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suggestions for VBS 2010
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Thank you
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Snack Ideas | Decorating | Crafts | Miscellaneous
SNACKS
Idea: Snack Ideas
We distribute a snack to the children each night as they leave VBS. I thought I would share our ideas:
Shipwreck Point - goldfish crackers (snack size bags)
Quicksand Cove - fun dips
Big Shadow Cave - rock candy suckers
Hot Rock Volcano - pop rocks
Boggy Swamp - sweet tart sour bugs
All items are individually wrapped and ready to go.
For the preschool / kindergarten classes each night they will have goldfish crackers for their snack time.
From: Terry Jo / Grace BC / Akron OH / terryjo.hughes@us.bureauveritas.com
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Idea: Snack Ideas
We just put together our menu. We feed the children a full meal each evening, because most of them won't get dinner without us providing it. I hope our ideas help!
Monday -- Lesson Theme: Shipwreck Point
• Fish Sticks • Gold Fish Crackers • Fresh Fruit • Broken Ship Planks (Graham Crackers)
Tuesday -- Lesson Theme: Big Shadow Cave
• Bat Wings (Chicken Wings) • Stalagmite Fries (French Fries) • Bear Claws
Wednesday -- Lesson Theme: Quicksand Cove
• Turkey SANDwich • Bagel Crisps • Sand Cups
Thursday -- Lesson Theme: Hot Rock Volcano
• Hot Dogs • Lava Sauce (Chili Sauce) • Chips • Lava Jello (red)
Friday -- Lesson Theme: Boggy Swamp
• Cattails (Corn Dogs) • Trees (Raw Broccoli & Ranch Dressing) • Dirt Pudding
From: Bobbi / First Landmark MBC / Kokomo IN / bjmjasay@aol.com
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Idea: Snack Ideas
We're going to do a "Survival Kit" of trail mix. I plan to have several option of dried fruit,nuts, etc. The kids will be allowed to create their own (given limits, of course). I'm thinking snack-size Ziplock bags should be good.
From: Anita / Red Springs MBC / Gurdon AR / anita7958@yahoo.com
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Idea: Snack Ideas for each lesson
I have snack ideas for three of the lessons and was wondering if anyone else has any ideas. I sure would appreciate hearing your ideas.
Pop Rocks for the Hot Rock Volcano
Gummy Worms for the Boggy Swamp
Rock Candy for the Big Shadow Cave
I can't think of anything for Shipwreck Point or Quicksand Cove. Any and all ideas are welcome.
From: Debbie / Springhill MBC / Alexander AR / deborahgrimmett@yahoo.com
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Reply #2: I have seen a web site that has a candy that looks like the sand art projects that you make in the clear containters or bracelets that you may be interested in. If it is still available, the web site is www.sandycandy.com
From: Karla /A New Beginning Community Ch / Taylorville WV/ jktaluvsu@verizon.net
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Reply #1: For Quicksand Cove, I was going to use a recipe I found for sand cups. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sand-Cups/Detail.aspx
I was going to get small, clear punch cups to serve them in. Also, these can be made ahead of time with the pudding, then just add the cookies on top when you are ready to serve!
From: Becky / Florence St BC / Broken Arrow OK / capturedmemoriesbydonna@yahoo.com
DECORATING
Idea: Decorations
We will have some decorations left over if anyone is interested. Our closing program is Sunday evening July 25. We are located in Paron, AR between Hot Springs and Little Rock.
We have had a wonderful VBS. The kids love the words of the day (Abide, Trust,...). When they hear them they have to give a Whoohoo. My sister cooks for all the workers so they don't have to worry about feeding their families before VBS. We did a Gilligan's Island skit that the kids loved. When they walked in they had to go thru a cave and when they left they went under a waterfall. Our church is wonderful that everybody works together and usually the whole church is involved.
From: Missy / North Fork MBC / Paron AR / paulette@up-link.net
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Idea: Decorations Available
We have murals and other decorations available for churches needing them.
