One of the defining markers of our church is the variety of ages that enter the building each week to worship together: Grandparents holding infants, high school students singing alongside their younger siblings, and college students engaging with older saints during greeting time. This variety in ages is an answer to faithful prayers by VBC’s congregation and leadership about 20 years ago. When we say we are a “multigenerational” church, we fully acknowledge that it is a sign of God’s faithfulness.

We are so grateful for the children that fill our classrooms and hallways, and for the life they bring to VBC. A church with children is a healthy church, and we are thankful for families who desire to worship and grow together.

We are also thankful for the older saints in our church, many of whom have faithfully served the Lord and been a part of VBC for decades. It is a privilege to honor them and glean their wisdom on Sunday mornings, in Life Groups, and in one-on-one mentorships.

As our church continues to grow, we want to make you aware of two opportunities to love and serve one another well—especially across generations.

1. Over the past season, some of our older saints have shared that busy hallways, running, and quick movements before, between, and after service times can feel overwhelming or unsafe for them.

This Sunday, Pastor Caleb Klontz will visit the VBC Kids Sunday School classes to talk with the kids about simple, positive ways they can serve others in the church building—such as walking instead of running, being aware of those around them, and listening well. We are framing this as an opportunity for them to be helpers and encouragers within the body.

This is not about quieting kids or discouraging the excitement and joy they bring to our Sundays. Rather, it is about helping our children understand that they are part of a larger church family—and that their actions can be a meaningful way to love and serve others.

We would love parents’ partnership in this. A brief conversation at home about why we walk carefully at church and how we show love to our older members (such as by greeting them and getting to know them!) can go a long way in shaping hearts, not just behavior. You may also find it helpful to include your middle- and high-school students in this conversation, as they can model and encourage these things for the younger children as well.

2. The second opportunity to practice the “one anothers” is through VBC’s Rides for Seniors program. Jack Greif created this ministry to provide rides for our older saints to church or to doctor appointments when they cannot drive themselves. The current need for this ministry is for more volunteer drivers to bring homebound seniors to church. Gathering and worshiping corporately with fellow believers is so important at every stage of life, and we don’t want limited mobility to inhibit our older saints from attending Sunday morning services in person. If you would like to volunteer as a driver for this ministry, please email Jack at vbcridesforseniors@gmail.com.

Thank you for your participation in the life of the church and for helping us reflect the beauty of the body of Christ—young and old together, growing in grace and love.