teams, Pop Pops Italian Ice, Individuals and Church Family that prepared tshirts, purchased supplies, and a custodial team that cleaned and prepared the rooms for the next day!

I would like to highlight one of those groups, our Youth Shepherd. Our youth went above and beyond. I know I speak for Pastor Trevor on how proud we were of how each of you reflected Christ each and every day. Our adult shepherds, thank you. We were all feeling it on Thursday morning; however, you each remained faithful and shared your smiles with the children you served.

That leads me to my next “Thank-You.” Our kiddos who attended. There were so many new faces this year and I loved getting to know each of you. You each showed up and were eager to learn the songs, live out the lessons, and grow in your love for Jesus. Thank you kiddos for brining such joy to all of us last week.

Next, thank you Pastor Bill for your full support and participation in VBS. Your graphics, AV work, and slime taking abilities as well as your daily encouragment to all you encounter are a blessing to EHBC KIDS! Church Family, it is a rarity for a Senior Pastor to be so involved in VBS; however, our Pastor sets the bar for Children’s Ministry and it’s value to our church. Thanks Bill.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize Randi Davis and Liana Hill. Randi directed our PreSchool and Nursery, plus help coordinate other facets from the last week.Thank you Randi.

However, Liana Hill is the Director of VBS here at EHBC. She has literally put in hundreds of hours preparing each area of our VBS. She started last year in July and really has not quit yet.

Thank you so very much Liana for being that example of Christ in the way that you love on everyone in VBS.

Explain the Stage

On the stage behind me are two areas/items I want to share with you. Our PacMan offering bucket and our Wall of Soup.

Every year we take up an offering to benefit our Youth on their upcoming mission trip. This year our Youth are heading to Houston on June 26th and returning July 3rd. They will be participating with Faith Tabernacle to assist with their outreach. This year we raise 1001.25 towards their mission trip!

Our Youth serve the Children and the Children serve the Youth! They also hit their goals on the offering and as you saw, all three of us got slimed!

The Wall of Soup was also our Missions Offering that was shared during the missions teachings. Our children were encouraged to bring in a can of soup with a pull tab for our benevolence closet. and as you can see, the kiddos brought in more than 100 cans!!

In this sanctuary, each and every morning, over 70 children heard the gospel, sang worship songs, listened about Missionaries and we know of 5 children who gave their lives to Jesus!

Thank you Eastern Hills.

Before I share the message,

Let’s share with you all what we learned:

What’s the Motto?

Motto

Ready for the Verse?

Verse

now, let’s watch a recap of the past week of Twist and Turns!

Video

Message

This year’s theme, Twist & Turns: Jesus Changes Everything, had a focal impression of games. Board games, video games, outdoor games, pretty much any type of game that brought a challenge to those playing. Twist and turns at every move.

This concept, games we play, brought back memories for me growing up. My grandmother on my mom’s side taught me how to play Chinese Checkers. We would play that for hours on this metal game board. I was usually green and if I remember correctly, she was white. I distinctly remember her calling me out into the dining room of her house to begin the challenge of the “Mini Tournament” we would hold together.

Those were memories that I cherish and see the beauty of God’s hand in those times. It was a time of laughter, of frustration, of learning, and of encouragement.

However, it was most of all a time of love.

I share this because this morning we will continue the journey of laughter, frustration, learning, encouragement, and love that our children went through last week. They dove deep into Christ’s truth on how Jesus is Holy, Trustworthy, Forgiving, Worth Following and especially that Jesus is for Everyone! All this through the life of Peter.

We too will take time to journey through the life of Peter this morning.

Will you please stand if you are able as we read our opening passage for this morning.

Luke 5:1–11 NLT

1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

**PRAY**

Please be seated.

We read the foundation of Peter’s journey with Jesus. We know that Peter’s life reflected the power of Jesus through all the trials that he encountered. See, Peter went from a Fisherman to a founder of the Christian church. Peter did amazing things for the Kingdom of God.

We can learn and apply three key principles from his life for each of us to begin to follow and imitate.

Let’s begin with my first point, one that we just read about in our opening passage. My first point for us to apply.

Point #1 Jesus Calls Peter

We read in another Gospel of this calling.

Matthew 4:18–20 NLT

18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.

See, Jesus specifically called Peter and his brother to Follow Him and start fishing for people. Both he and Andrew were fishermen by trade. That’s where Jesus found them. Because of Peter’s obedience to not only listen to Jesus’ calling for his life but following Him. Peter learned that life in Jesus is full of meaning and purpose.

Peter began his calling to be a disciple of Jesus. Kids, being a disciple means that you are a student. So, Peter began being a student of Jesus and all that He taught.

And because of this obedience, Peter went where ever Jesus went, learned from His teachings, and did what Jesus said to do.

Friends, have you felt God calling to you? Speaking to your heart, to your soul? So often, as followers of Christ, we say to God, “Your will be done Lord.” But we have a “silent” clause in that prayer, it goes something like this…” Your will be done Lord, as long as it fits into my schedule, my agenda, my current life plans.” Right…

Let’s be honest with ourselves and God. Knowing God is calling us is the easy part, it’s the following that takes humility and sacrifice.

