Serve at VBS
Why We Want Students to Serve at VBS

Michael Gleason • Associate Pastor
June 4, 2026

3 Minute Read

Vacation Bible School is one of the biggest outreach opportunities of the year at Prince Street Church. Hundreds of conversations, countless moments of encouragement, and opportunities to share the love of Jesus happen throughout the week.

And one of the most important parts of VBS is our students.

As Student Ministry leaders, one of our goals is not simply to help students know about Jesus—we want to help them follow Jesus. One of the ways we do that is through serving.

Serving helps students move from being spectators to participants in God’s mission. It teaches responsibility, builds confidence, develops leadership, and gives students the opportunity to use their gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.

Many of the children who attend VBS will look up to our students. A simple conversation, helping with a game, leading motions during worship, or sitting with a child who feels nervous can have a lasting impact.

The truth is, you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference.

Throughout Scripture, God uses young people in powerful ways. He used David, Esther, Josiah, Mary, Timothy, and many others to accomplish His purposes. God is not waiting for students to grow up before He can use them. He wants to use them now.

If you are a student, we want to encourage you to consider serving at VBS.

You don’t have to know all the answers.

You don’t have to be a Bible expert.

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room.

You simply need a willing heart.

Serving at VBS is an opportunity to:

  • Show the love of Jesus to children.
  • Build relationships with younger students.
  • Grow in your own faith.
  • Learn what it means to serve others.
  • Be part of something bigger than yourself.
  • Help create an environment where children can hear the Gospel.

We believe that students are not just the future of the church—they are an important part of the church today. God has gifted them, called them, and can use them right now to impact others for His Kingdom.

So if you’re a student who is wondering whether you should serve, our answer is simple:

Jump in. Get involved. Make a difference.

You never know how God might use your willingness to serve to change someone’s life—including your own.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

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Up Next
From this Collection: Student Ministry
July 1, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
🚗 Student Ministry Families: We Need Your Help at Fair Parking!
This year, our Student Ministry has an exciting new opportunity to raise funds by serving at Fair Parking during the Shippensburg Fair! On Wednesday, July 22, Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, Prince Street Church will be providing parking on the corner of Possum Hollow Road. Donations received during these days will go directly to support the Prince Street Church Student Ministry, helping provide opportunities for students to grow in their faith, serve others, and participate in future ministry events. We’d Love Your Help! We’re inviting parents and students to serve together during a 2–3 hour shift. It’s a simple way to support Student Ministry while serving alongside your church family and connecting with our community. Whether your family has been involved in Student Ministry for years or you’re just getting connected, we’d love to have you join us. A sign-up sheet is available at the back of the sanctuary, orSign Up Here! you can reach out to me if you have any questions about serving. Thank you for partnering with us as we invest in the next generation. Every volunteer and every donation helps make a difference! — Michael Gleason Pastor of Student Ministries

Michael Gleason

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June 29, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
🎮 Game Night- July 1!
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We’re looking forward to another great week together in Student Ministry! This Wednesday will be a relaxed evening of games, food, and fellowship as students spend time building friendships and enjoying the summer together. We hope your student will join us—and invite a friend! This Week: Game Night Date: Wednesday, July 1 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM Location: Youth House Cost: Free What to Expect We’ll have a variety of: 🎲 Board Games 🃏 Card Games 🎮 Video Games 🍕 Food and snacks 😊 Plenty of fun and fellowship! What to Bring Students are encouraged to bring their favorite card game to share with the group (please make sure it’s appropriate for everyone). Why It Matters Summer is a great time to strengthen friendships and encourage one another in Christ. Nights like these provide opportunities for students to connect, welcome new friends, and continue growing together as a church family in a fun and relaxed environment. Looking Ahead 🎯 Wednesday, July 8 – Mini Golf Night Next week we’ll head out for an evening of mini golf and fellowship! Meet: 5:30 PM at the Youth House Destination: Wallace Mini Golf Return: Approximately 8:30 PM We’ll travel together from the Youth House and return around 8:30 PM. It’s sure to be a fun night of friendly competition and time together. 📅 Wednesday, July 15 – No Youth Group There will be no Student Ministry gathering on July 15. We encourage everyone to enjoy the evening with family, and we’ll look forward to seeing everyone the following week. 🎡 Wednesday, July 22 – Shippensburg Fair Instead of meeting for youth group, we’ll be enjoying the Shippensburg Fair! If you’re at the fair that evening, be sure to find me and say hello! I’d love to connect with our students and families while you’re there. Thank you for partnering with us as we seek to help students know Christ, grow in their faith, and build lasting friendships. We look forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday!

