by Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Associate Conference Minister (Kansas-based)
It’s time to think about Vacation Bible School! I know there’s another dose of cold just around the corner, but summer really will be here before we know it. VBS can be a prime time to reach out to neighbors with God’s good news, as well as engage your own church children and adults. Do you want a VBS curriculum that is chockful of Jesus-centered lessons, fun activities, and reflects what it means to be a Mennonite Christian? Here are three great options for VBS resources this summer.
Do you want to focus on what it means to be a good neighbor? Review Menno Media’s “Who Is My Neighbor? Learning to Love Like Jesus.” It encourages kids (preschool through grade 5) to consider who their neighbors are and how they can show God’s love to their neighbors near and far. More information can be found at http://www.faithandliferesources.org/Curriculum/vbs/.
A new Anabaptist nonprofit publishing group called Springs Forth! has two VBS options to share. The unique aspect about these two VBS curricula is they are geared for all ages, from preschool through adult. “Detectives of Divinity VBS Plus: Smelly Camels and More” or “Detectives of Divinity VBS Plus: Nighttime Sleuthing and More” are each quite flexible to meet the needs of your VBS participants young and old. Learn more about these two studies at http://springsforth.com/products/.
As our friends in the culture around us become less and less familiar with the biblical story, it becomes more and more important to create ways to invite people into vibrant faith and discipleship as followers of Jesus. Maybe VBS can be part of your congregation’s faith formation and good news to share with others in your community.