Come out and Play
The Game of Life
A VBS about the path of life!
Kindergarten-Grade 5
Theme Verse: Psalm 16:11a, “For you have shown me the path of life!”
Theme Song: Life is Good (Stellar Kart)
SYNOPSIS: We have a GOOD Father who has placed us in a kingdom that is a
perfectly safe place for us to be and has set eternity in our hearts. So, how do we get
from our old life to the eternity? Knowing the rules and how to play the game of life
will help you be victorious. So let’s play….
Old Life: Battleship
New Life: Operation
Victorious Life: Trouble
Abundant Life: Candy Land
Eternal Life: Chutes and Ladders
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Opening Sessions will include:
-Worship
-Scripture Memory
-Theme Song
-Puppet Script/Creative Art
-Offering Time
-Introduction of Daily Bible Story
Closing Sessions will include:
-Worship
-Theme Song
-Scripture Memory
-Review
-Offering Announcements!
The number of small group rotations will be 2 or 3. This number will be determined
by the church based on variables: schedules; capacities; church practices; intention,
etc. The Creative Arts material is recommended as a rotation if the church is doing
a final program for parents and families.
Salt and Light Ministries will provide materials for two rotations: Bible and Creative
Arts. Jeff Smith will provide on-site leadership for one of these rotations, but the
church will have to provide the on-site leadership for the other rotations.
Other rotations may involve snack, recreation, crafts, games, etc.
Day 1:
LIFE Stage: Old life
Game: Battleship
Verse: Galatians 5:17, For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the
Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you
are not to do whatever you want.”
Bible Story: Genesis 37:1-10, “Joseph and His Dreams”
Day 2:
LIFE Stage: New Life
Game: Operation
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Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Behold, the
new has come and the old has passed away.”
Bible Story: Genesis 37:12-36, “Joseph is sold into slavery and taken to Egypt.”
Day 3:
LIFE Stage: Victorious Life
Game: Trouble
Verse: John 16:33, “In this life, you will have trouble. But, be of good cheer for I have
overcome the world.”
Bible Story: Genesis 39 “Joesph is tested in the house of Potiphar”
Day 4:
LIFE Stage: Abundant Life
Game: Candy Land
Verse: John 10:10, “I have come so that you may have LIFE and have it more
abundantly.”
Bible Story: Genesis 41, “Joseph is greatly rewarded for his patience”
Day 5:
LIFE Stage: Eternal LIfe
Game: Chutes and Ladders
Verse: Matthew 25:31-46, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the
righteous to eternal life.”
Bible Story: Genesis 47, “Joseph saves his family.”
NOTES:
-Four-day VBS will choose between Day 3 or Day 4 as an option.
-The gospel message will be shared during the Bible session of the last day on
Eternal Life
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-This VBS does not include curriculum for Preschool although they are welcome to
join in the large group activities and participate through the small groups.
-The ages for this VBS can be easily adjusted to Grade 1-6 if needed.
2 Rotation Schedule
(NOTE: Times are relative to the starting time)
T-.15: Kids arrive and gather in pods or classes OUTSIDE the large group space.
T: Doors Open. Large Group Session
Call to Worship
Worship
Theme Song:
Offering:
Scripture Memory
Creative Art
Small Group
T+ 1 Rotation 1
-Teaching with Pastor Jeff (Grade 3-5)
-Rotation (Graces K-2)
T + 1.5: Rotation 2
-Teaching with Pastor Jeff (Grade K-2)
-Rotation (Grade 3-5)
T+2 Closing Assembly
Worship
Theme Song:
Scripture Memory:
Review:
Offering Announcement
T+2.5 Dismissal
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3 Rotation Schedule
(NOTE: Times are relative to the starting time)
T-.15: Kids arrive and gather in pods or classes OUTSIDE the large group space.
T: Doors Open. Large Group Session
Call to Worship
Worship
Theme Song:
Offering:
Scripture Memory
Creative Art
Small Group
T+ .45 Rotation 1
-Teaching with Pastor Jeff (Grade 4-5)
-Rotation (Grades 2-3)
-Rotation (Grades K-1)
T + 1.15 Rotation 2
-Teaching with Pastor Jeff (Grade K-1)
-Rotation (Grade 4-5)
-Rotation (Grade 2-3)
T + 1:45 Rotation 3
-Teaching with Pastor Jeff (Grade 2-3)
-Rotation (Grade K-1)
-Rotation (Grade 4-5)
T+2:15 Closing Assembly
Theme Song:
Scripture Memory:
Review:
Offering Announcement
T+2.5 Dismissal
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This isn’t MONOPOLY!
Putting together a winning VBS isn’t a game! You’ll need lots of help in getting
started: Here’s a short list of people you will need to consider in your initial staffing:
1. Leadership
a. Primary liaison between Jeff and the church.
b. Organization/Vision/Recruiting
2. Registration/Administration
a. On-site registration/Pre-registration
b. Admin/copies
3. Marketing/Promotion
a. JSM will provide flyers/posters/and bulletin inserts for marketing in
advance of the VBS. All other marketing is done by the church
through their various outlets for promoting events.
4. Shepherds/ Small Group Leaders
a. Grade specific group leaders
b. Small group (discussion) leaders
c. Gospel Presentation
5. Technicians
a. Dedicated and Knowledgeable. On site each day to go over cues and
levels and make sure formats, interface, and equipment are all
operational. The importance of this function CAN NOT be
overemphasized. It is preferred that this is the same person (people)
each day of the VBS.
b. Sound
c. Video
6. Decoration/Theme Interpretation
a. JSM does not provide any decorations or theme interpretation for the
event.
b. These elements are greatly encouraged but not required. They can
build enthusiasm, reinforce the theme, create excitement, etc.
7. Food/Snacks
a. Meals, Snacks, Hospitality?
8. Rotation Leaders
a. Determined by the number of rotations allotted minus one (JSM).
You’ll need enough rotation leaders to staff each session.
9. Creative Arts.
a. Depending on the presentation, Jeff may need some help during the
week to do a puppet sketch, dramatic element, or other creative piece
to enhance the large group settings. All scripted materials will be
provided by JSM in advance of the VBS.
10. Worship Team.
a. Churches are encouraged to have teenagers help lead during the
worship. The use of teens in worship is an encouragement to the kids
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to participate. Male role models for the boys are encouraged!
Movements for the song list will be provided in advance and churches
can have teams prepare to participate on the stage with Jeff during the
worship portion of the large group.
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