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 Posted 8/11/2009 11:23:21 AM |
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Our Bible story leader has voiced some concern to me over the material. I took a look at it and came to the same conclusion that this leader did....Christ is absent except for on day four!
I guess I am concerned that these supposedly Christian materials don't take the chance to connect the old testament lessons from Exodus to the new testament joy of our salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It seems that we are missing an opportunity to share what it means to be Christian!
Now, I don't know if the material for the other areas mentions Christ but the material we have for days 1-3 & day 5 in Bible Bayou could be used in Mosques or Synagogues as well (with the exception of how they translate God's name).
I have never used Group before but have been told that it is the "easy VBS." I guess I would rather have Christ than easy. Is this an off year for Group's VBS? Is it usually more Christ-centered?
Has anyone else noticed that and, if so, what did you do? Did you add Christ, just leave it? Suggestions would be welcomed!
Thanks and God's blessings to you!
Maggie
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| Posted 8/11/2009 11:51:14 AM |
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| Group material is one of the best written materials to bring the word and story of the Lord alive. It brings it right down to the kids level . On day four the message is strong and they learn what Having Christ in their lives is like. My son added on day four that if anyone wants to know more or ask Jesus in their heart to look for a leader with a crocodile on them . We had a few want to know more. Hope that helps. The stories are well written. God bless Doreen
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| Posted 8/11/2009 12:20:36 PM |
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| Group alternates years with the New Testament and Old Testament stories. The beauty of the day 4 material this year is how it builds from the Passover story on the day before. Trust me, it is wonderful. We did have a discussion about this earlier and you can read it here: http://forums.group.com/Topic60137-4529-1.aspx
Pictures taken on vacation at Lake Junaluska, NC.
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| Posted 8/11/2009 12:26:06 PM |
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PeggyinOhio (8/11/2009)
Group alternates years with the New Testament and Old Testament stories. The beauty of the day 4 material this year is how it builds from the Passover story on the day before. Trust me, it is wonderful.
So, Group does not tie the old testament stories with the new testament?
Do the stories usually not build from day to day that this year's day four stands out? Having looked at past Group VBS materials I see that they have a formula for day four -- day four is always about Christ. Have they tied Christ in with the other stories in previous years?
I'm sorry for all the questions but this just seems odd to me.
Maggie
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| Posted 8/11/2009 12:35:40 PM |
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Well, some years the stories are all about Jesus. Next year they are about the early missionary journeys, not about Jesus specifically. But they don't always tie directly to Jesus. It's more of a build to day 4 approach rather than presenting the salvation story daily. I hope this makes sense. 
Pictures taken on vacation at Lake Junaluska, NC.
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| Posted 8/11/2009 3:22:06 PM |
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I'd like to add that for kids to understand how Jesus is our "Passover Lamb," that they first need to understand what Passover is. To understand Passover, one must first understand that the Israelites were enslaved and then God, by His awesome power, delivered them. I think this is a HUGE tie-in to Christ. So, maybe we don't make the "tie-in" crystal clear each night, but the overall flow of the week clearly leaves kids knowing that Christ is our Salvation.
Kelsy in Kansas 
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| Posted 8/11/2009 8:21:31 PM |
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I can tell you that though I am 33 yrs old I have worked with kids ministry ,vbs, sunday school etc since Ive been 12 years old...God called me to work with kids. Ive been the children's ministry director since I was 17 years old...I have looked through and used many different curriculum's over the years. The reason I personally choose group's VBS is because of the Bible. This year we had over 40 kids get saved and only ran about 50 kids a night. This year's bible was very powerful...the reason they used the Old Testament was to lead up to God giving Jesus as our sacrificial lamb......how powerful the 4th night was in firefly finale. While our " Jesus " stood with garbage bags (our sins) on his outstretched arms while Amazing Love played in the background...we had kids weeping, on their knees asking God to forgive them, kids worshiped the Lord with their hands raised...this was completely on their level...ages 4-12 were completely touched...don't be afraid to tell these kids all of the stories. God gave us the entire Bible..and it starts in the Old Testament...all that He placed in the Bible was for a reason...everyone can relate to some story or person...and group did an outstanding job this year...I do not think you will be disappointed at all with the Bible...40 kids saved for us...I wouldn't have been disappointed if just 1 child was saved or rededicated their live to Jesus...it is so worth it!
Reaching kids for Jesus ~ Johnette FergusonChildren's Ministries Director : Faith Assembly of God , Salem, Virginia
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| Posted 8/11/2009 11:32:24 PM |
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Maggie:
I actually saw your reply to another post before seeing this one, so I responding to that other post here:
http://forums.group.com/Topic60137-4529-3.aspx#bm65808
I agree with the others who have posted here about the 'build up' to Day 4 -- breaking down what I think of as one of the 'first salvation stories' of the OT into 4 pieces, and making the connection to Jesus celebrating Passover just prior to the final events of his life & his being our perfect lamb -- it all makes for a very tangible way for kids to understand both the OT story AND Jesus death & resurrection saving us from sin. Group's curriculum is amazing in it's ability for kids to 'get' all aspects of the stories & bible points.
I do think Group's curriculum allows for every church to modify any part of the lessons to fit their needs/wants, and finding ways to bring Jesus in every day would seem to be an 'easy' modification to make.
God Bless!
~Cassie
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." ~Matthew 28:19-20
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| Posted 8/20/2009 7:56:47 PM |
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Just had to post a comment. Group is telling the whole story about salvation just as the Bible does. Sadly, many adult Christians don't know the history and depth of God's plan of redemption. Passover and what led up to it is all about the Blood that was shed for us. These connections are so very important. Thank you Group for presenting it the way it truly is.
Katrina
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