From: Angela / Ore City TX / 903-790-9815 / john.d.turner@integrity.com
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Idea: Palm Trees
Can someone tell me how the palm trees in pics were made (the pic with the 3 trees)? I really like these and would like to make!
From: Sherilyn / 30th MBC / St Petersburg FL / critter41@verizon.net
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Idea: Lesson Four Decorating Questin
Can someone tell me how the fiery furnace that glowed was made?
From: Stephanie / Lanldmark MBC / Bedford IN / bsraryan@yahoo.com
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Idea: Children in Seminar Photos Posted On This Site
I am trying to find out where I can get the transparencies that have the children that were made and used in the seminar photos on this site. I have been able to make some awesome murals but they don't be complete without the children.
From: Dawn / Unity MBC / Fort Smith AR / dawn.miller@goldenliving.com
Reply: The children figures were taken from the coloring book. Transparencies can be made to use on an overhead projector.
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Idea: Decorations
I went on a shopping spree at our local Deals and Dollar Tree stores! They have a large supply of "luau" decorations that can be used for some of the areas for our VBS. The best part is that I only spent $1.00 on each packaged item--except for the large blow up tree, which was only $5. Some item packs had as many as 8 decorations inside. Other packs had two 3 ft x 4 ft island themed murals.
We will be using these items in our snack area, our auditorium (which doubles as opening/closing session room and as music/program practice room), our teen room, and on general bulletin boards throughout our church. I even found a few things suitable for our volcano room and our swamp room. Check the toy aisles for $1 snakes and bats and crocodile hats (which we will use in areas to look as if they are coming up out of the water)!
All of these areas will be WELL decorated at the low, low price of about $80. All of our staff were thrilled at the finds!
Now if I can just find LARGE rolls of KRAFT paper with which to make stalagmites in the cave room. . .
Happy shopping!
From: Bobbi / First BC / Kokomo IN / bjmjasay@aol.com
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Idea: Cardboad boat
Can someone tell me how the cardboard boat in the picture was made?
From: leea_browning@yahoo.com
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Idea: Sharing Decorations
I attend a small church in Florida and I am loving all these ideals about the volanco and island. If anyone is from the Central Florida area, can I use your scenes afterward.
I used your VBS last year for the first time and found it very easy to follow with a lot of attention to details. The Passport was one of the greatest VBS I have done. Looking forward to 2010.
From: Janice / Fountain of Life BC / Apopka FL / quenton35@aol.com
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Idea: Decorations
I wanted to put out there that our church would be interested in using a church's decorations when they were done with their VBS. We would pass them. I'm a member of First MBC in Salem, AR. I will drive just about anywhere. Thanks a bunch.
From: Leea / leea_browning@yahoo.com
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Idea: Tiki Torches
We are using the tops of two liter bottles turned upside down and painted brown for tiki torches. We had the lids left over from last year's VBS. Then, we are placing yellow, red and orange tissue paper inside to look like flames coming out of the torches. It actually looks pretty neat and it allows us to use some of our left over resources from last year. For the posts, we are using etiher dowel rods or cardboard tubes.
From: Janice / Fairmont BC / Kettering OH / janicerebekah@yahoo.com
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Idea: Cave
I'm going to make a cave using some black sheets and hang bats, spiders, webbing inside and some other stuff. Before you enter the cave I'm posting a sign with Psalm 56:3 on the front of it. I would love to hear other ideas.
From: Linda / Celebration BC / Grenada MS / sissie38901@yahoo.com
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Idea: Volcano
Does anyone know how to make a small volcano with clay? I though this would be a neat project.
From: Sharon / Maranatha BC / Dallas NC / pasour01@quik.com
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Reply: Here is a link to making a volcano. http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howtos/ht/buildavolcano.htm
From: Melvin / briggs4@winco.net
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Idea: Decorations
Can someone give me some ideas on the decorating the church sanctuary. We are a small church and I would really appreciate any ideas.
