Congratulations! You are planning for VBS 2021!

If you follow the Good News Movement (@goodnews_movement) on social media you may have seen a video this past week of a school aged girl receiving news that she would be returning to in-person learning. Her tears of relief and joy were heartwarming and heartbreaking. Our kids NEED social interaction with other children and with adults. We are hard-wired by God for connection with people.

Can I just encourage you: whatever you must do to get children and families together this summer, do it! I understand that geographical location impacts what this will look. I am in Missouri where churches are filling up more and more each Sunday and people are regularly going out to eat. Dear friends of mine are in Massachusetts and they have not eaten in a restaurant or attended in-person church since March 2020.

Regardless of where you live, the need for social connection amongst kids is constant. How churches meet said needs will vary and that is ok!

The VBS programs that are available through Christianbook come with many helps on how to meet the need safely and successfully for family and student connection. Some of these helps are from our team and other helps are directly from the publishers.

Resources are available to help you plan for:

1. In-person VBS
2. Hybrid VBS (in-person and virtual)
3. Virtual or At Home VBS

There are so many great tools and resources in 2021 to come along aside VBS directors. Thank God for the good things coming your way!

As you decide which approach to take, allow me to offer 2 suggestions:

1. Decide to host VBS in 2021 – Go ahead and commit to something. Many schools in the country have successfully had in person learning. Schools that were remote only are opening up either to a hybrid model or full time. You can learn from schools or camps in your area on what protocols to take or wording to use when communicating with the community. Bottom line – you can do VBS this year!

2. Decide with vision – I hope this does not sound too harsh. Hear me out. Your volunteer team needs to hear vision, excitement, and commitment to meeting the real needs of families in your community. People like to get behind vision and passion. Don’t be surprised if a half-hearted enthusiasm for VBS is met with a half-hearted commitment from your volunteer team. Jump in to VBS with both feet! VBS is something we GET TO DO.

VBS leader: we believe in you! And we believe in the power and strength of God to see you through this year.

– Holly Trewern, VBS Product Editor at Christianbook

The post Decide to host VBS in 2021! appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Dear VBS Director in Uncertain Times,

As the old hymn reminds us, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. “ We hold fast to Christ and we strive to be ambassadors of Jesus in the midst of uncertainty and rapid change. As a VBS Director, you know that VBS is the perfect vehicle to do this. Not only does VBS unite people of all ages, it is one of the most exciting ways to share Christ with children and families. This summer people will have a great desire to gather and reconnect with friends, giving the church a wide open door to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. This could truly be the best year ever to invite kids, teens, and adults to volunteer and participate in VBS. However, VBS planning may look different this year and you may be wondering how you can adapt to the current situation.

Here are some helpful suggestions.

What do you already know?

• VBS fulfills the Great Commission by sharing the Gospel.
• VBS is an important outreach opportunity to your community.
• Parents search for healthy activities for their children during the summer time.
• People of all ages will be excited to gather again whenever that time comes.

What schedule adjustments can you make?

• Possibly postpone the decision to have VBS. Communicate online when a decision will be announced.
• Publicize registration if your VBS is currently scheduled for late June, July or August.
• Reschedule VBS from early summer to late summer and advertise it as a “Back to School Bash”.
• Schedule VBS during Labor Day Weekend and call it “September Surprise” or “Summer Do-Over”.
• Plan for an evening VBS that can still happen after school begins.
• Make VBS a Fall Family Festival during Columbus Day weekend.

What are some alternative ideas?

• Use VBS materials for a series of “Parents Night Out” on Fridays for a month after churches reopen.
• Use VBS materials for a series of Sunday afternoon events after churches reopen.
• Conduct VBS online.
  • Ask high school or college students to help you maximize digital and social media options.
  • Try VBS “take-out”. Create family packages with student activity books, craft supplies and give-aways for parking lot pick-ups or home drop-offs.
  • Run large group sessions using video conferencing or other live streaming platforms.
  • Run small groups using video conferencing, or provide instructions for parents to teach the Bible lesson at home.
  • Check back with us for updates, as many publishers are considering digital-friendly options that we can make available to you.

