VBS 2004

[marc]

Thanks.  We may end up having a few questions.

[marc]

We're definitely doing Group's Bug Safari (the main package from last year).

[marc]

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]There is an aspect of outreach, I think, in that there are dozens of kids who might not come around for \"church\" but will for games and crafts and contests and \"a mountain of cookies/a river of Kool-Aid\" (as the bulletin says every year[/quote]

Just a tip:  never serve kool-aid and give out free squirt guns on the same night. :eek:  :alert:

[marc]

Not sure if this is the right thread for this--if it's not, some moderator can feel free to move it to a better location.

As the snow (more than I realized at first) flies outside my window I sit inside previewing Standard's VBS program for this year.  This is one of several we have already looked at.  We've decided to go all-out this year.  My sister is in charge, and we've looked at Standard, Group and several other companies.  So far the one we probably like best is Group's 2002 VBS--something about bugs (and we think we can still get it).

Is anyone else already planning for VBS this coming summer? Does anyone know of any really good kits that can get everyone excited and involved?

[dgdodd]

IMHO, I think Group has the best VBS programming available!  :clap:   We will be using Group's S.C.U.B.A. program this year and have used their Polar Expedition in the past.

I would be glad to try to answer any questions you may have.   :D

Damaris

[spurly]

We are using \"Creative VBS\" by Steve and Debbie Thomas.  The theme we are using is \"Incredible Journey\" - about the Exodus.  

We will be conducting this VBS in the States and on the island of Jamaica.

Kevin

[socrmom]

I have used Group's VBS packages in the past and have loved it!!  

Teacher prep. is do-able, the topics are memorable, and it is fun!!  

I havn't decided what we will do this year.  Do you think a VBS is an effective outreach to the community, or is it a valuable experience primarily for the kids already connected with your church?

[seekr]

Marc, I was involved in chidren's ministries off and on for around 20 years and also did VBS. I really am not sure how effective any of it is. In all that time I NEVER brought a child to Christ, but did in my home. It still boils down to the relationship issue. The kids who got to know me and my family and even seeing me with all my flaws, still saw Christ in us and God set up the situations for salvation. It was never anything organized or planned out. I saw God move and witnessed His direction. There were a few instances that kids found Christ in my home this way and it left me amazed how God used this in my life.

I realize it still is about our hearts before Him and how we really do want to reach others no matter what venue is used. Just seek His direction in it.

seekr

[kmv]

Do any of you include an adult bible study with vbs?  Also, do you do the weeknight or once a week format?

We'd like to add an adult class this year (bringing more unchurched kids from the community along with their parents).  

And these snow days are going to run school into mid-June, which may prevent us from going with the whole-week-at-once format.

kari

:doh:  :saint:  :priest:  :alert:  :angel:  :clap:  :zzzz:  (the smilies are from my kid)

[janine]

We (in the years I've had anything to do with it) have done the daytime-in-the-summer VBS (hot hot hot) and the (preferred) nighttime VBS.  We have had both classes for all ages and only up to Jr. High.  These are sometimes Monday-thru-Friday, usually Monday-thru-Wednesday.

There is an aspect of outreach, I think, in that there are dozens of kids who might not come around for \"church\" but will for games and crafts and contests and \"a mountain of cookies/a river of Kool-Aid\" (as the bulletin says every year).

We usually have more conversions directly related to youth rallies (older kids) than VBS... but the comraderie and so on coming out a yearly VBS is precious.

[janine]

Nah.  Maybe we'll give out silly string, though.

Bound to be lots of it on sale left over from Mardi Gras.

[marc]

Um, no, we don't plan that far ahead.  The topic should read \"VBS 2003\". :doh:

[Barb1957]

marc, LOL about \"2004\" ...
Not sure what West End's planning. I'll check with Tennyson, our Children's Minister, and see if she has any info about our VBS this year.  I don't know what source was used last year, but the theme was \"Bible Big Top Circus\". Seemed to be loads of good fun for all. I'm all for using (among other things)  balloon animals, clowns, popcorn and cotton candy to spread the love of Jesus.  :yummy:  :noddingsmiley: