Get “Powered Up” for VBS Power Lab

By Juls Foos, Power Lab Chemist & Director

Have you ever experienced our Vacation Bible School (VBS)? My very first experience ever with a VBS program was when I got involved with our church’s VBS a few years back. I loved playing games, loved children and was good at facilitating activities. So when I heard that a Games Leader was being sought out, I stepped forward and volunteered. I had no idea what was really in store for me, our church and everyone involved from volunteers to participants. Let me take a few minutes to share from my perspective what VBS is as well as what this year’s program will look like.

What is VBS? Vacation Bible School is a fun, engaging few hours filled with:

Connecting with others ~ they are part of a team (crew) which gives them opportunity to meet new people and fellowship with others

Learning about God ~ they learn through play, listening, singing, watching, hands on, teamwork, discussing and participating. This variety gives each child the opportunity to learn the way they learn best and keeps the program fun and interesting!

Serving others ~ throughout the week they will have multiple ways of helping and serving others (i.e. through missions, making treats for other kids and having a role on their crew each day)

What does a day at VBS look like? Here is a description of the different stations kids visit…

Sonic Sing & Play – This is the kick off event each day where they are introduced to the day’s Bible story through singing, drama and play.

Bible Blast – This is one of the favorites every year where they kids watch and participate in a bible story as it unfolds before their eyes.

Hyper-speed Games – This is where they play some games that demonstrate the bible points. After the games, they enjoy a freeze pop while discussing the questions of the day with their crews.

Test Tube Treats – This is, of course, the most delicious station where the kids get to enjoy and put together creative treats. Anyone who says you can’t have fun with food hasn’t prepared any test tube treats!

Cinema Science (Chadders) is where kids watch an exciting cliffhanger video segment where Chadder Chipmunk explains the daily Bible Point. Wait – they don’t just watch a video in this segment – they do exciting, memorable projects in their Jr. Funologist’s Bible Power Pack and receive a Bible Memory Buddy inscribed with the day’s Power Verse!

Wacky Works Crafts – The kids create a craft that reminds them of the day’s bible story and point. What a great reminder for the kids; to have something that they created themselves! I will let you in on a secret; these are not your average crafts!

Missions – The kids will visit this station to learn about our Mosquito nets mission project and how we can save lives by getting nets to children in other countries. As in other stations, what is planned for this station is sure to leave the children wanting to visit this station again!

Faith Fusion Finale – This brings the day to a fantastic close with drama, singing and science experiments to help kids apply what they have learned throughout the day.

We create lasting impressions while planting and growing seeds of faith:

One person told me that their 4-year old who had participated last year had already asked when she could go to VBS again. We evidently made a lasting impression on that child!

Did you know that our crew leaders come from the children who attended our VBS in the past? They enjoyed their experience so much they don’t want to give it up. This may be the only opportunity for kids to hear about God. Some kids come who do not attend a church or hear about God. More than 50% of the kids that attend come from outside our church.

People donate and/or volunteer year after year. Some people even schedule their vacations and time off work so that they are able to come and support VBS. I have heard from others how meaningful this program is to them, their families and their spirit.

Want to help?

Ø Check out the bulletin weekly for items we are seeking

Ø Help decorate for VBS Power Lab – look for decorating meetings in bulletin

Ø Volunteer to help for one or more of the VBS days

Ø Help spread the word about VBS.

o Tell your friends.

o Put VBS fliers up in the community; fliers are on the table by the office

o Give out fliers and registration forms

o Send a personal note along with our VBS website out to local people in your email address book. (You can view a video and register on-line). Our website address is:

https://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/gumc

We have a generous community here at Greece United Methodist Church! I am grateful and humbled by the generosity and willingness of people to step forward to support this important ministry. You may never know the enormous impact that this program has in the lives of others, which I believe is deeper and wider then we can ever see. I know God is smiling, knowing the love and pure spirit that you are bringing to this event through your generous gifts, support and time.