What are some budget-friendly options?

• Use your VBS Director’s Guide to adjust a 5 day VBS to 3 days.
• Purchase a Two-Day Weekend VBS, or another economical VBS .
• Create an online shopping registry and ask for donations.
• Ask families to save items for you as they do spring cleaning.
• Ask creative friends and family to begin working on decorations right now. Encourage kids at home to help!
• Plan a craft that utilizes empty toilet paper rolls and ask families to save them. J
• Revise your budget with our Budget Worksheets.

At Christianbook, we are more committed than ever to provide the resources you need to keep moving forward. We’re here to help you succeed in being the church – with or without a building. We’d love to hear your suggestions too. Please share your ideas on our Facebook Kid Min page, here.

Finally, if you need a little encouragement about the impact of VBS on lives may I suggest the book It’s Worth It: Uncovering How One week Can Transform Your Church. This is a Kairos time in history. Together, we can make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

Blessings,

Maryl

VBS Editor at Christianbook

The post Dear VBS Director in Uncertain Times appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

There are many qualities you might look for in your volunteer team or staff. Qualities such as their love for Christ, commitment, loyalty, fun, team player, creative, problem solver, or willing. But one quality often left off that list is ‘appreciated’. A quality you as the pastor or leader have direct impact on.

Ask yourself this question honestly: does your team feel appreciated? An under-appreciated team member may become disgruntled, feel their work does not matter, may underperform or give just barely enough. They may even be bitter or difficult to work with and ultimately, they may not stick around for long.

On the other side of the coin, an appreciated team member, a team member that feels valued and feels their contribution is noticed, understands they are part of a bigger picture. Such team members are not only a joy to serve with, but their service has a greater impact.

So, what are some ways you can show your deep appreciation for your team? I’m happy you asked. I’ve got a few ideas for you to take and use in your own church. Or perhaps my thoughts will spark a different idea in your mind! That’s one of the beautiful things about collaborating on ideas… it gets creative juices flowing for everyone!

Tip #1 Write thank you notes 

Download FREE Thank You Postcards Here! 

Ok, yes I know. Simple. A no brainer idea. But in a world that is mostly digital and fast paced, receiving a thank you note in the mail with a handwritten message is powerful. Set out time in your calendar to once a month or once a quarter write out thank you cards to members of your team appreciating them for their service. Highlight something specific you’ve seen them do or a character attribute you see in them to make it extra personal.

Tip #2 Take advantage of holidays on the calendar

New Year, Valentine’s Day, Easter, 4^th of July, first day of fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are some of the times in the year when you can use the holiday to say thank-you. Deposit seeds of appreciation all throughout the year to your VBS team. Some ideas:

1. Valentine’s Day: ‘Thank you for making this team great!’ – include a small treat.
2. Easter: A chocolate bunny with a note that says, ‘there is no bunny like you on this team – thanks for serving during Easter!’
3. 4^th of July: A sparkler or glow in the dark necklace with a note that says, ‘you make our team sparkle!’

You get the idea – have fun – search out Pinterest and creatively say thank you to your team. You’ll communicate they are valued and make them smile.

Tip #3 Volunteer Appreciation Meal

This can be cheap or elaborate depending on your budget. When I was a children’s pastor we did a ‘breakfast for dinner’ thank you dinner with our team. It was a blast. We had big griddles for pancakes, eggs, & bacon – a waffle station, fruit, coffee and juice. During the meal we played games, laughed and got to know each other more. As our time concluded I publicly honored each team member by sharing a quality they possessed and thanking them. For months after, my team told me how much it meant to them to be publicly affirmed. This was a cheap event to pull off that had a big impact.

Tip #4 Create rhythms in their service to your team

I fully believe ministry life is less about balance and more about rhythms. There are seasons that are just flat out busy and there is no way around it. Easter, VBS season, Christmas are times when we give a lot and we ask our teams to give a lot. After busy seasons, work in a season of rest. This is good for your personal life and it’s good for the life of the church. There is this pressure to keep things rolling at a fast pace ALL the time but it’s just not sustainable. Build rhythms of rest into your culture. That might look like scheduling time off for your regular volunteers

Tip #5 Care about who your team members are as people… more than what they do for you! 

