I have some questions from the pictures that were posted.

[Josh1]

I saw the SonForce Kids pictures and they sparked a couple of questions. First, will Gospel Light have a backdrop outline like they have had in the past for the Assenbly Skits Backdrop? In the picture of Mission Command the backdrop looks very basic. I like Gospel Light backdrops because they have alot of detail. Is that the outline we'll get for the backdrop for Assemblies and Skits? I like the backdrop more like the Trans Port picture. Second, in the SAT-5 picture, they have the daily pennants. Are those the final daily pennants that we can buy for SonForce Kids? Third, the pictures are great but it reminds me more of a space theme than a spy/special agent theme. If I wouldn't of known it was a spy theme, I would have thought it was a space theme. The pictures remind me of SonZone that Gospel Light did a while back. It seems that Gospel Light seems to be redoing all of their VBS themes.
God Bless,
Josh Trommer:rolleyes:

[NormaVK]

Josh, since we are on a satellite "orbiting high above the earth", the decorations almost have to be space oriented. The spy/secret agent stuff will come in the other fun stuff like the name tags, brief cases, codes and decoders, crafts, games, and activities. At least, that's the way I have it figured out so far.
Norma

[Heather Wahl]

Hi Josh,

Both the Mission Command backdrop and the SAT-5 backdrop are available, which gives people two different options for levels of detail.

The Trans Port room is designed to give agents a peek into Bible times. It wouldn't make sense with the skits, which take place on the SonForce satellite. However, those backdrops are also available---and would work especially well for churches who opt to use our Bible Skits in their assembly time.

Yes, those are the final pennants. There are the five you saw, plus two with the course logo, and five more which can written on.

And, no, SonForce Kids isn't based on SonZone or any other course we've ever done. It's all new.

(But congratulations for remembering SonZone---you must have been eight at the time it released!)

[Josh1]

Heather,
I remember SonZone very well. It seems like Gospel Light has run out of themes for their VBS. I would like to see Gospel Light do an Eyptian theme or a Jungle theme.
I had a meeting with another church yesterday who has been doing Gospel Light for 12 years and is now deciding to do Group's VBS. The VBS Director said that the music for SonTreasure Island was the same music used for SonLight. The reason they are switching is because Gospel Light's VBS has been the same all of the 12 years they've done it.
I will always but a Super Starter Kit for me to go through and try to help you Gospel Light VBS Directors with your VBS' but I think that Gospel Light had a hard year last year and it REALLY showed.
God Bless,
Josh Trommer:rolleyes:

[maanki]

Josh,
This board is for encouragement purposes.Over the last 10 years, I have had vbs with 4 different companies and was pleased with each one as I had prayed and asked God what He would have me use. And EVERY vbs God ministered to His children. Please don't buy a starter kit to "help" us if your heart about Gospel Light is so negative.Gospel Light , you are doing an awesome job !!

[Josh1]

I'm sorry all. I've grown up with Gospel Light's VBS all my life and loved it. Since I've found a new publisher that I like better, it's kind of hard for me to say that Gospel Light's VBS is the best VBS when deep inside my heart I know it's not. I'll try to not be critical of Gospel Light. I'm just here to help all of you Gospel Light VBS Directors with your VBS, not to criticize Gospel Light.
God Bless,
Josh Trommer:rolleyes:

[NormaVK]

Josh, I agree. How can you be helpful when you have nothing positive to say! We are supposed to build each other up in the Lord. There are lots of people here that have great ideas, maybe you should just enjoy your time on the ranch and concentrate on helping them.
Norma

[Anne]

I also agree. I think Gospel Light has done an awesome job with creating VBS material that teaches Biblical truths AND has a central scripture message that ties it all together such as 1 Corinthians 13 or the Lord's Prayer or this year's Joshua 1:9. That is something you don't get with the other publisher.
It has been 2 months since our VBS and I am still getting people coming up to me and telling me what an impact SonTreasure Island had on their children. A lady at the dance studio yesterday (who does not go to our church)recognized my face and told me how much her daughter loved it. They still sing all the songs and now her toddler also knows all the words.

This will be my church's 6th Gospel Light VBS and my 3rd as Director and as long as I am directing we will always use Gospel Light. For me it is a no brainer. Thanks Gospel Light!!!

Anne

[TrinityJen]

I think we would all be blessed to have Josh at our churches. He certainly has more VBS experience than I do. I don't think Josh meant anything bad about GL he has just found that another publisher will work for him and has something else to offer. Isn't that what we want, not to be like everyone else? To offer something new to someone who hasn't used GL before? This was our best VBS year yet and if GL only has 12 themes, I don't mind. (our past director was planning on starting over after 6.) I think they update them very well.

