06-09-2017, 09:50 PM
My daughter attended her first VBS this week at our church. It took place in the mornings, but on Wednesday evening there was a family night, so people could see what the kids had been doing and learning about. Sitting there, watching my daughter sing upbeat songs about how God loves us and is on our side, I couldn't help comparing it to what I grew up with.
Songs:
We marched into the sanctuary to "Onward Christian Soldiers." We sang a horrible song with lyrics that said' "One door and only one and yet its sides are two. I'm on the inside, on which side are you?"
They sang positive songs about God's love and how He forgives us and is on our side. They also used modernized versions of, "Oh Happy Day" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."
Offering:
Our offering went to a local "boys' home. It was one of those awful places where unruly kids were sent to have God beaten into them.
Their offering is going to provide a similar VBS experience for kids in South Africa who come from abusive backgrounds.
Focus:
Our focus was always on evangelism. Kids were told to bring their parents to the final evening where a "drag 'em down the aisle" sermon was preached. I don't remember having an actual theme. We did have some games and puppet shows. We usually did a craft of some sort. We memorized verses and won prizes for it.
Their theme was The Maker's Fun Factory. Each day emphasized a simple truth like, "God made you," "God will always love you," and "God is for you." Doctrinally, it was non-denominational. The family night didn't include a sermon at all, just the kids singing the songs they were learning, a silly skit, and a brief explanation of what the kids did during the morning sessions. A free dinner was served to everyone who came.
Songs:
We marched into the sanctuary to "Onward Christian Soldiers." We sang a horrible song with lyrics that said' "One door and only one and yet its sides are two. I'm on the inside, on which side are you?"
They sang positive songs about God's love and how He forgives us and is on our side. They also used modernized versions of, "Oh Happy Day" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."
Offering:
Our offering went to a local "boys' home. It was one of those awful places where unruly kids were sent to have God beaten into them.
Their offering is going to provide a similar VBS experience for kids in South Africa who come from abusive backgrounds.
Focus:
Our focus was always on evangelism. Kids were told to bring their parents to the final evening where a "drag 'em down the aisle" sermon was preached. I don't remember having an actual theme. We did have some games and puppet shows. We usually did a craft of some sort. We memorized verses and won prizes for it.
Their theme was The Maker's Fun Factory. Each day emphasized a simple truth like, "God made you," "God will always love you," and "God is for you." Doctrinally, it was non-denominational. The family night didn't include a sermon at all, just the kids singing the songs they were learning, a silly skit, and a brief explanation of what the kids did during the morning sessions. A free dinner was served to everyone who came.
"Love alone is worth the fight"--Switchfoot