From: Tammy / Summitt BC / Sugar Grove VA / liberty2mom@hotmail.com
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Reply #1: Here is an idea from the Director's Planbook. The Island Theme Scene costs $17.95 and the Daily Icon Set is $6.95. The Island Scene comes in 8 pieces. It will need to be put on foam insulation board or something strong so it will stand. (also see pictures from the seminar, see link above)
Reply #2: If this is the place the kids will gather for the beginning of the VBS each night, I feel it is critical that it make a strong statement to set the tone of the VBS for the rest of the night (a good first impression). Here’s what I’m thinking so far:
I plan to being with an island backdrop painted on painters canvas. You can get this at a home improvement store, paint store, etc. Note their sizes. 8x12 worked good for me last year. Paint the canvas with flat primer. Can be cheap stuff from Walmart or maybe just some flat white paint left over from someone’s painting project (donation?). Find clip art of an island background and transfer to transparency and project it onto the canvas. Trace it off with marker. Using flat paint (it dries faster), paint your scene. Once dry, you can either hang it like a curtain on a wire, or create cheap frames with stands to wrap it around and staple to the back. If you are interested in the freestanding frames, I can give you a diagram for more detail. Now you have the background.
Next, I want to create a giant logo.
Using the VBS logo, I plan to create it in several layers. The background layer will be the lattice surrounded by bamboo. You can either use real lattice and bamboo if you can get them along with tiki torches from a garden center and stuffed animals, etc. This will be heavy, so you will need to be sure to build some kind of support to hold it up.
An alternative is to use cardboard or foam board and use a projector to draw them off and paint them like the backdrop. (By foam I mean the 4x8 insulation panels used when building a house). There will be several layers. Layer 1 is lattice and bamboo. Layer 2 is animals and leaves. Layer 3 is the words. The verse part is two layers. (the board and then the words) Cut them out and set aside when painted with flat paint. Once everything is dry, assemble using an appropriate adhesive. Punch holes and hang the verse beneath it. I will either create a stand for it or will hang it from the ceiling using heavy duty fishing line. Note: The foam is very lightweight. For this project you can probably get away with two sheets that shouldn’t cost more than $20 total. The paint can be purchased by the quart or you may have some craft paints laying around.
This is a lot of work, but inexpensive and will make a major impact when the kids/parents first come in. Hope this helps. If you have any questions or just want to knock about some ideas, please feel free to contact me.
and
Back several years ago we had a cave room for VBS (Proclamation Park VBS??). We took brown paper (from Lowes or Home Depot used to protect wood floors, comes in big roll or use postal wrapping paper) and wadded it up to crinkle it up. Then smoothed it back out and hung it on the walls. We made stalactites/mites with papier-mâché and painted them with glow in the dark paints, hung them from the ceiling and placed them on the floor. We put black lights behind the ones on the floor and pointed them to the ones on the ceiling. We also put Christmas lights on the ceiling. When also made the doorway into the room look like a cave entrance using the same brown paper. We turned off the overhead lights so when the kids came in they saw the glow and twinkle of the Christmas lights. It was their favorite room of the week. Hope this helps.
From: Barry / Mt Zion BC / Amory MS / riverdog@hughes.net
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Idea: Easy Decorations
You can use a drill, attached to a roll of brown paper to make really long vines and spin them fast. The brown paper rolls can be purchased at a hardware store, in the paint section.
From: Cindy / First Free Will BC / Neosho MO / becin1@hotmail.com
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Idea: Items to locate in Fall 2009 to use for VBS 2010
artificial leaves / hanging moss / vines / plastic bats / plastic spiders with webs (for the cave and swamp scenes)
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Idea: Volcano Popcorn
I have not tried this yet. So you might want to try it at home first. Lay down a large blanket, place popcorn machine in the center. Have all of the kids sit against the wall or far enough back, so they won't get hit with popcorn. Make popcorn, leaving the lid off. The popcorn will pop up in the air and the kids will love this. To make it a volcano, use something that well be heat proof, that looks like a volcano to place around the popcorn machine. This will make it look like the volcano is erupting when the popcorn is shooting out.
