Below you will find the virtual online VBS material called, "The Gift of Baptism." You can also access this document on our church website. All ages are invited to participate and hope that everyone has fun with the lessons, songs, games, crafts, etc. Most of the materials needed you can find at home, but this Sunday, August 2nd we will have copies of the doves that are needed for one of the crafts. Please let Pastor Cole know after worship on Sunday if you would like copies of the doves.
We have put together four lessons on Holy Baptism that can be done anytime the first couple weeks in August or another time if that works better for you. Each of the four lessons has a Bible story, questions for conversation, a craft, a song, an activity, a prayer, a blessing and a video at the beginning of each one with a familiar face. You can access all the videos by clicking on the links, highlighting them and pasting them into your browser or hit the control button and click on the link. An adult might have to help a younger child with the activities. You might find it helpful to pause the video to allow time to do each activity. Each of the songs is upbeat and has words and actions.
If you are able to participate sometime during the first two weeks of August, we invite you to take as many pictures as you can and email them to trinityestherville@gmail.com. Please be sure to include what activity you are doing and if you give permission for these to be published. Our plans are to post these pictures into a slideshow on our Facebook page and our church website. All ages are invited to participate. Remember to have fun and that God loves you very much.
Lesson 1 Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3:13-17 New International Readers Version
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River. He wanted to be baptized by John. But John tried to stop him. So he told Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you. So why do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be this way for now. It is right for us to do this. It carries out God’s holy plan.” Then John agreed. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened. Jesus saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him.”
Recall your baptism story or tell your child about the day they were baptized (Go through keep sakes if you have them) (Please note that we will also talk more about the baptism candle in the next lesson.)
If your child is not baptized yet share what you hope the day will be like
Craft: Make a dove as a reminder of Baptism
Activity: Whenever you talk to somebody throughout this week say, “God loves you.”
Prayer: Say a prayer for what you are thankful for: family, friends, Jesus, summer, candy, etc.
Blessing: Make the sign of the cross on your forehead and say, “The Lord bless me and keep me” Amen.
Lesson 2 Baptism Candle
Matthew 5:16 New International Readers Version
In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Do you have a baptism candle?
The baptism candle can be lite on your baptism day as a way to celebrate what God has done in your life.
Craft: Making a candle
Activity: Flash light tag
Prayer: Go for a walk outside and pray for God’s creation and all that you see.
Blessing: Make the sign of the cross on your forehead and say, “The Lord bless me and keep me” Amen.
Lesson 3 Waters of Baptism
John 4:13-14 New International Readers Version
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But anyone who drinks the water I give them will never be thirsty. In fact, the water I give them will become a spring of water in them. It will flow up into eternal life.”
Where have you seen water before?
How do we use water?
Craft: water bottle as a reminder of the waters of Baptism
Activity: Go swimming, get out a slip and slide, or have a friendly water war
Prayer: Join in with this version of the Lord’s prayer with actions.
Blessings: Make the sign of the cross on somebody else and say, “God bless you and keep you” Amen.
Lesson 4 God’s Green Light
Matthew 28:19-20 New International Readers Version
So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.”
Where have you seen a green light before?
Craft: Make a go sign as we go out into the world to share about our baptisms and God’s love
Activity: Play a few rounds of red light and green light
Prayer: Say the following prayer: God protect everyone. Amen. Pick a time everyday that you can say this short prayer.
Blessing: Make the sign of the cross on somebody else and say, “God bless you and keep you” Amen.
Thank you for joining us for virtual VBS
Remember that Backpack blessing Sunday is August 23rd during drive in/outdoor worship at 9:30am
Stay tuned about more information about Sunday school for this year