[Josh1]

Gospel Light VBS Directors,
All I want to do is give you VBS ideas and help with your VBS experience.:) I don't mean to be a rock in your path that you stumble on. Gospel Light is a GREAT publisher!!! I'm glad you all have found Gospel Light to be the best publisher for your VBS!!! I hope that I can help you in anyway I can. SonTreasure Island was a GREAT theme last year!!! GREAT JOB Gospel Light!!!:)
God Bless,
Josh Trommer:rolleyes:

[sconfer]

Josh,
I would like to thank you for your willingness to help with VBS ideas for ANY program! I have seen some of your contributions on another discussion board, and I think they are inspiring. The Lord has blessed you with amazing talent and I am very grateful that you are willing to share them with all of us. I am looking forward to hearing your ideas!

[Heather Wahl]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to say anything, but it looks like the mistaken assertion that SonForce is based on an earlier theme is gaining some traction. I don't know how to respond except to repeat what I've already said. SonForce is an all-new theme. It's not based on SonZone or any other course.

(In fact, SonZone wasn't a space theme at all, but a science theme. SonForce isn't a space theme either, but a team of special agents whose headquarters happen to be on a satellite in orbit.)

I know in many internet sites, the great sport of debate is alive and well. In the right forum--where all parties have freely chosen the topic and are free to speak openly--debates are both great mental exercise and good entertainment. This is not such a forum.

As people called to share God's Word with children, we owe it to our kids to look at the various programs available each year and choose one that will work best for our individual churches. That won't be the same curriculum for everyone!

But please remember that behind the fun, there are real people who worked very hard to create something fully original. And while it's easy to examine a colorful photograph for patterns and similarities, it isn't just a curriculum product we are appraising. It is the hard work of your brothers and sisters in Christ, who dedicate our working lives to helping you serve your children.

[lavrn]

Well said, Heather... I have only directed this past year, but I used Gospel Light and loved the theme, the ease of ordering, fast shipments and all the cool decorations-- it may not be for everyone, but that's ok-- it worked great for us and we will continue to use your products! Thanks for all your hard work-- VBS is SOOOOOO important to so many children- for many it is the only time they are able to hear God's word!

Lisa:D

[sconfer]

Heather,
I would like to apologize. It was not my intention to downplay any of the hard work that the GL team puts into creating their VBS programs or to start a debate and I feel very badly that what I posted was taken in this way. Your VBS programs are always WONDERFUL and I value the time and commitment that GL puts into creating a high-quality, high-impact curriculum. It is why we have used GL for the last 10+ years and plan to continue to do so in the future. We are really looking forward SonForce Kids!

edited to add... I have edited my previous post so as not to cause any further "debate" - please accept my deepest apologies!

[Heather Wahl]

Oh, dear. Sorry, sconfer, that wasn't meant to accuse you of debate or anything else you never intended! I was trying to be general enough that it didn't seem aimed at anyone in particular. But unfortunately, it came off as if I was directing my comments specifically to you. Oops! I'm sorry that I wasn't careful enough to avoid giving that impression.

My concern was that while this VBS message board has always been a great supportive community of people encouraging each other in their ministry, this particular thread seemed to be about "Whether or not it's okay that SonForce is just a redo of SonZone."

And of course, since my team and I just spent a year creating a course that's entirely new and unique to Gospel Light, well that stings just a little!

The truth is, we're pretty excited about SonForce Kids, and we hope it will serve churches well. But at the end of the day, as any publisher will tell you, it's not the curriculum that makes VBS, it's the hearts of all the church staff and volunteers who dedicate so much of their time and energy to sharing God's love with children.

[Josh1]

I think Gospel Light is trying to create new themes for their users and that's GREAT!!! If I started this thread off like SonForce Kids is like SonZone, I'm sorry. I think that SonForce Kids is a GREAT thing that Gospel Light did!!! Great theme Gospel Light!!!:D I love the theme and I'm disappointed that the other church is changing to Group but not all VBS curriculums work for the same churches as was mentioned earlier. I'll volunteer at another church that is doing SonForce Kids or have a Backyard VBS like I have posted before. SONFORCE KIDS ROCKS!!!:D
God Bless,
Josh Trommer:rolleyes:

[sconfer]

I am excited to move forward from here and can't wait to receive our SonForce Starter Kit! - then our planning can really begin. From what I have seen and read so far, it looks like VBS '007 is going to be another awesome year - a heartfelt thanks to the GL team!