Our VBS program is not intended to replace or replicate either Mass or Religious Education.  It's simply meant to be a fun week for the children at church during the summer learning about their God.  The Harcourt Religion materials have an imprimatur on all components, so it is in line with Catholic teaching.  We don't rewrite anything.

To your specifics:  1) we collect school supplies for a local service project and do not use CRS component, 2) At our church, the Chadder rotation always runs out of time, so I personally would not bother with replacing the content that goes with the Buddies if you are not using them, 3) right there with you on the People of Faith cards at snack time!  We did move this to Crafts, but I will simply photocopy the People of Faith section from the Test Tube Treats manual and give it to the Crafts people - no original writing on my part.

I, too, am sorry that this has been so stressful for you and hope this helps a little.  I sometimes think that my experience as director may be more rewarding than that of the childrens'.  And don't forget that the children may not even notice a situation that you perceived as a disaster!  I will keep you in my prayers.

Indianapolis, IN

 http://hometown.aol.com/joecanasta/index.html

I'm heading to the decorations thread to post some simple spiral twirly directions.  They're easy to make and will add instant color.

I don't have the reactor paper, and would really like an opinion about this as an alternative. Red cabbage juice is an indicator (like the paper), vinegar is an acid, and the baking powder is a base.  I'm not sure about the baking soda. The directions say: Put 1/4 cup purple cabbage juice in a clear glass.  Add an equal amount of white vinegar, turns pinkish-red.  Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, turns bluish-green.  Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, purplish color returns. We do a community VBS with several churches.  We still don't have our leader's guides, since nobody ordered them until June 18.  Our VBS starts on July 7...  Thankfully, I have a Director's Manual, which I bought myself in March.  Anyway, I would REALLY appreciate anybody's opinion, about would this demonstrate basically the same thing as the reactor paper. thanks, Stacey

We started the service with two of the Spotlight Drama's from the week(which by the way Group, was fantastic!!  The kids loved that each night, keep them coming).  We sang three songs, reviewed the lessons learned each night, let the congregation sing "There's Power in the Blood" and "Amazing Grace".  I talked about the Operation Kid-to-Kid balls and the Daily Challenges.  We watched a 10 minute video of our week and then did the "Come to Jesus" skit from night 4.  Our Pastor then preached on "The Power of God" with a heavy emphasis on the plan of salvation.

It was an awesome service!  Our Senior Adult Pastor told me afterwards what a great idea this was.  Can't wait till next year!! 

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Hope everyones VBS planning is moving along well.  I am happy and sad to be done with both of mine!