VBS Downunder

[Alison from Australia]

VBS started in Melbourne, Australia today (Monday 30th June). Apart from my watch stopping and the weather report predicting gale-force winds, all went very well. The teens in the skit did a marvellous job, the snack crew all wore matching chef's hats and aprons as a special surprise for us, we had no accidents and I only cried once!!! (I'm a very emotional person so tears come very easily.) We all had a great day and can't wait until tomorrow.
If you were involved in Sonforce last year, you'll be pleased to know that the banner made it to Australia and is now proudly displayed in our Church. Everyone was thrilled to see it and hear of its journey around the world.

[TrinityJen]

Alison -
I am glad your SonForce VBS is going well! I am so excited know you are having a great time on your space station.

Many blessings for your VBS and I can't wait to see pictures!

[Josh1]

I'm glad to hear that your SonForce Kids VBS is going great and everyone is enjoying it.
God Bless,
Josh:rolleyes:

[jruckman]

Alison, I'm so glad to hear of yet another VBS going well. We absolutely SFK last year. (And "Together In Harmony" still brings tears to my eyes!) Have a great week.
Janet

[Alison from Australia]

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. We're having a fantastic week and I can't believe tomorrow is the last day. We will have a family night tomorrow night and hope to get lots of families coming along. As I said earlier, the weather report was for gale-force winds and they certainly arrived on Tuesday morning. Around 6am we were woken by wind, thunder and driving rain. We thought the front windows of our house were going to blow in at one stage. We looked outside to see the lightning and it wasn't normal lightning bolts - it was like balls of lightning flying through the sky. All the power went off and my mind started to race through all the ways we would have to change VBS if we went ahead and had it without electricity. However, God is so good. At 8am we left home to drive to the Church under blue sky with the sun shining. We still had no power at home but the power at the church came on just as we arrived. The last time we had a major storm like this the power at the Church was off for 4 days!!! Everything has gone smoothly since then. I'm about to go and prepare my thankyou gifts for my leaders. I found some little torches in a party shop which fit on your index finger. I'm tying them in a cellophane bag which is covered in stars. I'm not actually putting a written message on them because I've run out of time but I'll make a speech when I hand them out, thanking them for being strong and courageous and letting the light of Jesus shine through them to God's precious children. I hope you're all going well in your preparations.

[jruckman]

SFK will always have a special place in my heart. Two years ago (doing SonTreasure Island), at the height of my pre-VBS panic, frustration, and discouragement, I came across the verse "Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for, the Lord your God will be with you." I printed it out, taped it to my work area at the church, and recited it as my mantra to get me through the tough time. I vowed I wasn't going to be director again. (Of course STI went fabulously too.) A few months later, when the next VBS curriculum (SFK) arrived, I laughed like a crazy person for days at God's great sense of humor to make that verse the next VBS theme! And so, I'm still directing.
Janet

[Mari-Jo]

I love this board! I am glad to know that I am not the only one that panics, has tearful meltdowns, gets frustrated, discouraged and vows that I am never going to do this again! Only to have a complete reversal by the end of the week! My husband says- "I can't believe you are talking about NEXT YEAR!"

Each year God challenges me. I learn more new things and with His help am able to pull off things I never dreamed of! I was asked a couple of years ago if I would consider heading up a float for the parade to help get the church and school get more community recognition and I said "NO WAY! Are you NUTS? Never in a million years!" I had never even helped make a float nor had I ever even been in a parade. But- guess what I did this year?! A float for the parade! This was NOT my plan. Other volunteers were going to head up this "parade" plan, not me, so I was good with it and happy to say yeah! But due to unforseen circumstances it all landed in MY lap! I said "I will NEVER do this again!!!" I was absolutely panicked. This year we finished VBS on June 27th. We took some of our decorations to create a float for our town's 4th of July parade. We had about 20 of our 90 VBS kids show up. They climbed into our pirate ship float (made with Mr. McGroovy's Rivets and some wood and screws) and sang all their VBS songs to the music cd throughout the entire parade. You should've seen the people moving to the beat of the music, cheering on the kids; I have never seen more genuine cheers, smiles and waves EVER! I said I was never EVER doing a float again, but by the end of the parade- we already had the plan formulated for next years' float and exactly how we are going to do it!

