Over 100 children attended our Vacation Bible School program this year. We took a trip back in time to see what Jesus was like as a child. We went to Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, and visited with his mom, Mary. We also went into the market place and made some crafts, ate some authentic food, and talked to people who may not have always believed in Jesus.
There were fun and games to play as well, one of our favorites was to crush “grapes” (water balloons) with our feet just like how they made wine and olive oil. We had a rousing good time singing songs, and doing fun activities to learn how much God loves us. We learned a few key things about Jesus as well, such as Jesus had a name…just like us, Jesus had a home…just like us, Jesus went to church…just like us, Jesus had a family…just like us, and Jesus served others…just like us.
The lights went out, but God's Light was still bright!
One very exciting thing that happened was that there was a bad thunderstorm so we did a little extra singing and then moved into the conference room and hallway, where we played a few games to pass the time. Once the worst of the storm was over we went right back into Nazareth and had a great time learning about Jesus in the dark, because the power unfortunately went out. We still had fun.
We raised about $100 dollars to go to shared ministries, which helps out locals and people around the world who may not have food, shelter, or clothes. We had a great time in Nazareth!!
What Happens at Vacation Bible School?
VBS is a week of worship, Learning, and Fun! Below are some pictures telling the story of what happened.
The Bible says very little about Jesus' childhood, and most of what we do know is based on historical and archaeological evidence. So we can only conjecture about "what it might have been."
So why bother?
Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us about Jesus, our "High Priest" who is with God in Heaven...
14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.
15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
In some powerful way, the almighty God who created us identifies with all the pain, sorrows, and difficulties of this life. Thinking about how Jesus grew up, reminds us that we have an understanding and loving God who knows what we're going through.
Worship! Learning! Fun!
Check it out...
Worship...
Each evening started and ended with a time in the sanctuary where we sang, prayed, and talked about the evening's activities.
Here are a few pictures giving a taste of our worship time...
Learning and Fun...
Click the arrows to scroll through some pictures and captions describing the learning and fun that this year's VBS offered our kids (and adults!)...
The kids went to different shops each day. This was the carpentry shop where the younger kids (kindergarten through 2 year olds) would paint wooden tops. 1st grade and up would paint wooden church bird feeders. The kids got to know a small about being a carpenter in Nazareth and had the opportunity to do some woodworking as well (well just sanding some boards smooth).
This is in the carpentry shop. When the kids were finished with their projects or were waiting to make their projects they had the opportunity to do a little wood working. All they were doing was sanding boards, but they did enjoy it.
This is again in the carpentry shop. These are some of the older kids who got to paint church bird feeders that were made of wood.
This is another of the shops. The synagogue school. In this shop the kids were given Tzedakah (no clue on earth how to pronounce that) boxes. They were offering boxes that the kids could collect money to share with others who had none. They had to interact with the shop keeper who had some doubts about Jesus being the Savior.
This is the olive oil shop where the kids would get a jar, mash up some herbs and salt in a mortar and pestle, and get some olive oil. They put the oil, herbs, and salt into their jars to make a scrub to bath with. They also learned the importance of olive oil and all of its different uses in Nazareth.
The 2-3 year old class shows off the olive oil scrub that they had just finished making. They were waiting for the rest of their class to finish up before moving on to the next activity.
In Mary’s house the kids would hear a different story about when Jesus was a child. There was usually an interruption from Eunice (Mary’s neighbor), she didn’t believe in Jesus and was very nosy. The kids here are listening to one of Mary’s many stories about Jesus.
The sheep pen was a common sight in Nazareth. There are lots of shepherds in Nazareth and when they were in town they had to keep their sheep all together.
This is what a typical house in Nazareth may have looked like. It gave the kids a chance to see how Jesus may have lived and to make Nazareth a little more real to the kids.
Fun 'n Games!
The kids got outside and learned some more cool stuff...
The kids learned the importance of olive oil, and how to make it just like they did in Nazareth- squishing the olives between their toes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .
The kids were racing to get to and from Nazareth. But it was a trip filled with obstacles. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ .
The purpose of this was for the kids to build a home. They were learning that Jesus had a home…just like we do. ... .
The kids had to drape a sheet over 4 broom sticks and then everyone had to climb inside, including the pole holders. They were racing against another tribe to see who could build their home first. .
Meanwhile...
While the younger kids were busy in the church building's "Nazareth" the older kids enjoyed the pool...
Tribe Time...
After the evening's activities, all of the classes gathered back in the sanctuary to review the point of the day, the bible verse of the day, and for a "mini-lesson" that made the points stick. They also shared in their "God Sightings" and thanked God for all He gives us, day in and day out.
And- we all got ready for the next evening!
What's Next?
Vacation Bible School is a "time honored tradition" in our church. It's a huge part of who we are, so... keep your bags packed! The itinerary for 2016 isn't ready yet, but you can be sure that we'll be "traveling" somewhere again next summer.
+ + + + + + + + +
For more information on our Vacation Bible School, Click Here.
See ya next year!!!