From: Kristy / TLMBC / Oregon / kristyk@isp.com
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Idea: Volcano Rocks
One can use the foam peanuts (used for packing) with a black lite. The peanuts will glow orange like coals when the lights are turned off and the black lights are turned on. This might be used for the Hot Rock Volcano lesson. I saw this used on October in a "Here After House" looked like real coals burning.
From: Terri / Fairplay MBC / Benton AR / tiki2td@gmail.com
CRAFTS
Idea: Craft Idea
We have been racking our brains for a cool craft idea. Well we think we have a good one, we are doing message in a bottles. Of course they are PERFECT for our Soul Survivor theme. This is where we found the supplies for the cheapest http://www.sandartsupplies.com/StoreBox/message_bottles.htm
We are going to have the kids make a note about Jesus and put it in the bottles. We just wanted to share our idea with everyone.
From: Cindy / CUMB / g8tors09@yahoo.com
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Idea: Thermometers
I keep wondering if it is safe to use glass themometers in a child's craft. However, I love the tropical bird craft. Can anyone think of something else clever to use on the bird instead of the thermometer?
From: Paula / Montelores BC / Lewis CO / paula@jump55.com
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Idea: Thermometers
I have tried to find thermometers and not been successful. Oriental Trading has a Sun thermometer craft kit,12 for 6.99, that I am going to use instead.
From: Mary Lou / Tuscanooga BC / Groveland FL / mlmc261@aol.com
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Idea: Paper Backed Thermometers
I have been trying to get my crafts together for 2010 and I have not been able to locate any of the small, paper backed thermometers. Please let me know where I can find these.
From: Tammy / Calvary BC / Orlando FL / tammysmarie@aol.com
and
From: Jenny / jenny_sissom@yahoo.com
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Reply #2: I found paper backed themometers at a school supply store for less than $1 each.
From: Vicki / Lighthouse LMBC / La Habra CA / vjames@jbrenlin.com
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Reply #1: I found what I think will be a really good place to order the paper-backed thermometers online. The name of the company is Echo Inc. and it is based in Springfield, OH. They have a couple of fairly-inexpensive versions.
Go to www.echoinc.to There you will find a small paper-backed thermometer with rounded corners that sells for .25 each. I was told that right now they have about 3000 of these in stock and that there is no minimum order. There is also another larger thermometer that costs .34 each. Not sure how many of those they have. I tried to get them to give me an idea about shipping costs, but they said it would be according to weight and zip code. They ship UPS.
Another option would be to order thermometer crafts from Oriental Trading. This might be a good time to find some of these in their Clearance section. It may prove more economical, and you can save the rest of the craft supplies for another project later!
Finally, it may be possible to find them free if you know of any companies that give away thermometer/calendars each year (my bank does this for promotional purposes.) Anyway, they may be able to donate them, or they may have some left over from the previous year.
From: Suzi Davis (Craft book) / Olive Branch MBC / Pine Bluff AR / suziqdavis@yahoo.com
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Idea: Craft Idea
Oriental Trading has a really cute island w/treasure chest foam craft. It holds a picture; and says something about the treasures of God. It was on sale when I saw it. It was about $5.00 to make 12, if I remember correctly.
From: Bethany / New Testament MBC / Harrisburg AR / bmjensen@suddenlink.net
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Idea: Volcano Craft Idea
I found at Hobby Lobby a kit for making a plaster volcano (small one). Thought this would make a cool craft for that day (especially if you use the 40% off coupson for Hobby Lobby) and cheap also.
From:
MISCELLANEOUS
Idea: Lesson DVD / Decorations / Survival Kits
• When do you show the Lesson DVD for each day, during the opening program?
• I was wanting to borrow or buy some already used decroations. But can't find anyone in my area that has done Soul Survivors. Do you know of someone that has used Soul Survivors near Columbia SC?
• Are the survival kits for each child or just 1 for each age group?
From: Whitney / West Coumbia SDA / West Coumbis SC / whitneyhamm84@gmail.com
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Idea: Survivor Bracelets
We need 15-20 bracelets. If your church has extra we'd be glad to buy them from you. I need them by July 28. PLEASE HELP!
