Choosing VBS material in creative ways

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a new NT UMR series featuring updates on resources from the Dallas Cokesbury store. Cokesbury is the retail arm of the United Methodist Publishing House.

BY KATIE SHOCKLEY
Manager, Cokesbury, Dallas

As we start a new year, many pastors and children’s ministers are thinking of Vacation Bible School. I want to offer some suggestions for choosing a VBS curriculum and for using that curriculum in new and creative ways.

When choosing a VBS curriculum, consider some of these questions. Does the curriculum appeal to and accommodate various learning styles? For instance, does the curriculum offer media, music, or hands-on crafts? Does the curriculum offer online support for the VBS director or organizer? Is there a take-home component that helps children continue learning after VBS? Does the take-home component engage the entire family?

Another way to choose VBS curriculum is to involve a few children in the process. For instance, some churches purchase multiple kits, lay out the curriculum pieces on a table, and let a small group of children
peruse the pieces. The church may then choose the curriculum that the children naturally gravitate toward. Also, pay attention to the flexibility of the curriculum. Some pieces adapt to either rotational or multiple day models.

I have heard many stories around NTC of creative ways churches use their VBS resources. Last year, one church, which has mostly Caucasian members, utilized an African American-focused curriculum because
most of the church’s children are African American. This curriculum also appealed to neighbors in their community.

For several years, another church in our conference has offered VBS to underprivileged children in the community. Church members provide transportation and area restaurants provide breakfast and lunch.

Both of these examples highlight the evangelistic nature of VBS.

Many churches in our conference assist each other through the sharing of materials. Some churches do not have the budget to purchase a complete VBS kit. Those churches borrow used classroom decorations from other churches to complete their staging. Cokesbury, Dallas is happy to connect these churches together through our VBS Sharing Program– simply let us know if your church is in need of assistance from another church or if your church can offer assistance to another. This is one way that VBS contributes to the connectional nature of the church.

VBS can also be an intergenerational ministry. Several kits include guides and resources for engaging the entire family.

All are invited to attend two special previews at the Dallas store. On Feb. 6, Joyce Brown, the Cokesbury Curriculum Representative for Texas, will be in the store from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to answer questions and help customers gather their VBS resources. At 1:00, Joyce will lead a short hands-on preview of Cokesbury’s 2009 VBS materials – “Galactic Blast: A Cosmic Adventure Praising God!” and “Praise Party: Worshiping God with Head, Heart, Hands, Feet, and SOUL!”

On Feb. 13, Sharon Tierney, a Group Publishing representative, will be in the store from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At 1:00 p.m., Sharon will offer a preview of “High Seas Expedition: Exploring the Mighty Love of God.”
At 2:00 p.m., Sharon will offer a preview of “EGYPT: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace.”

Cokesbury’s annual VBS Showcase is underway now. Visit www.cokesbury.com or come by the Dallas store to view the VBS 2010 catalog, which includes a side-by-side comparison of eight different VBS offerings. Customers will save 20 percent on VBS materials purchased between Jan. 25 and Feb. 8.

For more information, call 972-964-5777 or e-mail: kshockley@cokesbury.com.