Once school lets out and the weather gets warmer, many churches experience a noticeable dip in attendance. It happens every year as schedules get filled up with vacations, sporting events, outdoor activities, and family commitments. 

Vacation Bible Schools, mission trips, and camps have often been ways for churches to stay connected to the children and youth in their communities. Even these regular summer standbys have seen a decrease in attendance. Many Northern Illinois churches are getting creative with their approach, finding new ways to engage their congregations and keep the community spirit alive. 

Discerning something different 

Community UMC in Naperville spent the better part of the year brainstorming how they might offer a meaningful summer opportunity for kids in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.  After a discernment process, they felt led to offer a Creative Arts Camp in place of the traditional Vacation Bible School this year. Placing a high priority on the gifts and graces of their church members, they focused on sharing about God through the craft of theater. A part of the DNA at CUMC is a community theater group named Community Players that produces 2-3 plays a year.  

“The church felt God leading us to teach and share this art with the next generation,” said Pastor Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton.  “Through the music, arts, crafts, and storytelling, kids are able to learn about the BIG LOVE that Jesus offers to everyone!”   

The camp ended with a performance of Tell Me The Truth: A Groovy Game Show Musical. Campers were also invited to share selections from the show at service on Sunday.   

VBS with little to no children 

In Galena, attendance at the ecumenical VBS was falling. In the spring of 2023, Rev. Jin-Hee Kang, the pastor at Galena UMC, was determined to reach out to the community children. In conjunction with the United Churches of Galena (UCG), they made plans and sent out over 300 flyers through the local primary school. Only a handful showed up, but it was more than what they had before.   

After VBS, GUMC retained five children and retired pastor Rev. Patricia Allen-Stewart restarted Sunday School. This year, with the support of the UCG, they advertised the VBS through flyers, Facebook, and the local newspaper. Attendance doubled, and more children were enrolled in Sunday School.   

The Jo Daviess County Transit is also an essential part of success. The church worked with them to transport the children (and their families) to Galena UMC every Sunday. “By all means, it would have made sense not to try and host VBS without any children of our own. But if we hadn’t taken that first step, none of this growth would have been possible,” said Rev. Kang. “Reach out to your community, find them, and invite them.” 

Combining camps 

For 20 years, First UMC of Downers Grove has been hosting a week-long church camp at Wesley Woods Retreat Center. First UMC of Evanston has also been running a similar camp.  Following the pandemic, they joined together for camp, enjoying each other’s company. They have leaned into connectionalism and opened the offer to other UMC congregations in the area, including Hinsdale UMC, Bolingbrook: Friendship UMC, and Lombard: First UMC. Over 110 campers and volunteers joined together for Bible study, camp activities, and community.  

“For many years, the camp was attended by members of our church along with their friends,” said John Smoke, Deacon at First UMC in Downers Grove. “In the years coming up, we look forward to welcoming more churches to join together for our summer church camp at Wesley Woods.” 

Involving Everyone 

Grace UMC in Naperville found a way to involve more than just those that served on their mission trip. The 22-member Grace UMC group was joined by three from the United Methodist Church of Antioch. They traveled to serve with Habitat for Humanity, the Church of the Resurrection (Leawood), and the city of Lawrence, Kansas. 

Participants shared morning devotions, worked together, ate together, played silly games, spent time in prayer partner/Connect groups, and worshipped. This multi-generational group included adults, college students, and youth who had completed 8th grade through high school. But their group was not just those physically on the trip.

“Approximately 200-250 people were involved in our mission trip in one way or another,” said Gaye Lynn Loufek, Director of Youth Ministries at Grace UMC. “We had 25 from our congregation who served as “at home” prayer partners, 125 individuals who were shareholders and provided monetary or in-kind support, and a planning team of folks who helped prepare for the trip.”  

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While the summer months often bring challenges, they also open doors for meaningful connections.  Whether it’s through innovative camps, community partnerships, or mission trips that involve everyone, these efforts remind us that when we adapt and engage with the heart or Christ, we can make a lasting impact. 

Read more about summer activities across the Conference:

• Bringing Summer Joy and Learning with VBS
• Summer Mission Trips Serving Communities in Need 
• Building Faith and Friendship at Camp