From: Chris / Maranatha BC / Dallas NC / pastor@mbcdallas.com
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Idea: Games
We had our VBS the last of June and I still can't get it off my mind.We had an obstacle course with turns,steps,low bars,hot lava (pretend of course)and a swinging bridge,sounds simple right,but you had to go through it blind folded listening to the still small voice and trusting that person to tell you the correct way to go,still sounds simple,what if you had several other voices telling you different ways to go at the same time.The children really had a hard time at first until they learned to listen to that small still voice.The hardest part of the course was the lava.We put red plastic on the ground and put flat rocks to step on,but we also gave the kids a stick to feel where the rocks were.We had our leader to be the still small voice and the other children were trying to get the one going through the course to turn in the wrong direction but once they started listening to the right voice they made it through. Thanks for letting me share.
From: Ann / Redeemed FWB / Marion NC / webuddys@charter.net
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Idea: Prayers Answered!!!!
West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church is full of "Soul Survivors on Danger Island" this week! We are having our highest numbers ever. Even MORE important we are seeing children SAVED!!!! Our church has stressed more prayer for our VBS this year, and we are seeing the ANSWERS!!!! I know this page is really for ideas, but I thought this might be an encouragement for those who are still in preparation. Our church family is seeing a great revival, and we are seeing souls saved - what more can you ask for from your VBS? It is hot in Arkansas right now, but we will gladly brave the heat to see these amazing results. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
From: Debbie / West Bauxite MBC / Bauxite AR / debbie@ascark.com
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Idea: Treasure Hunt
This site really helped with our VBS this year. I enjoyed all of the ideas and the pictures. thanks
My husband and I were the directors of our VBS this year and I would like to share our experience. My husband was over the games so on the last night of Bible School he had a treasure hunt using Scripture for clues. We took the bulletin paper and stepped off a map using a compass cut the edges and stain them with tea bags to make them look like an old treasure map.The kids loved it especially when they got to the treasure, which was at the three crosses (clue John 3:16) we have on our church property. We made a treasure chest and put little testaments with the Soul Survivors Tracts in them. We also made a cave and put a statue of Jesus in it, and told the children no matter how scared or what dangers we face that Jesus is always there with us.
From: Ann / Redeemed FWB / Marion NC / webuddys@charter.net
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Idea: KJV NT Custom Printed
Personalized KJV New Testaments or John & Romans are available from Bearing Precious Seed, Greenwood IN. You can contact them at 317-888-4003 or bearingpreciousseed@juno.com.
You can also check out their blog www.bearingpreciousseed.blogspot.com
or their facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1548734514=ts <http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1548734514&ref=ts>
From: Chris / Maranatha BC / Dallas NC / pastor@mbcdallas.com
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Idea: Skits
We decided to record our own skits for our assembly. The intro piece to each skit and the church promo piece can be found on Youtube - search for "soul survivor danger island." Our VBS is July 5th - 9th. After the VBS we will post the skits via Youtube as well.
We also had a talented person who built our stage. We made palm trees with carpet tubes by scrunching brown butcher paper around the tube, then using wire as support we cut out giant leaves and attached them to the top with green foam used for fake plant bases. The tubes are slotted over a 2x4 that is attached to a flat wood base. He also constucted a 16 foot high volcano.
From: Kevin / First BC / Los Angeles CA / kelwell@fbcwla.org
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Idea: Closing Program
Have grades 3rd-5th and I need ideas on what to do on closing night for my program. I cannot think of a way to incorpurate it into out program. Any ideas are appreciated thank you :D. I pray God will bless all of our vbs this year.
