NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Vacation Bible School options for 2008 — an aloha-style adventure or a trail-blazing trip through the Wild West – were introduced during the Southern Baptist Convention’s June 12-13 annual meeting in San Antonio.
The main VBS line from LifeWay Christian Resources, “Outrigger Island: Living God’s Unshakeable Truth,” will take children, youth and adults to “Outrigger Island” where they will learn to know, speak and live God’s truth. Based on Psalm 86:11 -– “Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth” –- the tropical adventure will help participants develop the stability they need to become unshakeable in a world of shifting sands.
Outrigger Island is designed for all ages and follows a traditional VBS schedule with three-hour sessions throughout a weeklong summer program. Churches have dozens of options for curriculum, crafts, decorations, snacks and recreation in this line.
In “Club VBS: Cactus Canyon,” kids will saddle up and hit the trail to learn about the Good News in John 3:16 -– “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” -– and how they can tell family, friends and people around the world about Jesus.
Cactus Canyon resources for 2008 include a new starter kit that will provide administrative, worship rally and leader guides for each of three age groups: 3-K, grades 1-3 and grades 4-6. With a shorter two-hour schedule, Club VBS is designed to adapt to multiple settings such as a traditional summer week, school breaks, mission trips or day camps.
Mary Katharine Hunt, who manages LifeWay’s preschool and children’s ministry area, which includes VBS, said children “will not only have a great time visiting Outrigger Island and Cactus Canyon, but they will learn about how God’s truth never changes and how much He loves them.”
“The children learn God’s truth because LifeWay’s VBS is always based on God’s Word. We are intentional in planning VBS to be so much more than just a fun time,” Hunt said.
“Whether you choose Outrigger Island or Cactus Canyon, the key is to emphasize the evangelistic aspect of VBS,” said Jerry Wooley, LifeWay’s VBS ministry specialist, pointing out that 26 percent of Southern Baptist baptisms in 2006 came as a direct result of VBS. “What else would you do next summer that will have as much evangelistic potential as VBS?”
On Aug. 15, LifeWay will launch www.lifeway.com/vbs to offer additional information and resources related to both VBS lines. Messengers to the SBC received information and promotional materials to take back to their churches. The complete curricula will go on sale Dec. 1. Selected Outrigger Island promotional materials will be available Oct. 1.
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