Dear VBS Director,

It’s crunch time! You might be 5 hours, 5 days, or 5 weeks from VBS and perhaps your stress level is high. There are always last minute things to finish up, but sometimes we feel like we’ve been hit with an avalanche of problems just before VBS starts. When the struggle is fierce, the opportunity ahead is vast. Remember to always look up – from where does your help come from?

As you launch into your VBS 2018 program, we pray you…

Remember your purpose – for the glory of the name of Jesus

Remember your audience – a generation of children with amazing potential.

Remember your vision – you are impacting lives and helping establish a foundation of faith.

Remember your mission – sharing the good news of God’s love for everyone.

Remember your focus – our eyes always turn towards Him.

Remember your priorities – prayer takes a priority over decorations.

Most importantly, remember your Father –

He is the Alpha and the Omega.

He is the creator of all things seen and unseen.

He is the first and the last.

He is the beginning and the end.

He is the one who sees the past, the present, and the future – all at once.

He holds power and authority over all things.

He is Light.

He is Love.

He is Life.

He is Goodness.

He is Kindness.

He is Faithful.

He rules over all.

His yoke is easy.

His burden is light.

His Word is forever.

His offer to us is abundant life.

He wants a close, intimate relationship with you and He passionately pursues you toward this end.

When you don’t know what to do, we pray you always remember, He has the answers.

When you are weak, He is strong.

When you are blind, He will lead you.

When you fall, He’ll lift you up.

When you face trials, He is with you.

When you struggle, He is as close as the mention of His name.

He will never, ever leave you.

He was bruised for our healing.

He was arrested and suffered for our freedom.

He died for us to have life.

Rest in Him.

Remember, we’re all praying for you!

– The VBS Team at Christianbook.com

If you like, click here to post your specific prayer requests on our community Prayer Wall.

The post A Prayer for You, VBS Director appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

We all know the VBS volunteers are special people. They have boundless energy, enthusiasm and a never-ending supply of paint!  It truly requires incredible dedication and most of all a dream to see people come to Christ at an early age. But lets not forget the coffee… lots of coffee!

We thought we’d ask some of our own VBS experts what they think it means to be a VBS volunteer. Here’s what they said when we asked them to finish the following sentence – ‘You know you’re a VBS volunteer when…’

1. You normally don’t like to sing in public, but there’s just something about VBS songs that makes you dance and sing like no one is watching.

2. You come home with glitter, glue, and marker all over you, but you consider it stylish.

3. You joined a gym so you can physically keep up with kids during field games.

4. You purchased new sunglasses, new sneakers, or learned how to do boxer braids specifically for that “VBS Leader” look you’ve seen others do so effortlessly each year.

5. The bulk of your cardio comes from trips to the bathroom or trips to the nurse.

6. You use the theme catchphrase of the week in everyday conversation.

7. You think sometimes you enjoy it more than the students.

8. You are an all-time Fishy-Fishy Cross My Ocean game champion.

9. You find yourself acting and speaking like your VBS Bible character, even when you’re at home.

10. You have a whole dresser drawer devoted to VBS t-shirts.

11. When you memorize the names of the children/teens in your group and still find yourself praying for them long after VBS has ended.

12. You’ve lost your voice by day 2 because of all the cheering and singing.

13. Once you know the theme, you immediately begin brainstorming costume ideas to make your students more excited.

14. You can’t sleep the Sunday night before VBS week because you’re so excited.

15. You have a secret goal of having the satisfaction of turning a very quiet, shy kid in your group to a talkative, dancing and jumping student by the end of the week.

16. You’ve already blocked off vacation days from work for next year’s VBS week.

The post 16 Signs You’re a VBS Volunteer appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Ah, so you’re a VBS director? You may have agreed to tackle what might be one of your church’s biggest evangelical events of the year… but don’t stress! You are not alone. There are thousands of you with the same dedication for teaching God’s Word to children across the USA.

