I Go The Joy Joy Joy....

From The Desk of a Geek:

I've Got The Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down In My Heart.....(Where) Down In My Heart

Summer time on the church grounds is an exciting time, rather there are 40 or 400, the sights and sounds of churches all over the world doing Vacation Bible School is a tradition like none other. Sort of like baseball's World Series, hockey's Stanley Cup, or Pendleton County's Wool Festival.

What images pop into your head when you hear the words Vacation Bible School? Do you have fond memories, or are you wondering what is VBS? 

VBS stands for Vacation Bible School, and it is a summer church outreach focused on giving kids a fun and creative place to learn about the Bible and to build relationships with churches and other kids in the area.

If VBS has been a great experience for you as a child or adult (or both!), you are probably smiling. Some may think of VBS as "old school" or not an event for your style of ministry. You might think VBS is OK, but you feel pressure because you need an event that sets your church apart from others in your area.

Many people may wonder what the purpose of Vacation Bible School is and if it's still relevant. The answer is actually very simple: the purpose of VBS is to minister children in the church, create outreach to the surrounding communities, and to create evangelism opportunities. This purpose is supported by a creative theme of Bible study, activities, worship, and even time for some tasty snacks.

If you are not sure VBS is for you, here are a few things to consider.

Vacation Bible School has come a long way since the days of popcorn crafts and Bible lessons taught using a felt board. Today’s VBS aims at reaching children using twenty-first-century methods and approaches. Music is filled with more contemporary sounding songs. Children are able to follow along with other kids on DVDs and streaming videos, learning the songs and movements.

VBS is still a time for children and youth to connect with each other and with the Bible. It is still a time for the church family to be involved in a fun week of learning, activities, and celebration during the summer. Even though it has undergone significant changes, some things remain the same. VBS benefits not only the children who participate but also the churches that offer it and the adults and youth who volunteer to teach and lead it.

Adults can decorate, teach, shepherd children, prepare snacks, send invitations, send follow-up cards to visitors, work with publicity, and pray. 

As adults in a church spend time together to plan for and lead VBS, they build community spirit, make new friends, and work together for the benefit of both children they know and children they don’t know. Their investment of time and energy makes their church stronger and more vibrant; a beacon in their communities.

VBS can be a short-term event with long-term results.

With a typical five-day time frame, VBS offers a chance to pull out all the stops and create an unforgettable experience. Research shows connections made during VBS results is salvation discovery of church prospects and potential workers for other ongoing children's programs. 

Also, it is not uncommon for a leader to volunteer to help for "just one week of VBS," and feel God's tug on his or her heart to work with kids permanently.

VBS is a special event that creates memories that help lock Bible truths in a child's heart and mind for a lifetime. Birthday parties and other special events have themes that use creativity to evoke feelings of excitement. Games, food, decorations and fun all link together in a total package. 

VBS does the same thing. When we connect with kids through this ministry, the biblical truths that permeate all aspects of VBS also connect with their hearts and minds.

The biblical content built into the curriculum lays foundational truths that help kids understand who Jesus is and why they need a personal Savior. The relationships you develop with kids and their families can provide many opportunities to not only show the love of Jesus, but to share the truth of the gospel.

Lonnie..