Members at the Graham (Wash.) Church created a creation-based Vacation Bible School curriculum this year.
"We wanted something that could be an evangelistic tool to introduce non-churched children to Jesus and to reinforce the relationship Christian children have," says Kristi Candler, Graham's VBS director.
Each day the children spent time in Bible study finding the text of the day in Genesis and learning more about God's love, and singing about God's creation.
When it came time to study fish and birds, children made an "ocean in a bottle," and pinecone bird feeders for crafts. For the lesson on the seventh day of creation, VBS children took a "Sabbath walk" to collect flowers, feathers and "gems."
VBS culminated with a special program for more than 45 participants, families and church members. The program featured a week-in-review slideshow, children performing favorite songs, and reciting the memory verse — Exodus 20:11.
Each program participant received a children's Bible. Younger children, ages 3–5, who participated in a separate, related program, also received a children's Bible and two CDs of Bible songs.
More than 20 adults developed the creation VBS program and spent time buying supplies, inviting neighborhood children, and most importantly, praying for the program and the children.
Laura Taylor, left and Megan Fowler, help children find some of God's creations on the "Sabbath" walk. (Kristi Candler)
Stacey Tejel leads a group of children in prayer, before they start their Bible study for the day at the Graham, Wash., Vacation Bible School. (Kristi Candler)
April Tenijenhuis, left, and Zoila Matute assist children with a craft. (Kristi Candler)
Graham asked artist Joe LaCom to design the Creation Week logo.