It truly takes a lot to be a VBS director – energy, enthusiasm, patience, tenacity, and so much more. We thought it would be an eye-opening exercise to ask some of our VBS experts at Christianbook.com to finish the following sentence – ‘You know you’re a VBS director when…’

Here’s what they said.

1. You have a Pinterest board started in September for next year’s themed snacks and décor.

2. The time of year immediately following New Year’s is considered “VBS Prep Season”.

3. You start shopping in January for your themed “outfit.”

4. You wake up every morning with the VBS theme song first on your mind, the entire sound track memorized, and the song actions stick with you for years to come.

5. You look at the recycling bin with eyes toward decorations & crafts (where gallon milk jugs become igloos, cardboard boxes become palm trees, and empty baby food jars become craft projects).

6. You pull out the re-usable Christmas trees and white lights two seasons a year.

7. You save your child’s birthday party decorations just in case they will fit with a future VBS theme.

8. You have a closet full of totes dedicated to VBS Props.

Click here to download our handy VBS Planner (it’s FREE!)

9. You find yourself making up hand motions to songs…. every song.

10. You spend Sundays trying to help parents understand that it’s not free daycare, but that their kids will actually learn and grow in faith.

11. Secretly, you will accept all kids (even for the purposes of free day-care) because you want everyone to learn about Jesus’ love for them.

12. People in your church feel sorry for you, but you keep telling them they are missing out.

13. You can’t sleep the Sunday night before VBS because you are still at the church finishing last minute decorations.

14. The weekend before VBS includes dozens of trips to discount and big-box stores for last minute prep needs.

15. You cherish in your heart seeing teens becoming leaders and positive role models as they help with VBS.

16. You look forward to the Sunday after VBS because the church is full of kids and they LOVE to be there, full of great excitement to be in the house of the Lord.

The post 16 Signs You’re A VBS Director appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

We know how hard choosing a VBS kit can be. There are so many things to consider – how many children will be involved, what church resources are available to you, how many volunteers have signed up – and so much more.

To help make things a little more simple for you and your team, we have put together this handy comparison guide. This outlines some of the key features of each VBS 2018 kit. If you are looking for more information, just visit out VBS store where you’ll find music samples, VBS logos, samples and much more!

24/7 Jesus Makes a Way Every Day!

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Key Verse: I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. – John 10:10 (NRSV)

Overview: Jesus told stories of how God provides every hour of every day so that we might have life and live it to the fullest! Children, youth, and adults will have fun discovering five keys to living in His abundance.

Ages: Preschool to adult – full community program

Music & Media: 11 songs – contemporary hip-hop music & new versions of traditional hymns from Christian hip-hop artist Ricky B. and new music arrangements by Roderick Vester

Additional Comments: Perfect for churches that celebrate African American history and culture.

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Time Lab: Discover Jesus from Eternity Past to Eternity Future

Publisher: Answers in Genesis

Key Verse: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” – Revelation 1:8 (ESV & KJV)

Overview: Travel back in time and meet the most important person ever – a man who was not just a man, but also God. He is the One who turned the world upside-down. One who existed outside of time.

Ages: Toddlers to adults

Music & Media: Four music formats to choose from. Time Lab VBS Theme Music in either (a) catchy contemporary songs featuring Corby LaCroix & the Lads or (b) traditional songs with Patch-the-Pirate. Plus, Memory Verse songs are available in either contemporary version (Seeds of Family Worship) or traditional version (Patch-the-Pirate).

Additional Comments: Student books, resources and memory verse posters are now available in either ESV or KJV Bible translations.

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Jungle River Adventure: Ride the Current to God’s Perfect Plan

Publisher: Bogard Press

Key Verse: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which though shalt go. – Psalm 32:8 (KJV)

Overview: Join a canoe trip down river to learn from Apostle Paul to seek God’s perfect will for their lives.

Ages: Preschool (age 2) to adults

Music & Media: 6 original VBS-themed songs in a mixture of upbeat and traditional music styles

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Rolling River Rampage: Experience the Ride of a Lifetime with God!

