SR ADULT VBS DESIGN WORKSHEET
Group Size
For all of the elements of the experience to work well (the music, the stories, the humor, the table fellowship), we need a minimum of 30 participants to book an event. To be the best steward of your investment, 50 or more participants should be your goal. We understand that it is difficult to predict how many will attend so a sign-up/registration process is a must.
Format
The Sr Adult VBS is a 3-day format running Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings beginning with fellowship/snacks at 9:30 on, with the feature sessions running from 10-12 each day (with a brief intermission), followed by a light lunch (optional).
Facility
You will need a recreation/fellowship hall that can be secured and remain set up through out the event. It also must be free of competing noise or movement in and around the room during the sessions. Seating is at tables, and round tables are strongly suggested. For the sessions, the chairs are turned to face the front. For the gathering time and meals, the chairs are arranged around the tables.
Content
I am a storyteller, a musician, a humorist and a folk-theologian. I use all of these elements in my presentations. We will be sharing Gospel stories from the life of Jesus and teaching them in contemporary context and application. Each session/lesson is comprised of several stories and songs. In addition, I teach and lead other music and add worship, commentary and humor to keep things going and flowing.
Equipment & Materials
I bring the sound system and other materials I need. We also provide each participant with a booklet of the Gospel texts I will be teaching along with the Bible texts and songs I will be using. I will need a small stage or riser. Table decorations are welcome, flowers or anything festive. Dollar General has a variety of large round colored plastic tablecloths that will make the room look like a rainbow! I also provide sets of colored pencils and some coloring sheets on the tables for folks to doodle with. A final suggestion on materials, a snack and beverage table (coffee, donuts) for the pre-session gathering time.
Organization
It takes a village. Well not exactly a village, but to get ownership and participation, there does need to be a team to organize and promote the event. While I bring all the equipment and materials I need, having folks in charge of promo/communications (scheduling announcements in Sunday school classes and worship, bulletin inserts, posters, etc) as well as meals and snack table, will make sure that there is a quorum of people already committed to supporting and attending the VBS. If the event is only driven by church staff, there is a chance that we will start Monday morning with just a handful in attendance. It has happened.
Additional VBS Experiences
When we began the format, I thought it would be a “one-time” thing, a great way to gather and affirm the lives of the saints and sages of the church. But after almost every event, we were invited to return for second VBS and then a third! So now we now have three experiences. The first two feature myself leading with storytelling, music and teaching and the third event, includes my wife Kathleen leading the second hour each day. Kathleen is a United Methodist deacon, a life-long Christian Educator, and an experienced women’s retreat leader.
Cost
Cost for a VBS experience is $3200, plus travel ($400) and lodging, motel preferred (3-4 nights depending on format).
