VBS and The Jerusalem Marketplace

The theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School was The Jerusalem Marketplace.  The gym, chapel, classrooms, and courtyard were decorated to give the children an idea of what kinds of shops and activities could have been part of Jesus’ life in Jerusalem and nearby areas.  The kids were able to dress in first century clothing, walk through the marketplace shops, stop to hear about the importance of bread and spices, make a musical instrument, stomp in mud and straw to make bricks, weave a basket, make jewelry, go to the synagogue, see live animals, watch a fisherman repair his net, seeing how to make a rope, make a seal, embroidery, make sandals, meet with the scribes, engrave, see a stone cutter and even more.  Some tasted food that would be common for people in that part of the world to eat.  But more important than the visualizing and experiencing of what Jerusalem was like in Bible times was that the children heard the stories of Jesus every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All week long I have thought about how much Vacation Bible School is similar to the early church.

* Much prayer and preparation went into the details of the experience.

* The children and teachers were eager to meet together each day.

* Children came and invited their friends to come with them.

* Every day the children heard stories about Jesus and His love for them.  Some chose to ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.

* They shared life experiences together.

* As parents met their children afterwards, they excitedly shared what they had done and heard that day.

* Like the early church, the children and adults collected money to buy and send materials to orphans in another country so they too can hear the stories about Jesus and His love and purpose for their lives.

In these coming days, may we also remember, learn, and put into practice the lessons from the early church and Vacation Bible School, even if it means getting our feet dirty. 

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 1:42-47

(Thanks to Kimberly McClain, Laura Rogers, and Larry for the pictures.)