Glow in the dark glue, four hand towels, AA batteries, glow sticks, and four large pieces of butcher paper – that’s all I need.

This was my thought as I drove out of the church parking lot on Saturday evening.

Yup, it’s VBS Summer Camp week!

I’m getting to know the people who work at the Dollar Tree and Michael's by name.

This morning was day 1 of TRUE NORTH, Trusting in Jesus in a Wild World VBS Summer Camp. The TRUE NORTH Team worked hard to transform the Youth Center to look like Alaska. Over 20 youth and adults are leading Stations and Crews of 42 kids through each day.

It’s awesome!

After this very energetic and busy first day, it felt very good to come to my desk and sit down to read this coming Sunday’s Mass readings and write to you.

Our VBS Summer Camp theme leads us to remember who our TRUE NORTH is…Jesus.

We are being reminded daily to trust Jesus through songs, Bible stories and activities.

The kids come from 9 a.m. to noon today through Friday, spending time with Jesus and each other.

This coming Sunday’s Gospel story is when Jesus is welcomed into Mary and Martha’s home. Martha gets a bit upset because she is doing all sorts of work while Mary sits listening to Jesus.

There is need of only one thing. Luke 10:42a

Jesus tells Martha there is only one thing we need…Him.

Hearing the kids answer the question, why do you trust Jesus was profound.

Seeing the kids sing and dance to a song, Let’s Trust in Jesus without holding back is inspiring.

Witnessing the youth and adults presenting Stations and leading Crews fills me with hope.

We are living what Jesus reminds us in that Gospel story each day we spend with Him at VBS Summer Camp – He is the one thing we need.

Jesus is our TRUE NORTH, and we are trusting Him in this wild world!

Please keep us all in your prayers and know that we are praying for you, our parish family.

Be blessed through time with Jesus!