But- like anything worthwhile, it did not come without its own special set of challenges. On Monday I realized we had no banners for the church or school- no one would know that the float was for St Peter's Church and School! What was I to do? I learned how to make one FAST. I had a couple of banners on it (one on each side) that said "Jesus helped us weather the storm". You see, this cardboard pirate ship survived a "drowning" of rain on Friday, our last day of VBS. After we put it on the trailer, a downpour cut loose before we could get the trailer with the ship 3 miles back to my house to put it under cover. We are building a pole barn but at this point it has no sides only the roof and posts. This was where it needed to be. I wanted to cry. Some of the paint ran and it looked weak and wimpy. As if that was not enough- the Wednesday of July 2nd, our float decorating night, did not come to pass. We had a thunderstorm with 40 mph winds, hail and rain that came down sideways- a roof alone couldn't keep the ship dry! The pirate ship was wet, torn, and half on the trailer and half mangled and on the ground. Shipwrecked!! That was exactly how I felt! My husband 's look was pathetically priceless when I asked him to please try to save the ship! With the help of God, a couple of guys, my awesome husband and after many 1x1's, 2x4's, staples, screws and nails, we had a sturdy, weathered, pirate ship. Sound enough to support 20 kids on the trailer inside it for the parade! Had the ship not undergone this trial, we probably would not have taken all the measures to reinforce its structure. This made it safe for the kids!

I guess I learned a few of things:
1. God will strengthen us and assist us in surviving storms that seem to be giving us "the ride of our life".
2. Like rubber bands, we are most effective when we are being stretched!
3. Things happen for a reason- our ship needed strengthening! Sometimes God lets things happen to us that seem horrible at the time but he will help us weather the storm and bring us back stronger than before if we let Him!

Praise God! We had an awesome VBS. We had an awesome float! We had more kids this year! And- I WILL do this again!

I took photos of the pirate ship in the church hall and after it was decorated as the float. I did not take any photos while it was half on the ground. I was sickened. Now I wish I had so all of you could see how awful it was as well as how wonderful it turned out! :)



Here is a link to view our parade photos! http://gallery.mac.com/mmcrow2897#100338&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Sorry this was so long!

[TrinityJen]

Mari-Jo - I love the pictures!! What a beautiful float. You will have to post your ideas for next year, we skipped out local parade this year, but who knows about next year.


And as far as panicking, tearful meltdowns, frustration, and discouragement.....I had all that today at a prep session - and it isn't even VBS week!!! It started with a message that someone wanted to register her kids and her neighborhood! A week before VBS - WHAT!!!! The it ended with me grabbing my misbehaving kids declaring we were no longer going to McDonald's and leaving in tears. Embarrassing me in front of my most trustworthy helpers and a new lady. Yea me! Isn't this for the kids....

I finally called the lady wanting to register this afternoon, really she only had 6 kids and 2 wont come w/o the 4 y/o brother and no I can't make room. I am not sure how I am going to make room for the kids I have....I have 50 in 5 groups K-2nd!!! and only 18 in 2 groups 3rd-5th. sigh. Where will I put the Monday walk-ins? Maybe 1 group of 2nd graders will jump up to the 'older' rotation....but where do you make that line keeping the kids with there friends and keeping it 'fair'. OR do I say DIRECTORS CALL!

Oh - and did I mention I am leaving for long weekend/ friend wedding the afternoon VBS is over!?! STRESSSSSSSSSSED OUT!!!!!!

I am praying for SUPER NATURAL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.....

Not by my strength but by the Lords....

[Mari-Jo]

I pray for you to have supernatural ability to complete your mile long daily to do lists. (like mine) I pray for you to have the supernatural ability to say the right thing at the right time. I pray for you to have the most BLESSED VBS ever!!!