This is a really important way to appreciate your team. Take the time to develop your team. Invest in their character, in their personal walk with the Lord, in their family. This takes time on your part but the pay-off is worth it. The goal should never just be to get volunteers to carry out your vision. The goal should be to carry out the vision of the church while simultaneously developing those on your team. It’s not either or but it’s both.

Tip #6 Volunteer of Month 

Utilize social media or your team e-newsletter to highlight a volunteer of the month or week, depending on the size of your volunteer team. When you highlight them, share their picture, how long they have served, a specific thing you appreciate about them, and then maybe a fun fact. Two things are accomplished here: your team member feels valued AND other volunteers learn a little about their peer.

Good luck as you create a culture of appreciation with your team! Be assured, the work is worth it! Appreciated people are some of the best people to work with.

– Article by Holly Trewern, Church & VBS Product Editor at Christianbook 

The post VBS Volunteer Appreciation Tips appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Article by Holly Trewern, Product Editor at Christianbook

Dear Church Leader:

I know what you are thinking, “How do we get through the next few weeks (months) as a church without in-person services?” Our current global pandemic has so much changing at a fast, fluid speed – information can change by the hour and there’s never been a more important time to be both flexible and prepared for the ‘what if’s.’ We are not fearful or panicked. We choose to lead our lives and those we influence from a place of rest. Rest that is anchored in the goodness and peace of God, not on our circumstances.

I’ve been reminding myself often, ‘God is still God. He is still good. He is not surprised. He will continue to build his church.’ My family and I have been reading Psalm 91 every night together. The Word of God is powerful and life giving. I think I’ll forever be in wonder at what happens to my spirit and mind when I read the truth found in Scripture.

I’ve also been asking myself as a believer and as a church leader – ‘God, what do you want to do through this?’ Yesterday it was made really clear to me that the American church relies A LOT on our buildings for church. And while corporate gatherings are good and important for the edification of the body of Christ, I wonder if this might be an opportunity to rethink our responsibility. To not just go to church but to BE the church.

Click to Read 17 Bible Verses for Church Leaders

What happens outside the 4 walls of church buildings matters. I’m 36 years old and have been in church since I was born, I’m a former pastor’s kid & missionary kid and now I’m a pastor’s wife & pastor and raising pastor’s kids. Since my entire teen and young adult life, it seems that the evangelism strategy of the church was to ‘invite people to church to hear the gospel.’

Hear me out, I’m not discounting the importance of a personal invitation to church and the impact it can have, but a personal testimony shared because I have relationship with someone – that is powerful and cannot be replaced! I can and should invite people to come to church with me. This, however, cannot replace inviting people into my life. Inviting people to my table for a meal. Inviting people into my heart.

Join our Everything KidMin Facebook Group for resources, articles and more relating to Children’s Ministry! 

As I lead and talk with people in church, I’m aware we haven’t done the best job discipling people to share their story. To share what God has done for them, to share who God is to them, to share what God is teaching them. But you know what? It’s never too late to start. Maybe this is an opportunity to lead our churches to truly own their faith and share their story in the blessing of community; to not just go to church but to BE the church.

As churches around the world move from buildings to living rooms, from in-person life groups to virtual hang outs – what will God awaken in our hearts? Will distance make the heart of the church stronger? I think it can. Let’s seize the moment and lead intentionally, with confidence that God has already gone before us. The challenge the church is facing right now could be our greatest opportunity. And as unknown as tomorrow is, it is KNOWN that if we…

lean into Jesus,

lean into His grace,

lean into His voice,

lean into His strength,

lean into His power,

lean into His peace,

lean into His joy,

He will lead us.

So, dear church leader, take heart. You are not alone. I’m joining you in prayer for creative solutions to complex problems. I’m joining you in faith, that while church will look different for a few weeks, it may just lead to a great awakening. I’m joining you in hope, that the best is yet to come. You are not alone… we are in this together.

