It’s hard to believe that a month has gone by since Vacation Bible School was chugging through the halls of Immanuel! Our theme of Rocky Railway helped us learn to trust Jesus through all the ups and downs of life. The Fellowship Hall and lower level of the school building was full of joyful children playing and singing at the top of their lungs.
Through Sing & Play Express (opening), Bible Adventures, Loco Motion Games, Chew Snacks, KidVid Cinema, and Imagination Station, kids learned that “Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through.” Every time kids heard the theme of the day; they would respond with a “TRUST JESUS!” (Try it with a kid you know who went to VBS!) Here’s a recap of all the things we did and learned at VBS this year:
Day 1: Jesus’ power helps us do hard things. (TRUST JESUS!)
- “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
Kids created a pullback car (which was a little hard to control) and devoured a delicious Chew Chew Track with granola bars as ties and Twizzler Pull ‘n’ Peel as the track. In KidVid Cinema, kids learned about Dominic, who had a hard karate test coming up but trusted on Jesus’ power to help him pass. Finally, we learned about Ananias, who did the hard but right thing for Saul when he was blinded (Acts 9:1-19).
Day 2: Jesus’ power gives us hope. (TRUST JESUS!)
- “So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” (Psalm 31:24)
In Bible Adventures, Kids met Paul, who encouraged others in a storm and shipwreck (Acts 27). Down in the Dining Hall, a Bagel Tunnel with berry cream cheese and scratch off ornaments revealing a hopeful background were waiting in Chew Chew Snacks and Imagination Station. In KidVid Cinema, kids met Analiz, who brings hope to her grandmother through her accordion music.
Day 3: Jesus’ power helps us be bold. (TRUST JESUS!)
- “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Today’s snack was a Coal Crunch, which was a chocolatey version of a rice krispy treat. Kids were bold to try it but found them to be delicious! Loco Motion Games challenged kids to a relay race, where kids had to step boldly to get the edge. In Imagination Station, kids put together a mobile of each day’s Bible verse and main theme for them to hang at home. In KidVid Cinema, we met Lauren, who provides Jesus’ bold love to her community by serving in a local food pantry. Finally, kids learned about Peter and John teaching about Jesus as the church began in the book of Acts.
Day 4: Jesus’ power lets us live forever. (TRUST JESUS!)
- “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)
Day 4 is a powerful day at VBS, where we learn all about Jesus’ death and resurrection (Matthew 26:17-28:10) and how it takes away our sin. Kids were greeted with a train-themed Rubik’s cube that showed that Jesus’ love for them will never end, and then were greeted with a Crunchy Crossbuck (pretzels in the shape of a railroad crossing with frosting) in Chew Chew Snack. Water day proved to be a blast with kids, as we finally got out the water balloons on a hot day. In KidVid Cinema, we met Issac, who was sad when his brother died but finds strength knowing that he’s in heaven forever.
Day 5: Jesus’ power helps us be good friends. (TRUST JESUS!)
- “Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
As we wrapped up VBS week, kids learned about how the early Christian church showed friendship and unity. Kids tried a Good Friend fruit pizza (graham cracker with cool whip and fresh fruit on top) and LOVED IT! At Imagination Station, we created Power bands friendship bracelets, that remind them that Jesus’ power helps us be good friends. Finally, at KidVid Cinema, kids met Renee and Alina, who met at a church event and became good friends!
Our preschoolers had a blast in the Preschool hallway, making friends in their classrooms and learning the same truths about Jesus’ power. They had special playground time, snacks in their rooms, unstructured play time, and preschool-specific train-themed crafts to show what they learned at home.
It was such a successful week at VBS, and through seeing all the kids’ joy, I learned to Trust Jesus a little more too. I look forward to jumping into VBS and all things kids’ ministry for the years to come, and in the meantime... having this year’s theme song relentlessly repeating in my head.
PB&J (Peace, blessings, and joy)
Maggie
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