This morning the local Baptist church brought in some posters and games for their Vacation Bible School that needed to be laminated. As I looked at the 1960's looking pictures of Jesus and his disciples I was transported back to the musty church basements of my childhood.
Just the mention of Vacation Bible School stirs up memories of Kool-Aid, plaster of Paris and popsicle sticks for me. It was always one of the first activities of summer. School hadn't been out for long but already I was missing the schedule and activity of school. Bible School filled the void, if only for a week.
We would start the morning with an assembly. All of us were lined up by age groups with the little kids going first. As we marched into the sanctuary we sang campy Bible songs. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then the Pledge of Allegiance to the Christian flag ("I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Savior for who's kingdom it stands. One brotherhood uniting all mankind in service and in love." I can't believe I still remember that!) There was always some kind of lesson and prayer before we broke up to go to our classrooms. Each class would march out, one by one, with everyone singing again.
The day continued with the same kind of regimented precision. Stories, crafts, songs, snacks, recess, more activities and memory verses before being dismissed for the day. It went on for a week.
I guess VBS isn't like that anymore. Too old fashioned. Too analog in a digital childhood. But the flannelgraphs worked for me. So did chalk talks and puppet shows.
There's no denying that the church hung a lot of baggage on me. I've wrestled with God much like Jacob did. In ways both big and small I walk with a spiritual limp. But I "continue to work out (my) salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in (me) to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12b-13)
One of the memory verses that I learned in Bible School forms and continues to refine my theology even today.
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:36-40)
If only the Church were listening.
Here's an example of a chalktalk if you have no idea what I'm talking about.
3 comments:
One of the reasons I continue to read your blog is that even tho you are not at the Pulpit, you still share a lesson. You share of yourself and your experience and journey with God. I get the 'lesson' when I listen to you... and I miss you!
I miss you too...even though I don't know who you are. There's still a void.
Hi Tanya
I am planning to use flannelgraphs in our children's bible club. Another friend and worker in the church believes flannelgraphs are passe. And that we need to keep up with "new technology" in reaching children for Christ. I don't fully agree with her. We might as well throw out picture books too if that is the case. Teachers today still read from books to their students. Libraries are still popular and busy places today. I was wondering what your thoughts were on the matter and or other suggestions from you or other readers. I know times have changed but children are basically the same. I also think they are often bombarded with too much technology and can be overloaded. I would appreciate all comments. Thanks
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