Tag: VBS

Athens VBS: Day 2

Kathie Phillips
Athens logo
Photo Credit: Group Publishing

You can read about Day 1 of our VBS here.

Day 2 of our VBS (or Summer Bible Camp as it’s known in our church) was very busy but still very enjoyable.  Here’s a recap:

  • I made sure to eat protein for breakfast.  My choice: Chobani Greek yogurt (the breakfast of champions!)
  • Because of the first day registration and directing people where to go, we did not have prayer as a team.  I made sure to include prayer today.
  • I made a list of items to execute differently next year – I’ll share some of those thoughts in another post.

The day also included meeting with our Worship Arts team to discuss our family-friendly Celebration Service this Sunday morning and time for one of my summer interns and I to create a Paul-themed children’s bulletin for the service.

One of the things that I love about our curriculum is setting aside time for God Sightings – ways that we see God at work.  I had a few God Sightings on Day 2:

  • Volunteers who showed up early, prepared & energetic.
  • Seeing the children worship God during our Celebration time.
  • Volunteers who lovingly cared for a child who experienced an anxiety attack.
  • Smiling children who ran into the building, ready for Day 2.
  • Safety for all of our campers and volunteers.

All in all, it was a great day.  Looking forward to Day 3!

Verse for the day:

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

1 Peter 5:7

 

Athens VBS: Day 1

Kathie Phillips 4 Comments
Athens logo
Photo Credit: Group Publishing

A little over a month ago I found myself in a new leadership role at my church and subsequently the director of our VBS (now known as Summer Bible Camp).  In the two years that I’ve been at my current church, my role had been very, very small.  Did I mention my role was very, very small?  This year, I am leading a leadership team of 20 (who, in turn, are leading 150+ volunteers).

I am so blessed to be able to lead with such a fine group of capable, take-initiative leaders.  It has truly made my job a lot easier!  For the past several days, I’ve been asked, “Are you okay?” and “How are you holding up?” countless times.  I’ve also heard, “You look great, considering the amount of responsibility on your shoulders.”  Again, because of our capable leadership team, my primary role as director has been to troubleshoot and equip our leaders (what I love to do..the equipping part!).

After many months of thinking, planning, purchasing and organizing, our VBS kicked off yesterday.  We were expecting 300+ children and it seemed like they all showed up at once!  Thanks to our security and registration teams, we were able to get the children settled in rather quickly before the Celebration (worship) time began.

Of course, there were issues that came up that we needed to address:  parking lot congestion and traffic flow, implementing and enforcing a new drop-off & pick up policy (persons picking up children must now show a valid photo ID), building safety, a broken copier, and helping our youngest campers be active participants in the worship time.

All in all, the day went well.  When I was leaving the building for the day, someone asked me how I’m surviving such a busy time.  My answer:  God’s grace.  I am operating in His strength, not my own.  I am energized by my leaders and how I can best serve them.  I can’t wait to see what God is going to do this week!

Verse for the day:

“The Lord is good to everyone.  He showers compassion on all his creation.”

Psalm 145:9

Here are a few pictures from Day 1:

Photo: SBC is underway!
Our stage set
Wrapping up Celebration Time
Wrapping up Celebration Time

Now that VBS is over…or is it?

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

Our VBS (or Summer Bible Camp–SBC) ended yesterday and boy what a week it was!  We hosted over 300 children on an adventure to Babylon.  It was a great week!  As a family tribe leader, I got an up-close peek at how the children related to Daniel’s adventures and what God was doing in their lives.

Now that our week has concluded, it’s time for me to wear my other VBS/SBC hat…as Follow-Up Team Leader.  I have never done this job before but it was one that I volunteered to do because I feel that personally connecting with those who attend our church or events should not be overlooked.

As I began to think about how we’d follow-up with our camp attendees and their families, I identified five (5) categories that they would fall into:

  1. Participants who attend our church
  2. Participants who attend another church
  3. Children who accept Christ during SBC but have no church home
  4. Children who accept Christ who attend another church
  5. Families who indicate they have no church home

Here is how we’ll follow-up with the children and families:

All families will be invited to attend our SBC Celebration Sunday that takes place the Sunday following SBC.  The children will attend one of two services and lead the congregation in worship (singing songs they learned during the week).  A family and seeker-friendly sermon will be preached and refreshments will be served afterwards.

Participants who attend our church or another church will receive a letter or email, thanking them for coming and providing suggestions on ways that parents can continue the learning at home.

Children who accept Christ during SBC but have no church home were provided an age-appropriate Bible and discipleship materials to get them started on their spiritual journey.  They will also receive a personal invitation to our Sunday morning programming.  Their parents will receive a letter from our Senior Pastor inviting them to a Sunday service as well as information about various ministries within our church.  Families who indicate they have no church home will also receive a letter and information from our Senior Pastor.

Parents of children who accept Christ who attend another church will be encouraged to follow-up with their church staff about their child’s decision.  We will also send a note to the Children’s Pastor of their home church to allow them to follow-up.

Our follow-up team will meet this Wednesday morning to pray for the children as well as begin the follow-up efforts.

What have you done to follow up with children who attend your VBS?

Off to Babylon!

Kathie Phillips 1 Comment
Next week, 315 children will join me for an adventure to Babylon.  Not really, of course…it’s our theme for this year’s Summer Bible Camp.  For the past 5 months, we have met to plan and execute a fantastic Summer Bible Camp experience for all of our campers and teen & adult leaders.

Here’s what the children will learn:
Day 1:  When things change, God is with you.
Day 2:  When you need help, God is with you.
Day 3:  When you’re afraid, God is with you.
Day 4:  When you’re lonely, God is with you.
Day 5:  When you’re thankful, God is with you.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic week!  Here’s my prayer for the week:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity that we have to share Your love with the children that You will bring us next week.  I pray that You will touch their hearts and prepare them to receive what they will hear.  I pray that You will allow them to experience You in a way that they have not before.  May many children will begin their lifelong relationship with You as a result.  We are so thankful for all that You will do and the lessons that You will teach children and adults alike, for Your honor and glory.  In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next week, I will share our strategy for following up with Summer Bible Camp attendees and their families.  Have a fantastic week!