Publisher: Cokesbury

Key Verse: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. – Isaiah 43:2 (CEB)

Overview: Take children on a whitewater rafting adventure to discover that life with God is an adventure full of wonder and surprise, and that they can trust God to be with them through anything.

Ages: Preschool (age 3) to adults

Music & Media: New music in contemporary kids’ fun music style. 11 songs written & produced by Andy Wilson of CrossKid Nation – including 8 original pieces in a variety of musical styles, modern remakes of ‘Zacchaeus (Wee Little Man)’ & ‘I’ve Got a River of Life’ + an original song just for preschoolers.

Additional Comments: Rolling River Rampage addresses and represents the whole spectrum of people – ages, races, abilities, and stages of development.

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Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God!

Publisher: Cokesbury

Key Verse: Do good! Seek peace and go after it! – Psalm 34:1b (CEB)

Overview: Kids enjoy awesome adventures alongside some of their favorite Bible heroes and discover the qualities that make us truly heroic in God.

Ages: Preschool (age 3) to adults

Music & Media: 10 songs total – 8 original songs for the VBS theme and 2 revised song versions of the contemporary worship song “Everlasting God” and the hymn “Hear Us As We Pray”, including 1 song just for preschoolers.

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Splash Canyon: God’s Promise on Life’s Wild Ride

Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Key Verse: For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. – 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)

Overview: Discover Jesus is by our side on life’s wild ride. Even in rough waters, God is in control. He saves us through Jesus, the promised Savior.

Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (Ages 3-12)

Music & Media: All new music for 2018 with a fresh sound & style for today’s kids – featuring 8 original songs.

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The Action Bible VBS: Jesus – The First Action Hero

Publisher: David C Cook

Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:3-4

Overview: Get ready for an action-packed VBS where kids discover how to love, believe, trust and witness as they engage in God’s big story of redemption.

Ages: Kindergarten to Grade 5 (with adaptations for Preschoolers)

Music & Media: One theme song included. Also includes 2-minute video clips introducing the character and theme word of the day

Additional Comments: A simple VBS with no complicated displays or decorations to create.

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It Happened in Babylon (bilingual)

Publisher: Editorial Concordia

Key Verse: N/A

Overview: Originally written in Spanish then translated into English. The life story of Daniel teaches us that God preserves His children in temptation, command us to trust and honor Him, and gives His people wisdom and victory.

Ages: 3 to 14 years old & adults

Music & Media: 8 original songs in English and Spanish, plus instrumental-only tracks

Additional comments: The only Spanish VBS program that is originally written in Spanish and available in both Spanish and bilingual formats. A simple VBS with no complicated displays or decorations.

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Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus

Publisher: Group (Easy VBS)

Key Verse: N/A

Bible Translation: NLT

Overview: Venture onto an uncharted island where kids learn Jesus is by their side through every storm in life.

Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (ages 3-11)

Music & Media: 10 songs – 4 original VBS-specific, 3 contemporary Christian songs, and 3 re-imagined hymns.

Additional Comments: Supports Operation Kid-2-Kid. VBS donations provide drought-resistant seeds for Haitian families in partnership with World Vision. A Spanish Starter Kit version is also available with leader guides available in Spanish.

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Polar Blast: Where Jesus’ Love is Cool

Publisher: Group (Weekend)

Key Verse: I trust in your unfailing love. – Psalm 13:5 (NLT)

Overview: Sled into an ice way to spend the ultimate summer weekend where kids chill with new friends and warm up to Jesus – the coolest friend of them all!

Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (Ages 3-11)

Music & Media: 5 songs – 1 original, 2 contemporary Christian songs & 2 re-imagined hymns.

Additional Comments: Supports Operation Kid-2-Kid. VBS donations provide drought-resistant seeds for Haitian families in partnership with World Vision.

