Grace United Methodist Church of Forsyth took an innovative approach to their Vacation Bible School last month, bringing the beloved summertime tradition directly to children and families at America's Best Value Inn on Frontage Rd.
Grace United Methodist Church is a part of the North Georgia Annual Conference.
This outreach initiative grew from the church's involvement with Backpack Buddies, a program through the Monroe County school system that supports children by providing food over the weekend to help between school meals. Through Backpack Buddies, Grace UMC members became aware of families living in nearby hotels and campgrounds. They wanted to include these families in VBS, and recognizing transportation as a potential barrier, they decided to bring VBS to them.
More than 30 church members volunteered to make VBS “on the road” a reality. The last week of June, each afternoon church members transformed the parking lot and grassy area outside the hotel into a vibrant Vacation Bible School. Children were delighted with Bible stories, songs, games, and a variety of activities, including painting, crafting butterflies, and making bead bracelets.
Families joined in as well, getting to know church members and their neighbors. Each evening concluded with a hot meal.
Rev. Carol Cook, pastor of Grace UMC, expressed the church’s joy in the success of the event.
"The members of Grace UMC Forsyth have been blessed beyond measure this week," she said. "We had a great time building relationships and sharing joy with the community."
Inspired by the positive impact of this VBS experience, Grace UMC is already looking ahead to future opportunities to support children and families in the community. The church welcomes partners interested in joining their efforts.
Grace United Methodist Church Forsyth holds worship services on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. at Forsyth Presbyterian Church (63 N Jackson St.). They are the newest United Methodist church in North Georgia, chartered in June 2024.
North Georgia Annual Conference website
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