Peter and Andrew dropped their nets and followed. Peter witnessed so many miracles and wonders that when Jesus asked the 12 if they would remain following Him after so many of those following Jesus dropped away, peter replied.

John 6:68–69 NLT

68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”

See friends, Jesus calls all of us to follow Him and experience His grace, His mercy and His love on a new level like never before. Life following Jesus is an abundant life with a clear purpose. And this purpose is only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 NLT

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

How are you responding to Jesus as He calls you into a relationship with Him?

Possibly, as I am sharing this, you are thinking, “I have done so much harm and brought so much pain into others lives. There is no way Jesus is calling me.”

That’s where you are mistaken and listening to a lie. In fact, once again, Peter gives us our next point which addresses that thought.

#2 Jesus Forgave Peter

See, one of the major downturns that Peter’s life took occurred in the dark of night when Peter denied that He knew Jesus.

After Jesus was arrested, Peter was nearby while Jesus appeared before the high priest. Someone in the crowd recognized Peter and accused him of being with Jesus.

Many believe, as I do, that out of fear, Peter strongly denied knowing Jesus, not just once but three times. The guilt that swept over Peter was crushing to him.

Let’s read this account directly from Luke.

Luke 22:54–62 NLT

54 So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. 55 The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. 56 A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!” 57 But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” 58 After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!” “No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted. 59 About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

Now, later, after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus had a personal conversation with Peter and restored him.

In this conversation Jesus showed Peter love and forgiveness.

John 21:15–19 NLT

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

Follow Me. Those are words of reconciliation. Those are words from our Lord and Savior that each of us can hear and put into action, regardless of our past.

See friends, Jesus offers forgiveness and restoration to each of us as well.

John 3:16 NLT

16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

1 John 1:9 NLT

9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Listen carefully friends, God made only one way for us to experience a relationship with Him and it’s through His Son, Jesus.

Acts 4:12 NLT

12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Have you asked God for forgiveness? When you are truly sorry for your sin, your disobedience towards God, you will seek God, ask for forgiveness from Him. You will turn from your sin and instead turn to God, that repentance. You are then reconciled to God. You are called a child of God.

You are never to far from receiving God’s grace and mercy…his forgiveness.

Jesus forgave Peter and He will forgive you. And then, you’ll hear Jesus’ voice say to you, “Follow Me.”

It’s at that time, that the power of God will envelope you.

This leads to my last point about Peter for us to also apply.

#3 Jesus Empowered Peter

Friends, after Peter experienced the resurrected Jesus, something changed in him. Peter went from denying that he knew Jesus to being thrown in prison for telling people about Jesus.

We read in Acts 12:6-11 about such a time.

Acts 12:6–11 NLT

6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. 9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him. 11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”

Peter knew everything Jesus ever claimed was absolutely true and worth believing in. The resurrection of Jesus changes everything.

Kids, lets reinforce that last sentence by saying our VBS Motto again.

“Jesus Changes Everything.”

Peter continued to do mighty work for Jesus in the growth of the early church. All this power and boldness marked by the Holy Spirit enveloping his life.

Acts 4:29–31 NLT

29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

Friends, our lives should be marked by gospel centered boldness as well. Because Jesus has victory over death, we too can live in victory and boldly point others to Him!

John 16:33 NLT

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Called-Forgiven-Empowered

Jesus does and continues to change everything and everyone!

Let me close with this.

Just as my grandmother would call me into the dining room for a game of Chinese Checkers. God is calling each of you to engage with Him through His Son Jesus. It’s a relationship of love.

But I’d be amiss if I didn’t ask you this vital question.

“Who do you say Jesus is?”

For the one who is a follower of Jesus…

-Are you being obedient to the calling He has placed in your life? Are you allowing His Spirit to empower you and your life? Is there some shame or guilt that is interfering in your relationship with Jesus today? Maybe this morning you need to seek His face in prayer or even come down to one of us this morning during our time or prayer and invitation. Ask God for forgiveness, repent and thus be reconciled with Jesus so as to walk closer with your Christ today.

For some of you this morning, this may be the first time you heard about what it takes to have a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Or possibly you have, but for several reasons, you have turned away from the truth presented.

Whatever it may be, this morning is a new morning and a new day.

Lamentations 3:22-23 drives home that truth.

Lamentations 3:22–23 NLT

22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Ask God for forgiveness, pray that right where you are this morning. You can make that prayer in the pew, right where you are sitting. Feel free to come down to any of us and we’ll pray with you this morning. Begin this journey with Jesus today.

Kids, there may be some of you that this past week, you wanted to surrender your life to Jesus. Make Him the Boss of your life and the Rescuer of your sins. But did not respond, now is the time. Kerry and I are down here to pray with you this morning. Pastor Bill and Pastor Trevor are here for each of you too.

Our prayer is for everyone to experience the life changing relationship they can have with Jesus Christ.

In a moment, the VBS Worship Team will be coming up and we will have a time of Invitation and Prayer. This is a time to come and share your prayer requests with us or to come and let us know that you have surrendered your life to God through His Son Jesus Christ.

If that is you, please don’t delay.

Let’s pray

pray

Benediction

John 1:12–13 NLT

12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

Church Clap!!