How do you have a Vacation Bible School while navigating Covid-19 restrictions?

First Baptist Church, Plevna, Montana, chose to move ahead with their VBS, but this year it became a Virtual Bible School. Children participated from their own homes.

People from First Baptist put together a three-day experience complete with crafts, games, object lessons, Scripture memory, stories, singing and even treats.

Children registered for VBS and then arranged to pick up their materials for their out-of-the-box experience. Each received a packet with materials for the three days, using paper lunch and plastic zip bags: three bags with each day’s craft materials, three bags with each day’s games and three bags with each day’s treats. Then they watched the recorded video for the day, which led, demonstrated and instructed  them in the songs, crafts, games, object lessons, stories and memory verses. Need more time? Just push pause.

Pastor Josh and Leslea McLachlan and others recorded their portions and uploaded each day to the church YouTube channel. Josh shared the daily “Sunday School Charlie” story using an old-fashioned flannel graph. Leslea was the emcee and led in singing.

“People got involved who wouldn’t normally have been able to help because of the time of day when we normally have VBS,” commented Josh. “They could record their part when it worked for them, even from home.” Children, youth and adults led in various segments.

“Watch Day 2,” invites Josh. “We learned a few things and would do some things differently, but we are glad we were able to have VBS for the kids. Some got to hear the gospel who wouldn’t normally listen, including some adults.”

And isn’t that the point? “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the good news.” Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15

Randy Jaspers

Northern Plains Regional Minister