I am right here along with you with the meltdowns! I had 3 the week before VBS. I was up at church every night from 5-9 getting ready. I had a couple more meltdowns during the week. But sometimes the clouds must lighten their loads and let the rain come down! I feel better if not a little silly afterward! :o

Group arrangement has to be a director's perrogative also. You are the one who is in charge of making it all work like clockwork! We do our very best to accomodate everyone but it can not be guaranteed!

[TrinityJen]

Thanks Mari-Jo I needed that pick-me-up. I know most parents wont even notice the change. I was planning a younger K-2nd rotation and an older 3rd-5th rotation but with the current #s...I will either move 1 2nd grade class up leaving 5 smaller groups or move both 2nd grade classes up and have 2 4 group rotations......I guess I will pray about it tonight.....wisdom wisdom wisdom......

Hey Alision what was the final report from SFK-Downunder?

[winnipeg]

Thank you so much everyone... I read this with tears streaming down my cheeks.
My little pity party is over, and it will work out. We are all in the same boat and this happens every year and yes we all rubber bands. I am remembering last years hardships for us all and God prevailed and He will again. I must remember I am along for the ride going where God wills not where Tammie wills.

Thanks for the encouragement!

[TrinityJen]

I am in tears again today. It seems my outburst yesterday was viewed but my best friends as my being upset with them and their kids. This morning I feel like I have broken friendship and changed a Tuesday morning dynamic I rely on throughout the year. If I can make it through this week it be by God. I am not sure if I can do this next year because of yesterday. I have really messed things up. My heart is broken.

[kidsmatter]

TrinityJen, I can sooo relate to what you're going through! I like spontaneous changes in my VBS schedule and/or plans about as much as I enjoy a trip to the dentist to get a cavity filled. Maybe even less. And sometimes I find myself saying & doing things I later regret. Being a VBS director can be stressful.

But don't forget that VBS is a great outreach ministry! And based on the contributions you've made here and at vbshelp.com, I'd say God has gifted you for this ministry. Do you have your Bible Story center Guide available? I think you'd be encouraged by the Day 3 Teacher's devotional (pg. 21). Especially the third paragraph. God's forgiveness is for you too. He can redeem this situation and turn it around for good.

Praying that as you and your friends / VBS team talk things out and move on from here, God will deepen your friendships, strengthen your team, and give you the strength to respond to each "bump in the road" with His love and grace.

[jruckman]

I can relate to these comments more than I can possibly tell you on an open message board! Our Big Week is going great from the kids' perspective, and I keep putting on the happy face and telling myself that's what's important. Reading today's well-placed "forgiveness" devotion (God has such a great sense of timing) will help get me through this week, but there's just so much more....

BTW, Jen, I've been using your daily parent newsletters and have received rave reviews. I tell everyone about this awesome soul in Ohio who inspires and encourages in big ways. Thank you so much for your valuable contributions to this board.
Janet

P.S. The therapist in me says we need to arrange for a few weeks of short-term group therapy after our VBS is over!

[TrinityJen]

Thanks everyone for your prayers. I took a wail this morning for me to calm down, I decided the best thing to do was to call the assoc pastor and invite her over to pray with me. She called me before I had a chance. Then my husband called he had read an e-mail with a totally different perspective. So when Laura arrived I had calmed downs some and realized it wasn't all about me (pride). Then praying and talking with her I realized I was being way to hard on myself and it was time to stand up and tell the devil to GO AWAY!! God has big plans for this VBS and I am going to follow HISlead!!! :eek:

Then I decided to take my kids to a play place and get away from home and church for a few hours. And isn't it great when God uses the radio to speak to our hearts? Today the 30 min drive was song after song about how He is with me, there will be storms, but He is always there. A song I had never heard before was "Whatever You're Doing" by Sanctus Real. This verse really stood out.

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly

My prayers to all of you in my state of being. I am off to clean up and get ready for the Wed night dinner at church then evening (no kids) prep time. I am so glad to not have to cook tonight. Warmed up canned corn is enough.

I love you all and I truly believe there is something big happening in VBS every year - this year is no exception. Watch out for attacks. For me it starts with weariness....God is waiting for us to ask and He will fill us with everything we need!