If you find yourself at home with extra time for reading, I’d like to recommend my top 5 Christian books. All 5 have impacted my understanding of who God is, His love for me and His desire for me to lead a life that is centered on Him. These titles aren’t related to sharing my God story, yet the truths uncovered in these books have really help me discover and define my God story. The natural consequence of that is that I share what God is doing more.

Happy Reading!

The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure From Fast Faith by Alicia Britt Chole

Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong by Leslie Vernick

Article by Holly Trewern, Product Editor at Christianbook

The post Coronavirus: Will Distance Make the Heart of the Church Stronger? appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

As VBS volunteers we know there is nothing more valuable than advice from a seasoned VBS expert! That’s why we asked two VBS Directors – one from Missouri and one from Arizona – a few questions about VBS.

Read on below to hear their thoughts on everything from top decorating tips to how they recruit men to assist in running a stellar program!

Erika Solidum
Director of KidLife Ministries at LifePoint Church in Ozark, Missouri

Q: What VBS could you never get out of your head?

A: Sin Messed Everything Up in a LifeWay Kids VBS a few years ago. The rap style and catchy lyrics have us singing it and using it year after year as an example. I only have to start the phrase, “but a sneaky little snake in a sneaky little way…” and everyone can finish it.

Q: What is your top decorating tip?

A: Let your church members use their giftings! If you can, put together a team and give them their budget. Let them get creative and you can help resource them. Delegating and letting others lead different areas of your VBS not only helps you, but it allows them to serve and lead. God uses this to grow them in discipleship and it serves the mission of VBS.

Q: What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned directing VBS?

A: Don’t compare. We live in an area where countless churches might even host the same VBS theme and curriculum. Do what you do well and let God use it how He has planned. He has gifted your people to lead at your church and He will bring exactly who He wants to hear about His love through your ministry.

Q: Should I charge an admission fee for VBS? Why or why not?

A: We do not charge admission. We build the cost of VBS in our budget and I am a firm believer in this. Yes, you will have families who hop from VBS to VBS because it is free ‘childcare.’ But, as with any missional outreach event, we want children to come and we want them to hear about Jesus. This may mean that you get creative to save money in areas to meet budget, but to love people in this way is worth it.

Q: What are the benefits of running an evening VBS?

A: Our church (even before my time as director) has always run an evening VBS. In the beginning, it was because of size and the number of servants needed. Now, it is because we want everyone to have an opportunity to serve. Men come straight from work, throw on their VBS t-shirt, and lead kids. Empty nester couples who still work are able to jump in and serve. Yes, there will be evening conflicts during the summer months. But, overall, parents can bring children without leaving work and more individuals in our church can serve. We love having our evenings together!

Q: How do you get men involved?

A: A couple of years ago, we started doing an elective type activity station model. This means that instead of the traditional recreation and craft time, we allow kids to pick an activity they are interested in for during that time. Men who would have never led a recreation game will come and teach kids about archery or survival skills (used during a safari theme week). It is always a blessing to see these guys love on kids using whatever they are passionate about while they teach them about Jesus along the way.

Q: How do you build up your volunteer team?

A: After directing VBS for a few years and seeing God grow our church, we decided to do a VBS leadership team. This team meets from the beginning and each person is leading a different area of the week. We build up this team by our focused time together, food, and fellowship. They in turn build teams of servants who fulfill the roles in each of their areas to make the week a success (snack team, Bible teaching team, crew leader team, etc). They carry this on and encourage their teams through little notes, candy bars, and treats during the week itself. We love our servant volunteers and we love seeing some of them become VBS leaders after a couple years!

Giselle Ryan
Children’s Pastor at Radiant Church in Surprise, Arizona

Q: What is your secret weapon for surviving VBS?

A: Laughter! You have to have a good laugh every now and then. It helps to put things into perspective.

Q: What is your top decorating tip?

A: Start early. You can never start too early when it comes to decorations.

Q: What is your best marketing strategy to date?

