J U NE 2026
With Christ at the Center
VO LU M E S S N O. 6
CONNECTIONS
Women on Mission recently sponsored a collection of over 700 stuffed animals to share with CMPD for Child Abuse Prevention Month!
From the Minister with Children and Their Families A familiar kind of energy begins to stir in late spring. The Rotunda starts to look a bit like Christmas as pieces of Vacation Bible School arrive and stack up in anticipation. Then June comes, and that energy—first sparked in planning meetings and training sessions— bursts into life. Hallways fill with laughter, crafts cover the tables, songs get stuck in our heads (in the best way), and children come bounding through our doors. Vacation Bible School is one of those bright, memorable weeks in the life of our church. This summer, we’re heading to Snowball Mountain Challenge, and pulling out our winter gear for a week of frosty fun. Children will become “Challengers,” diving into games, surprises, and handson experiences that point them toward resilience and faith. Along the way, they’ll discover that with the strength God provides, they can share their gifts, be brave, give their all, pray, and hope. And better yet, we don’t have to do these things by ourselves. None of this happens without the dedication and care of our VBS
Leadership Team, whose creativity and commitment help us offer our very best year after year. When you see them, I hope you’ll take a moment to offer your gratitude. Our 2026 VBS Leadership Team includes: Abby Hendrix (Registration), Taylor Shoemaker (Art), Carly Fenimore (Friday Family Event), Lia Hinson (Recreation & Snack), Natalie Lodato (Decor), Kristen Genett (Elementary), Nathan Hudson (Worship Arts), Becky Stout (Preschool), and Ursula Taylor and Deborah Simpson (CDC Representatives). It is a gift to serve alongside such a thoughtful and faithful group. Vacation Bible School is one of the largest ministries Providence hosts, and it reflects so many of the commitments we hold dear. We invest significant time, energy, and resources into these five days—and if you spend even a few moments with participants or volunteers, you’ll quickly hear why it’s worth it. So, here’s your “snowball mountain challenge”: let’s not just celebrate this one week, but rather, let's carry that same spirit with us into the everyday rhythms of our shared life. Pastor Eugene Peterson describes
discipleship as “a long obedience in the same direction.” VBS gives us a glimpse of that kind of joyful, wholehearted faith—but the invitation doesn’t end when the decorations come down. My hope and prayer is that the energy we feel in June becomes more than a moment, but that it becomes momentum. That the joy, generosity, and commitment we see so clearly during VBS would continue to shape us—week by week, season by season—as we show up, serve, and grow together. This is the slow, steady, beautiful work of becoming the church.
Elizabeth Maye Hudson Minister with Children and Their Families
SERMON TEXTS THIS MONTH June 7 Hosea 5:15-6:6 June 14 Matthew 9:35-10:8 June 21 Chris Ayers preaching June 28 Matthew 10:40-42