[flutist14_99]

So I just had to reply to this thread. Our VBS is next so this our cram week to get everything decorated. And of course this week my father who was diagnosed with cancer in January, found out the lung cancer that had already spread to his brain had spread to his spine and is the cause for his recent (as in last week-end) loss of lower body strength that had confined him to a wheelchair. And this week he told us he wasn't going to go through anymore treatment and he thought we should talk to the doctor about calling in hospice.
If that wasn't enough, I was dealing with all of the other Murphy's law happenings that everyone else is dealing with.
I'm the director at a smaller church so me and my niece have been doing all of the decorating. I have a decorating think tank but, they aren't available to help decorate. Yesterday, I was about ready to quit. I had already snapped at the church secretary, my sister, and several other just because of stress.
But, today God sent the most amazing blessing. Out of nowhere here came like 5 other people to help decorate and we're almost finished!
God is so amazing that today we were also able to pick up the christian radio station on the radio at church (something almost unheard of for some random reason). It was an amazing encouraging day!
Just had to share this with you all! My prayers are with all of you! :)
And I second the motion for an after VBS stress-down director's retreat.

[jruckman]

Ok, until I got to the part about 5 people showing up to help decorate, I was about to hop onto I-57 and head south with my masking tape and giant cardboard paintbrushes, scissors, paintcans, carousel animals, etc.! This really boggles my mind that it seems to be so common that we each reach the meltdown point of frustration the week before VBS, with what seems like such minimal enthusiasm and assistance from much of anyone around us, and then it all works out! Is it possible that the rest of you are as lousy as I am at delegating? How do you structure your leadership teams -- or are you it? I'd really be interested in knowing how others make it all happen.
Janet

[houseparent]

Ok, until I got to the part about 5 people showing up to help decorate, I was about to hop onto I-57 and head south with my masking tape and giant cardboard paintbrushes, scissors, paintcans, carousel animals, etc.! This really boggles my mind that it seems to be so common that we each reach the meltdown point of frustration the week before VBS, with what seems like such minimal enthusiasm and assistance from much of anyone around us, and then it all works out! Is it possible that the rest of you are as lousy as I am at delegating? How do you structure your leadership teams -- or are you it? I'd really be interested in knowing how others make it all happen.
Janet

I am the worst delegater there is and that is probably why everybody loves me as director. I work for months putting everything together and have everything almost prepackaged for the group and area leaders. This year I made all the decorations and will only need help to set them up the Saturday before VBS. I also prepackaged all the crafts, copied all the Cd's, made leader handbooks, daily newsletters, and in the process of planning the snacks with my wife.

This is my 4th year as director and it will be my last for a while because I have burnt myself out. On top of working in a children's home caring for 10 children and running two websites, I just need a break.

[nana]

All these posts sound like a repeat of my story. I am a poor delegator and end up just like you, Houseparent, doing everything my self. I am getting worn out and told my husband if I even acted like I was thinking of doing this again next summer, he had my permission to kick my behind! This is my 6th year as director and I'm 73 years old. We hadn't had a VBS for years until I took it on. I think its time to give it to someone younger, but we don't have many young people in our small church. We only have about 2 or 3 children in our Sunday School, but our VBS reaches between 50-60 kids in the community. How can I quit if no one will keep it going? Please pray for us, we start July 20th. I know it will be wonderful but I need an extra boost of physical strength. However, I am at peace with everything in my spirit!
Nana

[jruckman]

Isn't this amazing that our stories are so similar? This is my fifth year as director, and I'd rather be director than anything else! And everyone else would rather I do that too. (I have done crafts, music, and lessons in past years.) I love everything that goes into making it a fabulous week, and I'm really good at the excruciatingly tedious details! I too prepackage much of what others will be doing so as to minimize the job for them so I can talk them into doing the job. I know that not everyone works on my time schedule, and few are going to get excited about planning in January or February, but doing so much of the decorations myself (alone) and listening to lame excuses about how busy everyone else is infuriates me! I too have 3 busy elementary school kids and a husband who still wants me to be able to pick him out in a crowd by mid-July!