Michael Gleason

Associate Pastor

June 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Student Ministry Parent Update- Week of June 21-28
Summer is in full swing, and we wanted to send a quick reminder about what’s happening this week and next in Student Ministry. Vacation Bible School This Week Vacation Bible School is taking place Monday through Thursday this week, and many of our students are serving throughout the week in a variety of roles. We are grateful for the students who are investing their time to serve younger children, build relationships, and help share the love of Christ during VBS. Please pray that God would use our students and volunteers to make a lasting impact in the lives of the children attending VBS. We also encourage students and their families to join us for our Church Picnic on Sunday as we celebrate all that God has done through VBS this week and gather together as a church family. No Regular Youth Gathering This Wednesday Because of VBS activities, there will be no regular Wednesday night Student Ministry gathering this week. We encourage our students who are serving at VBS to give their best as they serve and represent Christ throughout the week. Join Us for the Church Picnic This Sunday We would love for your family to join us this Sunday, June 28, for our annual Church Picnic at Shippensburg Township Park on Britton Road. This special day is an opportunity for our church family to worship together, enjoy great food, build relationships, and celebrate what God is doing in our church community—including the impact of Vacation Bible School. Church Picnic Schedule 10:00 AM – Donuts & Coffee 10:45 AM – Worship Service 12:00 PM – Catered Meal 1:00 PM – Scheduled Fun & Activities 2:00 PM – Dessert Whether you’ve been part of Prince Street Church for years or are still getting connected, we’d love to see you there. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs or blankets for your family. Game Night Next Wednesday Student Ministry returns next Wednesday with our Summer Game Night! 📅 Wednesday, July 1 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM 📍 Prince Street Church Students can expect an evening of games, snacks, laughter, and time together as we continue building Christ-centered friendships throughout the summer. Thank you for partnering with us as we help students know Jesus, grow in their faith, and serve others. Michael Gleason Pastor of Student Ministries

Michael Gleason

Associate Pastor

June 15, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Student Ministry Parent Update | June 17 VBS Preparation Night
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Michael Gleason

Associate Pastor

June 8, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
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Michael Gleason

Associate Pastor

Currently Reading
June 4, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Serve at VBS
Vacation Bible School is one of the biggest outreach opportunities of the year at Prince Street Church. Hundreds of conversations, countless moments of encouragement, and opportunities to share the love of Jesus happen throughout the week. And one of the most important parts of VBS is our students. As Student Ministry leaders, one of our goals is not simply to help students know about Jesus—we want to help them follow Jesus. One of the ways we do that is through serving. Serving helps students move from being spectators to participants in God’s mission. It teaches responsibility, builds confidence, develops leadership, and gives students the opportunity to use their gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. Many of the children who attend VBS will look up to our students. A simple conversation, helping with a game, leading motions during worship, or sitting with a child who feels nervous can have a lasting impact. The truth is, you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference. Throughout Scripture, God uses young people in powerful ways. He used David, Esther, Josiah, Mary, Timothy, and many others to accomplish His purposes. God is not waiting for students to grow up before He can use them. He wants to use them now. If you are a student, we want to encourage you to consider serving at VBS. You don’t have to know all the answers. You don’t have to be a Bible expert. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room. You simply need a willing heart. Serving at VBS is an opportunity to: Show the love of Jesus to children. Build relationships with younger students. Grow in your own faith. Learn what it means to serve others. Be part of something bigger than yourself. Help create an environment where children can hear the Gospel. We believe that students are not just the future of the church—they are an important part of the church today. God has gifted them, called them, and can use them right now to impact others for His Kingdom. So if you’re a student who is wondering whether you should serve, our answer is simple:Jump in. Get involved. Make a difference. You never know how God might use your willingness to serve to change someone’s life—including your own. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

Michael Gleason

Associate Pastor

June 3, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
🎢 Student Ministry Hersheypark Trip
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Michael Gleason

Associate Pastor