Athens VBS 2013

I'm not sure how many people get into set building for VBS, but I guess I do.  This year, our journey was set for Biblical Athens where we would learn about the Apostle Paul's dangerous missionary journey to share the truth found in Christ Jesus.  Coming off my first year working with VBS, I was a little more prepared.  Although, I've learned a lot in the midst of my 2nd year.  I wanted to share with you some of the things we have done to make our VBS experiencially (new word?) enhanced.

First thing the vbs kids do is register and then head down to the fellowship hall for snacks.  This is where the marketplace is found and also where the daily dramas take place shortly before Opening Celebration time.  Then, as a small group (Oikos tribe named after different stops on Paul's journey), one heads up the stairs and is welcomed by a pilot who briefly conveys to the participants that we are going somewhere by airplane.

Then they turn left into the church entryway and walk through part of last years set from Babylon.  The lessons of the day are being posted on the wall to remind them of what they are learning about.

Once they enter the church sanctuary the see this.  The Parthenon, or at least or rendition of it.  Made from 1.5" 4x8' rigid foam insulation, this wonder of the world, or at least our congregation stands 12.5 feet tall.  Behind this building is Paul's tentmaking house where kids experience Paul's Adventures.  We used this set during Sunday morning worship and our portable altar was utilized.

This is a side view of Paul's Tent Making House.

This is a poor picture of 2 out of 5 our our memory makers made from labels and stock wood from a church craftsman.  He made 78 sets!!!

This is our God Sightings Wall that looks a lot like Babylon 2012.  Ha!

 

 

 Entrance to the marketplace in fellowship hall.

This is a master list of registrants on a white board that helps us track Oikos tribes (Small Groups)