7/31/24

 

from Brian Roberts our former District Superintendent via GNJUMC News

This is our Cluster of Churches.

 

Collaboration with cluster churches amplifies impact in the Cape Atlantic District

 

Rev. Tom Novack, now serving Asbury UMC in Egg Harbor Twp, learned that lesson first-hand. In 2022, as the shadows of COVID were beginning to lift, Dorchester UMC wondered how they might get VBS started again. The Holy Spirit struck with fresh inspiration, and they asked themselves a wild and wonderful question “What if we asked the whole cluster to be a part of this?” Dorchester UMC was part of a cluster of churches that gathered for hymn sings throughout the year, but the hymn sings paused during the summer months.  Pastor Tom and the members of Dorchester UMC thought that VBS might be the thing to energize their ministry in the summer months. They put out a call for their sister churches to rally around VBS, and the churches answered that call.

 

Together they a beautiful VBS program that was more vibrant than anything they could have made on their own. They hosted VBS in the local town hall and 60 kids from the community attended. The theme for that year was Jerusalem Marketplace, together members of different churches collected 9 different tents, that were arranged in the hall to make like alleyways and a little marketplace square. It made the experience really immersive and fun for the students who were able to visit the different shops through the course of the week.

 

Connectionalism paved the way for strong support. One church in the cluster, had only 20 people in worship, but there was someone who was passionate about leading outdoor activities. Another church stepped in to say “Oh, we’ll take care of all the snacks and refreshments. [PEUMC Hospitality Committee] Another church had a volunteer who really loved telling Bible stories to children.

 

People from 7 different churches in the cluster stepped up into active leadership, and the other churches participated by donating food and supplies. Pastor Tom Novack reflected “No one church could have done it by themselves. To see that come together was so exciting.”

 

The collaborative VBS program is now in its third year of ministry. These churches are creating a beautiful opportunity for children to encounter Jesus, not only in the stories and games, but also through the eyes and hearts of the volunteers who lead the ministry. They’re also raising up a new generation of leaders, as youth and young adult volunteers share their gifts and lead students throughout the week.

 

Together this cluster of churches is making a difference in the lives of young people in their community. Together they have built something far greater than they could have accomplished on their own. Pastor Tom Novack proclaimed, “We are ‘United’ Methodists. We should be doing things together. When we come together it’s amazing what can be done.”

 

Indeed, we are United Methodists. We are stronger when we work together. When we share decorations with each other, when we plan and lead together, we have a bigger impact, and frankly, have more fun.

 

This story is ongoing. These stories are just two among many.  If you have a story about collaborative VBS in your community that you’d like to share, please send it along with any photos to sborgstromlee@epaumc.church.