Last week was VBS (Vacation Bible School) at our church. It started Sunday evening and then Mon-Thurs we were there from about 8:30am to noon. Made for some LONG days and some cranky kids, but was really a good time despite that. The theme for this year was "Jerusalem Marketplace" and it was very different from any other bible school I have seen. To start with, all of use workers (I was helping in the preschool class...3 & 4 year olds) dressed up all week in biblical clothing. NOT very fun for the times we spent outside doing games in the 90+ degree heat! lol All the kids were divided up into the 12 tribes (after the 12 twelve tribes of Israel...of those 12, 3 tribes were just preschoolers. Drew and I were in the the Tribe of Benjamin for the week.
(above photo by Karen @ Lasting Memories Photography) The bible lessons centered around Jewish traditions and the kids learned about the meaning behind the Shemah, the mezuzah, the b'samim spices, and the lamps that were lit. During the week the kids had craft time in the Marketplace - they converted the gymnasium into what it looked like back then...even with straw all over the floor the first night (too slick and messy so it was removed after that). Throughout the week we visited each of the tents and learned about what that person would have made and sold in the marketplace and then the kids did a craft that went along with it.
During game time the kids played games that were based on games that they would have played back in biblical times...well, except for our Preschool class...there were some of the games that were just too hard for them...so they got to spend those times doing something they loved --- BUBBLES!!
But they did get to participate in the javelin throw (minus the sharp point at the end) - and it made for a very entertaining experience :) 
Besides spending time singing and having lesson time, the kids also went to Synagogue School. During this time they all put on yamakahas,
listen to a verse each day from the Torah and "Rabbi Matt" (a college student from our church) would tell them about what went on in the synagogue back then. I was dreading this time of having to try and keep our large group of 3 & 4 year olds quiet...but they did outstanding and were complimented often on how quiet they were. I think they were in awe of the whole situation. :) 
I thought the whole week would be WAY over the little kids' heads...but boy was I wrong! During one morning, when we were beginning and all gathered together, it was asked what they learned the previous day. As all the kids sat there not responding...there Drew pipes up with the correct answer. Completely floored me as well as many others in the group!
The week also opened a good discussion between Drew and I about Jesus. Throughout the week "the wise women" walked around and told the story of Jesus - how He was teaching & healing and then how he was arreseted and killed on the cross. On the final day all the kids got to see Jesus as we learned He had risen from the dead. Well....since the guy playing Jesus is someone Drew knows pretty well, I was talking with Drew about how Shad would be dressing up and was playing Jesus for us just as the high schoolers had dressed up and pretended to be Bible characters during the skits throughout the week. This opened the discussion of where Jesus is now and Drew asked if He would ever really come back. GREAT stuff!! I know Drew really got a lot out of this week. Despite a few fits we had to get through, I am SO thankful Drew was able to be there for the week.
1 comment:
Wow, you must have some ambitious people to tackle such a huge project! and in 90 degree heat no less. Looks like a lot of fun, though, and very educational.
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