A: Make a cool video explaining how great this event is and play it on Sunday mornings in the adult service leading up to it. It will get the word out in your congregation so they can invite people and it will get you volunteers to serve!

What is your top tip for VBS directors? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The post VBS Advice from Two Experts appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

The world is battling a pandemic with the Coronavirus. There seems to be a lot of information floating around the internet causing great concern. It’s not just the virus itself that is concerning, but the large amount of information that comes with it – what is true and what is false?

While we might not have any answers to the important questions surrounding COVID-19, we would like to provide some ideas on how you can proactively approach the situation in your children’s ministry and wider community circle. How can you, as a volunteer and leader, come alongside your circle of influence – your parents, students, and church leaders?

Here are some thoughts and resources that might come in handy.

Tip #1 – Remain Informed

If you lead a faith community, we encourage you to read what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published on their website. They have made three documents available:

1. Interim Guidance
2. Cleaning & Disinfection Recommendations
3. Checklist for Community and Faith Leaders

We recommend you take a look at their recommendations and, out of an abundance of caution, take proactive steps to ensure your church is ready to stop the spread of the virus. You can use this as a time to encourage and appreciate those whose responsibility it is to clean your church!

Tip #2 – Be cautious, not fearful

Author Alicia Cole says ‘fear distorts reality’. The context for this quote relates to our spiritual maturity, but it applies in this setting too. Fear over COVID-19 can distort reality. With those you lead, take time to remind them to remain cautious and continue to take preventative measures to stop the spread of disease – but not to be ruled by fear. The Bible is clear in 2 Timothy 1:7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind.

Tip #3 – Provide Helpful Resources & Articles

Resource your parents and leaders with helpful tools should they find themselves with extra time at home with kids. We’ve included some links from our friends over at Homeschool Compass.

1. Seasonal Activities
2. Tips for establishing new routines with kids
3. Home organization and management tips
4. How to entertain little kids at home
5. Free downloadable coloring pages

We’d love to hear from you! What are you doing to educate, prepare and encourage your team during this unprecedented time in history?

The post Preparing Your Kid’s Ministry for Coronavirus appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Guest Post by Giselle Ryan, Children’s Pastor at Radiant Church – Surprise, Arizona

There’s nothing like a couple of kids and a week of VBS. Something magical happens when time is set aside to creatively engage kids of all ages, pointing them to the story of Jesus. I’ve seen nothing but good things come out of doing VBS. Not only are kids impacted but parents see the effects. Conversations are sparked in the home centered on Jesus. Curiosity is created in kids to ask questions regarding faith and how it relates to themselves. The wonderful volunteers that help to run the show are as well impacted by being a part. They get to be in the discussions and work to form relationships with the kids. It is so satisfying for volunteers to teach kids about their Creator and have a blast while doing it.

When I first helped to direct a VBS I was rather overwhelmed. There is so much work involved in accomplishing a big feat such as VBS. From creating the coolest games that engage kids to preparing the snacks for each day to coordinating with every volunteer making sure they know what they’re doing, VBS is quite the task to take on. Amid getting everything accomplished it’s easy to get lost in the details and the deadlines and forget the reason why you started it all in the first place. The countless hours put in at the church and with the help of many volunteers, we were able to complete it all in time.

Need help selecting your VBS? Click here to discover FREE resources and helpful guides!

Once the first day started, I quickly remembered all the hard work was for a purpose. The excitement in the kids mixed with all the activities we plan for them and the incredible truth we get to teach is magnetic. By the last day I was filled with a mixture of exhaustion and utter fulfillment giving all I had to this special week. To hear the feedback from volunteers on how impactful this one week had on them was rewarding. The volunteers made special connections with kids, other leaders, and saw the importance of investing in the next generation.

At our church we call VBS Kids Week and we look at it almost like a summer camp experience without having the kids overnight. We get the kids for the first half of the day and by noon they are ready to be picked up. We have different themes for each day so everyone can dress up like crazy hair day. The last day is always water day, a day everyone looks forward to. We play all the games outside and the kids get soaked. It’s a day full of sunscreen, snow cones, and laughter.

