Created by Us. Curated by the Lord

Why VBS Matters at Pilgrim Baptist Church

By Sis. Ebony N. Lea

VBS 2025 Group photo

For six hours every summer, we set aside time to engage in the tradition of Vacation Bible School at Pilgrim Baptist Church. This year, VBS will start at 6pm and end at 8 pm nightly from Tuesday, July 14 thru Thursday, July 16.

When I first became the principal of VBS, I had no idea how I would get through it. Earlier that April, I had a medical emergency and leading a ministry just couldn’t be my priority. But a funny thing happened— I did not worry about it at all. I did my part and God did the rest. And, like always, my Pilgrim family showed up and showed out! When I look back at pictures, I can literally see how God was pouring out so many blessings for the ministry. Somebody say thank God for tradition!

Remember Pilgrim: VBS is an experience that’s created by us and curated by the Lord! VBS reminds us all that there’s value in maintaining a safe, annual tradition. It can actually be fun! And, this year, it feels like the fun has already started!

Our theme this year is A Journey to Finding Jesus. No, Jesus isn’t lost but how we see Him isn’t always crystal clear. We experience “finding Jesus,” but He was already near—and already pursuing us. Frankly, He is always with us! 

Our Scripture focus is Matt 6:21 ESV “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our children, youth, adults, seniors, leadership, staff, guests, and clergy spend 3 evenings together— learning and discussing different stories of the bible and having fun while doing it. 

Here’s the rundown:

Teacher: Sis. Carole King

Children and Youth

Class:  "Is it just my imagination?"

Encounters with the Lord happen every day. Discover what that is like and what to do when you have one. 

Rev. M.E. Penman

Adults and Seniors

Class: “Finding Jesus: When the Treasure Gets Lost in the Journey”

Over three evenings, we’ll explore how believers can remain religiously active yet still lose track of Jesus through assumption, distraction, routine, and misplaced treasure. Using Matthew 6:21 and Luke 2:41–49, the lessons will invite participants to examine where their hearts are truly invested, retrace the places where spiritual attention has drifted, and recommit to staying close to Christ through prayer, obedience, reflection, and participation in the Father’s work.

Sis. Janet Thomas 

Children and Youth

Class:  "The Jesus in me"

Showing your love for others through your talents, time, and treasure. 

Weather permitting, we will have a fun splash event for our children and youth. For our adults and seniors, we have something special for you to capture and remember VBS all year long. 

To register for VBS, visit the website today! 

To volunteer with registration, operations, culinary, or classroom support, please visit here to sign up.

We can’t wait to experience what the Lord has prepared for us this year.

See you in July!

Sis. Ebony N. Lea

VBS Principal