Recruiting staff by making announcements for help or posting notices of decoration prep sessions has never once yielded me one single volunteer! The only thing that has worked is pointedly, specifically asking person-by-person for help. And after hearing loads of excuses, we get the jobs done. I had staff fizzle out and quit for various reasons as recently as the night before VBS started (this week)! Then when Monday morning rolls around, folks show up willing and wanting to be a part of it! It makes me truly crazy!

The results have, of course, been amazing. Our pre-2008 all-time record attendance was 117 kids; today we went over 150. We have 27 5th/6th graders who are participating enthusiastically. (5 years ago, that age group was virtually non-existent because VBS was so "babyish" and "queer".) The sixth graders are scoping out how they want to help next year. A few high schoolers are stepping up and being tremendous leaders for the younger kids. Maybe I have to grow my own helpers! Some of the teachers were speculating today that the dramatic increase in participation of older elementary kids is attributable to these kids growing up in a program which they know is going to be fun and hold their interest.

There must be a way to harness the enthusiasm of this week to catapault us into the next year. Maybe I should put the sign-up sheets out at the wrap-up picnic on Sunday! We simply must have a larger group of people putting this together instead of one manic individual who isn't able to delegate. If we could just get folks in to help with the planning earlier, I know they too would get excited about what's coming. (Ok, maybe not quite like some of us on this message board because we're nuts, but how could they not get excited when they see what is being planned?
Janet

[TrinityJen]

So - we are all truly crazy - and I thought it was just our love for VBS.

Delegate....hmmm....I have never heard of it maybe I should look it up in the dictionary. ;)

I have had an amazingly SON-Shinny day. I have been healed and forgiving. Our God is truly an Awesome God!!! I have a new since of purpose...a conviction I just can not contain. I still feel weary and can not believe I will be decorating tomorrow night. A few things are still missing, but it will be fine. :eek:

[jruckman]

Please know that I wasn't rendering a clinical diagnosis by calling us all "nuts"; I meant it in the more colloquial sense. Although there have been days these past two weeks when I....... oh, never mind!

All the best to you, Jen, as you head into this week. Your exquisite planning will have paid off, and it will all go amazingly well. Last week at this time I was hearing the roller coaster ratcheting me up to the top of the first hill, but it has flown since then! (with, of course, a few loops and dips I didn't anticipate!)

Tomorrow is our last day, and then the worship in the park with mostly VBS content is on Sunday. I'll have to hold back the weepy waterworks to thank the folks and the God who have have been propping me up the past few weeks. Consider yourselves among the list! Thanks.
Janet

[Alison from Australia]

Wow ... how much can happen in a short time. We finished VBS on Friday 4th July, had a closing that night where families were invited then invited everyone to church on the Sunday morning. The following Monday my kids and I headed up to Sydney to spend a relaxing time with my parents so I haven't been on the boards for a while and all this is a huge shock for me.

TrinityJen, my love and prayers go out to you. I'm glad things are working out and hope that as you finish the week you will know that God is with you and is working through your VBS.

We had a fantastic week here in Aus. We had more non-church families than we have had before. The Church was full on the Friday night family night and everyone said how much their kids had loved it and can't wait until next year.

We had the banner which has done the rounds of many VBS in the States and Canada. Everyone loved hearing the story of its journey. It has now gone to Sydney to my parents' church. They will have their VBS in September, after which the banner will go back home to Ana in Florida.

On the Friday we had a leaders' lunch during which we started talking about Sonworld for next year. We have made some plans and have started buying things as we see them. Of course, now that Sonrock has been announced, we have started thinking about that as well. We've just finished one VBS, started organising next year AND we're thinking about 2 years' time!!! AAARRRGGGHHH!! :eek: I'm so glad for these boards. I know I can tell you these things and you will understand. I LOVE VBS!!

[flutist14_99]

I just felt I should post this here because so many replied to the fact of my father's diagnosis of cancer. He passed away this morning and is now in heaven worshiping and walking the streets of gold.
Thank you for your prayers.