It was fabulous!!!

For five days last week PUMC hosted 50 children and youth, grades 3-8, for a week of music making and drama skill building. It was great fun. In Psalm 66, the ancient poet/musician/psalmist wrote: “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth” which in today’s language we might say, “Raise a ruckus for God.” That was certainly accomplished last week!

I talked with one parent this morning who thanked the church for the week of camp for her son. She said he has always been shy. And she was so proud of him as he stood and sang proudly and boldly. When I think about kids growing up today in our hyper competitive, fast paced, constantly changing world and I want to cringe. My wife and I have three young adult children. I give God thanks that all three have found (are finding) their voice (and their place) in this world.  Music, drama and art have been significant contributors for all three. The skills learned through music and drama (in particular those disciplines practiced in community) seem to have a reversal or equalizing affect on its participants. Shy kids find ways of expressing themselves with confidence, extraverted kids find ways of blending in.  Must be something like Jesus’ saying, “the last will be first and the first will be last” .

The week ended last Saturday with a grand performance in front of wildly appreciative families and church folks, topped off with a feast of hot dogs, chips, drinks and conversation. Smiles all around. What a success!!! And families are already talking about next year. 

We have a video produced by one of the families. In the coming days I’ll be rounding up photos and maybe a clip or two from the video just to give you some visuals.

Thanks to God for all who participated and helped. A special thanks to Lesley Bossert and Molly Fazio, PUMC worship/music leaders extraordinare.

“The potential possiblities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation.”  R.L. Wilbur, third president of Stanford University.  

Peace, Bill