I love to create exciting moments for kids and then tie it all back to Jesus. When you love on kids, they’ll listen to what you have to say. It’s through relationship where transformation takes place. And that’s why I love VBS because it helps to create genuine relationships for kids. Most importantly their relationship with God is better understood and then they make connections with others which gives them someone to further their growth in faith with.

I can’t wait to see what this year’s VBS has in store.

Guest Post by Giselle Ryan, Children’s Pastor at Radiant Church – Surprise, Arizona

The post Why I love directing VBS appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Guest post by Erika Solidum, Director of KidLife Ministries, Lifepoint Church – Ozark, MO

VBS PLANNING CHECKLIST

September – January: pick and purchase the curriculum. Check.

February – March: weed through the details to decide your plan of action. Check.

April and on – enlist the servants. Long pause…

Wait, what? Enlist servants?! 

Although the theme, decorations, and set-up change year-to-year, one thing remains—Vacation Bible School always begins long before the hot summer months and children arrive. It doesn’t happen without months of preparation…or a large servant base. Before all of this preparation begins each year, our team always asks the question: Why? Why put the blood, sweat, and tears into four to five nights? Why do this if we may only get a handful of visitors? What if the weather changes our plans? How will we ever get enough people to sign up to serve? And we arrive back again at our checklist.

For some of us (okay, maybe all of us) in children’s ministry, the mention of recruiting servant volunteers causes our blood pressure to spike. It is one of those never-ending, always necessary parts of leading. Recruiting and filling servant roles is a constant battle, no matter the size of your ministry. However, it is also vital. Without the people that God provides to do His work, we don’t get to see what all He has planned. And watching servants grow in both their placement roles at our church and in their relationships with the Lord makes it all worth it. We know that God is faithful to grow and mature us through serving Him! But is it worth it to spend our time recruiting for a single summer event? And do we really need eight people to help with snacks?

Need help selecting your VBS? Click here to discover FREE resources and helpful guides!

Each year, our team faces these questions and checks them off with determination. This isn’t because we always see more and more visitors or countless kids accept Christ (But we are SO thankful when we do!) Or because we have all our serving roles filled six months ahead of time. VBS is a staple event on our church calendar because every year it is proven worth it. God uses VBS to mobilize His people to fulfill the Great Commission.

In our church we set out to recruit over one hundred people to serve during the week of VBS. And many times this means there are countless messages and phone calls made asking members of our church family to step up and give their time. Without fail, every year, we have seen God provide through His people.

What other time during your ministry year do you see countless members of your church step up and serve kids? For us, this is one of the reasons we set aside funds in the budget and put in the time to plan. VBS unites our church body to serve with one single mission in mind. Members from every age range jump in and take on varying roles to see kids introduced to and taught the gospel. Some teach the Bible story for the week. Others lead small groups of kids and build relationships with them. And then there are some who prepare the snacks and make sure bellies are full so kids can keep up with the evening’s activities.

Without these servants the week would not happen, nor would it be successful. We strategically plan our VBS to happen in the evenings. This means that more people can sign up and serve without work conflicts. In a time when we need men serving in children’s ministry like never before, this gives them that opportunity. This is the one week a year where well over half of our church body is engaged and involved. They are serving to see kids grow to know and love Jesus. It is a tangible picture of the church moving on mission.

Join our VBS Community over an our Facebook Group – Everything Kidmin!

Each year God uses this week of serving with children as a catalyst for our children’s ministry. Almost every single year, someone has stepped in to serve during the week of VBS with little to no experience within our ministry. But God uses it to draw them into His church and exposes them to the giftings He has given them. We have seen couples who were small group leaders become Sunday classroom teachers, teens step into regular serving roles because their confidence grew in their ability to serve, and men who might not have answered the desperate plea for Sunday or Wednesday children’s ministry servant roles jump in to serving with excitement. Some have even braved the stage and found that kids love their goofy attempts at each skit.

