{"id":17739,"date":"2018-07-23T00:51:31","date_gmt":"2018-07-23T04:51:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=17739"},"modified":"2018-08-23T09:14:43","modified_gmt":"2018-08-23T13:14:43","slug":"2018-vacation-bible-school-getting-ready-to-make-a-splash-6-25-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=17739","title":{"rendered":"Jesus Rescues During our 2018 Vacation Bible School! (6\/25\/18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The sea was in a terrible mood- more violent than these experienced fishermen had ever seen. Waves crashed over the tiny boat filling it with water..They were sinking faster than a brick skipping across a pond, and they knew that they’d be dead in only a few minutes. But Jesus was \"\"asleep in the back of the boat.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

They believed that the Lord was their Good Shepherd; that he’d lead them beside quite waters. That He’d save them from the very danger they were now in. But Jesus… He was asleep.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Sometimes we all feel like that. Where is Jesus? We’re scared, lonely, fighting against life’s “waves.” What do we do? We know that Jesus can rescue us, but how do we connect with Him? Will the life raft ever come in our direction?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Jesus WILL Rescue You!!!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

During the week of June 25 2018 our 2018 Vacation Bible School (“VBS”) re-assured us that Jesus Rescues us, even when we’re being tossed on the open sea. Or even after we crash and are shipwrecked. \"\"<\/p>\n

Each night began with an opening session in the sanctuary. This kick-off included a series of bouncy and memorable songs, along with skits by Kate and Lance Bird which introduced the kids to each evening’s activities. Each evening presented a theme about the different “shipwrecks” we encounter, and then it showed us how Jesus Rescues!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kids Become Crew Members!<\/span><\/h4>\n

When you joined the Shipwrecked Adventure, you became a Crew Member! Crew Members were grouped by age, and each crew was given a special mascot and color.<\/p>\n

The week was open to kids from age 2 through 6th grade. Each age group had its own class- er- “Crew”, which was lead by adult “Crow Leaders.” A total of 99 kids set sail on this year’s VBS adventure! Here are the crews…<\/p>\n\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t2 yr. olds \u2013 Red Guppies\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t3 yr. olds \u2013 Orange Sea Turtles\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t4 yr. olds \u2013 Yellow Starfish\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t5 yr. olds \u2013 Green Seahorses\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\tKindergarten \u2013Blue Iguanas\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t1st grade \u2013 Purple Stingrays\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t2nd grade\u2013 Pink Cheetah\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t3rd grade\u2013 Grey Toucan\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t4th grade\u2013Brown Sloth\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t5th\/6th grades – Sharks\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t\n

—————<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Planning and Preparing…<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"\"

Prayer Partner- Name in a bottle<\/p><\/div>\n

Before a Vacation Bible School can happen, a lot of work has to be done. One of the first things that happened around our church was to pray.<\/p>\n

Vials with the name of a prayer partner were distributed to the congregation, and we each prayed daily for a specific volunteer.<\/p>\n

Running a Vacation Bible School program does take a lot of work. But all of the human effort is meaningless unless the Holy Spirit is behind it all. So, “thoughts and prayers” isn’t just a way of dismissing things. True prayer is essential if we are going to be successful at planting seeds that will help people know Christ better.<\/p>\n

It all starts with prayer. But after (and during) that, we put our hands to work. Beyond selecting the materials, lining up teachers and volunteers, and setting up registration, we also need to decorate! The Shipwrecked and Island motif washed over our entire building!<\/p>\n\n\t\t