Introducing New VBS Ministry Specialist Melita Thomas
Back in 2006 I was given the honor of joining the team at Lifeway Christian Resources as the Vacation Bible School Ministry Specialist. The position has included responsibility for national training events such as Preview, working with the publishing team to develop themes and resources for 11 seasons, and traveling the U.S. equipping state and associational leaders who, in turn, equipped church leaders.
As much as I have enjoyed these responsibilities, the best part of the job has been the relationships with so many of you. While many of us have only met through phone and e-mail conversations, I count partnering with you in the transformational ministry of VBS as one of my greatest blessings and treasures.
As you may have noticed by the sentimental tone of my writing in recent weeks, I’m in the midst of transitioning away from Lifeway and back to my roots in local church ministry. Thank you for allowing me to partner with you for the past 11 seasons of VBS. Serving you as Lifeway’s VBS Ministry Specialist has truly been a privilege and honor.
As I recently wrote, VBS must be continually evolving—and so it is also true with the VBS Specialist position.
Beginning tomorrow Melita Thomas will be taking over the responsibilities for this blog as well as the face of Lifeway VBS. While she is new to the position, she is not new to Lifeway’s VBS or to you. In fact, we both started working on VBS the same year with Game Day Central. Melita, one of the most creative people I know, has appeared for years on our set and decoration videos—teaching us all how to use foam and a hot knife to create fantastic sets and backdrops.
In addition to using her creative skills to construct over-the-top sets, Melita has served as editor of preschool resources, Worship Rally materials, Decorating Made Easy, Zip for Kids, and led in the development of KidEvent Pro.
Melita is a member of Nashville First Baptist Church where she teaches preschoolers and preteens and sings in the choir.
I hope you will join me in both welcoming Melita to this new role and praying for her as she begins this new chapter in the transforming ministry of Vacation Bible School.
Thanks for the memories.
the vbsguy
We will miss you Jerry, but Melita was great at Ridgecrest! Can’t wait to get to know her and see where God takes her and what we can all do to change lives for Christ through VBS
Jerry, your passion for VBS and for sharing the truths of God’s Word with kids has inspired all of us! Thank you for all your hard work and for encouraging us in local churches as we invest in children. May God bless you in your new ministry!
Blessings to you Jerry as you follow Gods leading, and Malita, prayers to you as you take on your new role as the face of Lifeway VBS! You’re going to be great and I look forward to watching you shine!
Jerry Wooley!!!
What an honor & privilege it has been to work & serve with you on the local, associational, & state level in VBS. You have encouraged & empowered my team & myself over the years to serve & teach others. Anytime I needed anything VBS, you had answers & ideas to help carry us on to teaching children & adults about Jesus & knowing Him as personal Savior & Lord. I would say, you will be surely missed, but the mark of excellence you conveyed to us will be passed on, from our heart & lives, to other for years to come. Thank you, I appreciated all the hard work, service, fun & love you poured onto & into me over the years.
Blessing to you & your family,
Joyce Grimes
Congratulations Jerry. We enjoyed working with you the past ten years. God bless. Richard
Jerry, you have done a great job at Lifeway. I believe you are now at FBC Hendersonville. Phil & I served that great church for 9 years and love those folks! Enjoy the ride!
We will miss you Jerry! Thank you for your awesome years of service. I pray God’s blessing over you as you transition and continue to serve Him.
Prayers for blessing at FBC Hendersonville as you take on this new chapter of God’s work. You have been a blessing to me over the last few years of attending KMC and VBS. It was always special to learn a new piece of Baptist history/Sunday School history along with training in the VBS Preview. I look forward to seeing you again next year at FBC Hendersonville!!
Thank you for sitting across from me in Lorie Honeycutt’s VBS Director’s Conference for Amazon Outfitters in Glorietta, NM, January 17, 2002. That encounter started a friendship and ministry partnership that I treasure beyond what you could ever know. Godspeed to you as you impact Hendersonville for many years to come. You will always be a friend to me and to VBS. If I am ever in Hendersonville, I will stop by with a hot HI Express Cinnamon roll in hand.
Hi, will there be any clues given for 2019! We are all so excited to know the theme! I want a little one, want to get started designing props!
Thank You, Jan