During his address at Annual Conference this year, Bishop Schwerin urged churches to experiment with new ways of extending ministry to their neighbors. Churches across Northern Illinois are answering this call by finding fresh ways to approach Vacation Bible Schools and mission trips.  

Whether it’s rethinking the format, partnering with other churches or organizations, or blending service with creative faith experiences, congregations are discovering that trying something new can open unexpected doors for connection, learning, and spiritual growth.  

Accommodating Schedules  

Rev. Dr. Barbara Javore, at North Shore United Methodist Church in Glencoe, sought to overcome the challenge of busy summer schedules, when family trips and sports often compete for time with vacation Bible school. Instead of planning for the usual weekday sessions, Pastor Javore recommended that VBS take place on two separate Sundays, allowing families to choose the date that worked best for them.  

To make the program meaningful and adaptable, Rev. Javore wrote her own curriculum, in which she wove together stories from both the Hebrew and Greek testaments. While some children attended both sessions, each gathering was designed to be self-contained. The flexible approach gave families more opportunities to participate and ensured that no one felt left behind if they could attend only one session.   

Leaders at Cherry Valley UMC also experimented scheduling: they condensed VBS into a weekend experience. The program kicked off on Friday evening, continued Saturday afternoon, and concluded during the Sunday worship service. That final gathering brought in an outstanding number of visiting parents, grandparents, and other family members, creating a joyful and multigenerational celebration of the children’s learning.  

Focusing Mission Locally  

Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford recently hosted their annual local Workcamp. Youth and adults from Christ, Grace, and Centennial UMCs volunteered to work on projects across the Rockford area, such as painting, cleaning, organizing, and repairing decks for residents who might not be able to care for these tasks themselves, and engaging in community outreach. More than 100 volunteers, divided into six crews, completed 12 projects at nine worksites.   

The Workcamp aims to serve neighbors and communities where the churches already have relationships. By partnering with other denominational churches and longstanding community contacts, volunteers were able to identify families and individuals in need who would benefit from help, thereby ensuring that their work would make a meaningful difference.  

Planning began four or five months in advance, allowing time to gather volunteers, brainstorm projects, contact potential sites, and follow up to confirm needs. This thoughtful preparation also made it possible for part-time students and volunteers to participate according to their availability, ensuring an opportunity for everyone who wants to serve.   

“A local Workcamp isn’t just convenient,” said Rev. TK Lee, associate pastor at Christ UMC. “It brings our church and community together, opens doors for wider participation, and creates lasting connections that glorify God.”  

Web of Prayer  

A meaningful twist enhanced VBS at Grace UMC in Naperville: each of the 92 participants was paired with a prayer partner. These behind-the-scenes supporters prayed daily for their assigned child or volunteer, creating an invisible yet powerful web of encouragement, hope, and intergenerational connection.   

The children felt seen and valued, knowing someone was lifting them up in prayer, while the volunteers felt supported in their ministry. The added layer of care and community extended far beyond the walls of VBS.  

Monsters Help with Feelings  

This year at Grace United Methodist Church in Dixon’s F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God) Camp, children received tools to understand and process their feelings in healthy, faith-filled ways. In addition to the lessons, each child received a handmade “monster” doll designed to remind them that feelings can sometimes feel like scary monsters when we don’t understand them. As campers learned to name and handle those feelings, the dolls became symbols of calm and comfort.  

Across Northern Illinois, churches are discovering that trying new approaches—whether through flexible VBS formats or locally focused mission projects—can deepen faith, strengthen community, and create lasting connections. By meeting neighbors where they are and serving with creativity and care, congregations are living out Bishop Schwerin’s call to experiment with new ways of being the church. 

Read more about summer activities across the Conference:

• VBS Adventures Inspire Faith and Community
• Summer Mission Trips: Serving Near and Far
• Building Faith, Friendships, and a Second Family at Camp