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Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity

Publisher: Group

Key Theme Verse: N/A

Bible Translation: NLT

Overview: Meet Daniel, hear his story and experience ancient Babylon! Torn away from his homeland and forced into service of a foreign king, Daniel maintained his steadfast faith in God in a faithless culture.

Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (Ages 3-11)

Music & Media: 10 songs total – 4 original VBS-specific songs & 6 contemporary Christian songs. Also includes a market place instrument-only soundtrack.

Additional Comments: You will need a good actor to play Daniel. Simple set-up – only three areas to decorate and you can choose as many or as few Market Place Shops as you need.

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Game On!: Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game

Publisher: Lifeway

Key Verse: His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. – 2 Peter 1:3 (CSB)

Overview: As they fill up the offensive line, sideline, and drumline, your players, cheerleaders, and band members will realize God has given them the ultimate playbook. He wants them to join His team, train hard, celebrate salvation, and encourage one another.

Ages: Babies (2 year-olds) to Grade 6

Music & Media: 6 songs especially for toddlers to kindergarten age. Additional 5 songs plus a VBS theme song for Grades 1-6 students.

Additional Comments: A Spanish language Starter Kit (¡A Jugar!) for preschoolers through Grade 6 plus Spanish language student and leader resources are also available.

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Peace Lab: Discover God’s Way of Peace

Publisher: MennoMedia

Key Verse: N/A

Bible Translation: NRSV

Overview: Lead children on an awesome adventure through the Bible, equipping them to follow Jesus as compassionate peacemakers. Children discover God’s way of peace, from learning how to resolve conflicts to figuring out ways to help others.

Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (Ages 4-11)

Music & Media: 13 songs for worship on the theme of peace – including one song in Spanish and one traditional song from Zimbabwe.

Additional Comments: An economical VBS – crafts use commonly found supplies. No decorating required.

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Team Spirit: Mega Sports Camp

Publisher: Salubris Resources (My Healthy Church)

Bible Translation: NIV

Overview: Sports Outreach designed to engage kids in small group Biblical conversations to attract families to church who might not attend a standard VBS. 4-time winner of Children’s Outreach Resource of the Year by Outreach Magazine.

Ages: Preschool to Grade 6

Music & Media: Five songs including the favorite “MEGA Sports Camp” song, “Ephesians 4:32” and the fan-favorite “Jump”.

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Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet – Learning to Worship

Publisher: New Growth Press

Key Verse: Psalm 11:1-2

Overview: Teach kids the ‘why’ behind worship and lead them to respond to God’s grace and goodness through fun and active praise. Connect the truths of the gospel to real-life scenarios through a study of the life of Kind David.

Ages: Preschool to Grade 5

Music & Media: Music CD, plus DVD ROM with videos of hand motions for each son

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Camp Moose on the Loose: Discovering God’s Forever Forgiveness

Publisher: Regular Baptist Press

Key Verse: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sons. – 1 John 1:9 (KJV or NKJV)

Overview: Experience a camping theme complete with tents, campfires, and wildlife where kids will learn about the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of Peter. While students hike, canoe, and fish, they discover the lasting forgiveness that only Christ can give.

Ages: Preschool to Adult

Music & Media: 10 songs – 4 original energetic songs; 2 upbeat kid versions of hymns; 2 contemporary Christian songs, plus; 2 perennial favorites including Jesus Love Me and The Best Place.

Additional Comments: The only VBS recommended by Child Evangelism Fellowship. Teacher and student materials available in either KJV or NKJV Bible translations.

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Follow the Leader!

Publisher: R.H. Boyd

Key Verse: John 1:36-37 (NRSV)

Overview: Invite everyone to follow the Lamb of God! Based on John 1:36-37 attendees will learn to become more faithful followers of Christ.

Ages: Preschool to adult

Music & Media: TBA

Additional Comments: Simple decorating – no sets to build. Craft packs for different age-groups makes craft preparation easy.

For more information, visit out VBS store by clicking here!

The post VBS 2018 Comparison Guide appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.