Prairie Ridge Reformed Church’s Vacation Bible School planning committee convened Tuesday evening to finalize this summer’s theme, approve the volunteer roster, and address what the agenda described as “pending snack logistics.” The committee accomplished one of these objectives in full, one partially, and declined to characterize the third as either resolved or unresolved.

Pastor Mike Williams unveiled the VBS theme at 6:41pm. The theme — which this reporter has confirmed is nine words long and includes a colon — was displayed on a handout Pastor Williams had prepared in advance. The handout also included a two-page explanatory addendum, which Pastor Williams noted was “a brief supplement.” Three volunteers raised their hands to request clarification before he had finished reading the theme aloud. Pastor Williams clarified for twenty-two minutes. The three volunteers left the meeting with more questions than they had arrived with. Pastor Williams considered this progress.

The theme itself — which the Dispatch has chosen not to reproduce in full, as doing so would require a second page — centers on what Pastor Williams described as “the covenantal journey of God’s people from creation to consummation, rendered accessible for ages four through twelve.” Volunteer coordinator Jess Kimball, who was co-chairing her first planning meeting, asked whether the theme could be shortened for banner purposes. Pastor Williams said he would pray about it. The banner situation remains unresolved.

Brandon Keyes, attending as a non-voting observer, submitted a written proposal for a “theological pre-screening process” for VBS curriculum materials, citing what he called “a documented pattern of doctrinal softness in children’s ministry resources across evangelical contexts.” The proposal was received. Its status is under advisement. Elder Hoffstead, reached after the meeting, said the committee would “consider it in due course,” which Elder Hoffstead confirmed was not a timeline.

Haley Novak, co-chairing the decorating committee alongside Jess Kimball, offered to provide branded refreshments for opening day from her Tallow & Theology product line. After a brief discussion about whether tallow-based skincare products constituted an appropriate refreshment, Haley clarified she had meant “branded in the sense of aesthetic consistency” rather than consumable product samples. The committee accepted the offer. Travis Novak, reached separately, confirmed he was “aware of the commitment.”

The snack committee’s position on goldfish crackers was presented in a four-point memorandum by committee chair Dorothy Vance, who argued that goldfish crackers, while adequate, failed to “reflect the theological intentionality of the surrounding curriculum.” A counter-motion to retain goldfish crackers on grounds of practicality and widespread child acceptance was tabled for the next meeting. Dorothy Vance noted the tabling with visible displeasure. The goldfish crackers remain in procurement limbo.

AT PRESS TIME: The VBS theme banner had been sent to three graphic designers. None of them had responded yet. The theme fits on one line only in a font size the Dispatch describes as “optimistic.”

DEVELOPING: Elder Hoffstead has confirmed he will attend the June business meeting prepared to address two agenda items. He has not confirmed which two. Elder Langley, who submitted four agenda items, says he is “encouraged by the number.”