Just this last summer, I met a new family. They had just moved from out-of-state and were anxious to get to know people, so they strategically signed up to serve at VBS. Now, this entire family is actively serving at our church with three of its members serving in our children’s ministry. Each year at VBS, God shows us how He established His church to operate through the giftings and roles He has given us as a body. Each one being built up into the Head, Christ (Eph 4:11-16).

Whether you are hosting a VBS for five or five hundred, the mission is the same—to see kids exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and come to know and love Him. We know this takes willing servants who will be obedient to love and lead for the week. While this can be a stressor for many of us because recruiting feels daunting, the rewards far outweigh the cost. What better way to engage your church in fulfilling the Great Commission than spending a week serving side-by-side while kids come into your space each day to hear about Jesus? And what better reward than seeing kids come to know Jesus?

Guest post by Erika Solidum,
Director of KidLife Ministries, Lifepoint Church – Ozark, MO

The post A Fresh Perspective on VBS Volunteers appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Every investment made into the life of a child is important and never wasted. As you plant seeds during a child’s formative years, truly only eternity will show us the impact being made. You – mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, Kid’s pastor, VBS director, teacher, volunteer – you are coloring their world. You are helping to shape their perspective on God and his goodness. What a child believes to be true about God directly impacts every other area of their life.

Don’t grow weary in the journey – keep on keeping on with grit, determination, grace and love. Galatians 6:9 in The Passion Translation says this, “And don’t allow yourselves to be weary or disheartened in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming!”

We’ve got a fun download for you this Valentine season – FREE Valentines that can be printed on cardstock! Ideas on how to use these Valentines:

1. Add a piece of candy and give one to each child the Sunday before Valentine’s Day.
2. Make these Valentines available to parents to take and distribute to their child’s school class, make it your gift to them!
3. Print a small label to stick on the back inviting recipients to come to church on a Sunday or an upcoming special event.

From all of us at Christianbook, Happy Valentine’s Day! What you do matters, you are doing a great job, and you bring God great joy!

[ CLICK TO DOWNLOAD ]

[ CLICK TO DOWNLOAD ]

The post Valentine’s Day Download: You Color Their World! appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Happy New Year! Can you believe we are entering a new decade? We pray that regardless of what 2019 brought your way personally and professionally, that you finished the year knowing Jesus in a more intimate way. He is indeed the Good Shepherd, working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

As you begin 2020 with a fresh calendar and a newly sharpened pencil in hand, we wanted to make you aware of a few FREE resources we have to help you plan your 2020 Vacation Bible School. “VBS, VBS VBS all the way. Oh what fun, it is to plan Vacation Bible School, oh!” (sing to the tune of Jingle Bells) Ok ok, too much cheesiness for your day. I get it.

Here are the freebies!

First, we have two resources to help you select which curriculum to use. We have a brief comparison chart, giving you a side by side glance of each VBS theme available. We also have a longer VBS Guide, giving you more details for each program but still all in one place. Decide early on your curriculum so you can shop the sales after New Years, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter!

Second, we have some budget planning tools: a top level budget sheet – guiding you in planning big picture ideas and a detailed budget – guiding you in breaking down the nitty gritty details.

Third, we have a Donations Listing chart. This is just a simple guide to help you think through what donations to seek out and to help you keep track of them.

Join our community Everything Kidmin with Christianbook over on Facebook! 

Fourth, we have a Planning Calendar. The planning calendar is a great tool to utilize starting as soon as 9 months in advance. Advance planning is a key component in pulling off a great VBS! We hope you find this helpful.

Fifth, our website is full of information for each curriculum. After you peruse the comparison chart and guide – you may still have questions. Head to christianbook.com/page/vbs for more information to help you make your selection. Here you’ll be able to read more details, see samples, listen to music, watch promo videos and more!

Sixth, call our Customer Service Experts at 1-800-CHRISTIAN. If you still have questions, we have an incredible team at Christianbook ready to answer any questions you have. We even have Vacation Bible School experts! Woo hoo!

Lastly, stay connected through Facebook and our blog! Over the next few months we’ll be posting several articles, free downloads, and tools to help you with EVERYTHING KIDMIN.

Again, Happy New Year from your EVERYTHING KIDMIN team!

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