2013 VBS - Athens by Group Publishing

I've reviewed my Top Ten VBS resources for 2013, but I'm happy for the opportunity to share additional resources which are well worth taking a look at to see how and where they might "fit" in your ministry. Today let's take a look at Athens from Group Publishing! With this resource you get to take children from your church and community back to Bible times as they "experience" life in Ancient Athens!

Athens

Group Publishing

http://group.com/vbs/athens

1. God loves us all - Paul begins his second missionary journey - Acts 15-16
2. God loves us and takes care of us - Paul and Silas are put in prison - Acts 16
3. God loves us when others don't - An angry mob searches for Paul and Silas - Acts 17
4. God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus - Paul preaches about Jesus - Acts 17
5. God loves us and wants us to share His love - Paul continues his journey - Acts 18

Setting – the sights, sounds and smells of an ancient Greek world in Athens

Message – Children and parents will learn how to boldly share their own Christian faith in our "anything goes" culture today.

Focus – Evangelism, Application, Content

Strengths –

• My favorite part of this VBS is the “Oikos Time” – particularly at the close. I really love the activities which engage everyone to help them focus all they did on the point and God’s Word! Solid, memorable Bible learning!
• I love the focus on God's Word is true!
• As I would expect, Athens from Group has a strong emphasis on intentionally engaging the entire family in creative ways and focusing them on how they can be bold and share their faith like Paul did!
• I found the options for crafts to be unique, interesting and fun 
• I especially like the "Read the Passage with this in mind" info for volunteers each day - excellent!
• I found the "Historical Background" for the Shopkeepers to be informative and interesting

Would like to see –

• Ideas to help kids serve in their own communities.
• Last year I was very happy to see teachers and children reading from the Bible during the Bible lessons - I would have liked to see this in the curriculum this year and I'd like to see Group put it back in again next year
• More Bible content during the actual Bible lesson would have added to this VBS, but I do like how at the end it was “pulled together” in the Oikos Time
• A more affordable “basic” kit option for churches on a very tight budget

Group says, "Imagine leaving a life of privilege and power to face angry mobs, painful imprisonment, and chain-breaking earthquakes—all to spread the life-changing truth of God’s love. Learn the jaw-dropping story of the Apostle Paul straight from Paul himself! In an ancient 'anything goes' culture, Paul will inspire kids to share the truth of God’s immeasurable love today!" This VBS provides a unique learning opportunity for entire families – or for just children and will challenge them to choose to be bold about sharing their faith with others! Great for VBS, a summer family event, mid-week ministry or for a special event during the year, but if you plan to use it after the summer, be sure to order enough of the student/family items – especially for Oikos time – so you have them when you need them.