From: jrollings2001@yahoo.com
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Idea: Passport to the Promised Land Paper Decorations
After falling in love with Passport to the Promised Land, I found out that Bogard had already stopped selling its kits and had to make our own. When we did, we used clip art off of the website to make transparencies. From the transparencies, we created all 5 station logos and 5 arrows. The arrows stand about 5ft tall I would guess and the logos stand about 3ft tall. They are painted paper but came out quite well. If there is a church out there that could be blessed by these, please email me at smith_ginny09@hotmail.com
From: Ginny / Community Church of the Hills/ Johnson City TX / smith_ginny09@hotmail.com
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Idea: Alternative to Certificates
For the last couple of years, we have tried to find alternitives to paper certificates that seem to end up in the trash after VBS. Last year we decided that since we take photos of each child anyway, we would use them. one of our members uses the logos to make an overlay on the computer then layers it on the picture in a photo editing program. We then take to fils to wal-mart & have them printed as 4X6 photos. we make personalized labels with the church's name, vbs dates, & child's name (using mail-merge)to go on the back of each photo. the parents & kids seem to enjoy them. this is a little more work, but we have all the templates set up before vbs & then it's just a matter of printing everything.
From: Karen / Whispering Pines MBC / Minden LA / karenkevin16@hotmail.com
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Idea: VBS Props to share
If anyone has anything they would like to share with another church for vbs I would love to hear from you. I'm sure we could use some help. Our church is more than willing to share what we have that can be of use to another church. Our vbs is set for June 21st - 25th. With the kick off being on the 19th. We are using a lot of bamboo so if anyone is interested let me know. We will load you up! I would love to hear from some of the churches in or near Hamilton Alabama. Good Luck to all! I am praying for each of you.
From: Angela / Hamilton MBC / Hamilton AL / stylin_angela@hotmail.com
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Idea: Vinyl Banner
I need to know what colors can be used to color the VBS banner which is vinyl.
[The banner was not made to color, but if you want to, use the same type markers as you print your VBS information on the banner.]
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Idea: Rotation Schedule
I am trying to change up our rotation schedule but I guess I am not smart enough. If anyone might be able to help me please email me at stylin_angela@hotmail.com and I will get back to you with the details. Thanks!
From: Angela / Hamilton MBC / AL / stylin_angela@hotmail.com
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Idea: More island themed VBS ideas
Here's a link to more ideas from an old Lifeway island themed VBS. http://vbs.lifeway.com/vbs2008/yourvbs/share_ideas.aspx
From: Chris / Marantha BC / Dallas NC / info@mbcdallas.com
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Idea: Need Small New Testaments
Does anyone know where we can purchase the small red or black New Testaments that are small? They are needed for the survial kit and I have not been able to find them.
From: Debra / Landmark MBC / Tahlequah OK / debscott63@bankofcherokeecounty.net
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Reply #4: I contacted the Gideons in Jackson, MS and they said they could not give me Bibles for Bible School nor could I purchase them with a donation. They told me they had to give them out on a one on one basis. I am still trying to find Bibles for our kit.
From: Lola / Victory BC / Madison MS / michaelscrocker@bellsouth.net
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Reply #3: The Gideons have all you need and are offered for a small donation.
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Reply #2: We found some at the Dollar Tree for of course $1.00 each. If they are not in your local Dollar Tree store (or not enough of them), you can place an order online.
From: Mike / ppcusa@yahoo.com
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Reply #1: I have seen a web site that has a candy that looks like the sand art projects that you make in the clear containters or bracelets that you may be interested in. If it is still available, the web site is www.sandycandy.com
From: Karla /A New Beginning Community Ch / Taylorville WV/ jktaluvsu@verizon.net
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Idea: Music
Will the music come with hand motions this year? It would really be helpful if it did. (Motions are on the Lesson/Music DVD).
From:
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Idea: Leftover VBS Materials
I want to say thank you for all the materials you sent me. I have them all here in El Salvador and already starting preparation for our Passport adventure next year. I will be in the States for a short visit and if there is more leftovers available, I would like to bring them back with me. I still need some more paper/cloth decorations and small misc items. One more time, thank you for sharing. I will post some pictures in the future. Many blessings, Betty
From: valenciabetty@hotmail.com
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e-mail to vbscomments@abaptist.org
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