Boomerangin' to Jesus!

Stories to tell!

2009-12-09T13:44:00.002+08:00

Hello folks....having VBS withdrawal symptoms? I know I am....

I just want to share some of the emails the helpers have written. So encouraging!

Dear Sister Lily, Sister Weng Lian, Brother Andy

VBS 2009 has ended where it has been a wonderful experience working with you all on the activities with the children on those 6 days. Your availability, commitment and passion to serve the Lord has been a great encouragement tor me, and I have also learn so much from you all.

Wishing you all the best this coming year 2010!

Thank you and hope to be working with you all again on the Lord's assignments.

Love and best regards, Andrew

Dear brother Andrew

God Bless you for your commitment and leadership. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time.
I pray you will have a fruitful time in following up with the children who came. Please send them my love.

regards, wenglian

Dear Andrew/Lily/W Lian,

Being 1st time in VBS,I must said that I cherished the experience &
fellowship in serving together with all of you.I was a bit skeptical
initially but after this experience I've made up my mind to serve in
VBS again (if time permits) next year.
God Bless to all of you & your family.

Hey guys,

We are so pleased that all of you are now addicted to VBS !!

God is so much more relevant and real in our lives when we serve at VBS.

We look forward to work with all of you again at our next VBS.

Meantime, we would appreciate your partnership in our Follow-Up programmes for the unchurched kids who accepted Jesus into their lives.

Blessings,
Poh Gek

Goofish goofish.

2009-12-08T23:02:00.001+08:00

VBS 09 seen through a fisheye lens.

CLICK HERE.

:D

On'ya Mates!

2009-12-06T23:02:00.002+08:00

To all helpers,

On behalf of the VBS committee, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to every single one of you for your sacrifice of time and effort. It has been a wonderful journey all the way. We prayed together, trained together, laughed together, and almost lived together for one whole week during VBS. I certainly got to know some of you a lot better!

Was it worth it? A big resounding YES! On ABC day, when one kid after another came up on stage to receive their bible, I could only stand there and shed tears of joy and thankfulness. Altogether 124 kids accepted Jesus, and out of those, 97 are from unchurched families. Was it worth it? Oh yes! Even if one was saved, it was worth all the effort.

A shout out to our dedicated and hardworking deco team for their awesome and inspiring decoration. Standing on stage, and just looking all around me, it was just a jaw dropping scene.

To my fellow commies, it has been a wonderful and wacky time of planning, eating, laughing and even dancing! I love you all, and thank you for putting up with my blurness. The journey would have been a lot longer without the dedication and commitement of all of you. We all worked like a real team. Am proud of all of you!

To the rotation sites leaders and helpers, you were all fantastic. Your energy and creativity added the zing to VBS. The kids just loved all the games, food, craft and songs. You were the icing on top of the cake!

To the teachers and helpers in class, you were the pillars that held up God's word. Without all your planning and dedication, the kids would not have that special time where they got to listen to how God can transformed Peter, and can transform all of us.

To the media team, thank you! The blog is fantastic, the photos are inspiring and you gave us memories that will always stay in our hearts.

To all the other helpers; Aunty Janny, Uncle Moby, Peter, and the rest in the office, thank you for your support and love. Uncle Moby, a big thank you for the yummy food your provided! Burp!

I know it has been tiring, and at times stressful, but you all persevered and God is faithful. The journey has not ended. This is only the beginning. The post VBS missions team will be starting the work soon, and will need all our help to continue to keep in touch with these kids.

I thank you for your partnership, and we will see you next year!

End of VBS 09 ):

2009-12-06T21:33:00.015+08:00

Whoa, so fast.
VBS Boomerang Express has come to an end.
Big thanks to all teachers, helpers, parents and the committees. :)
Not forgetting our God Almighty, without Him, we cannot run this whole thing successfully. :)

I can't wait for VBS 2010!
Saddle Rich Ranch, woohoo! We're gonna dress up as cowboys & cowgirls. Tsk tsk.

Please leave a comment on what you think about FBC VBS! :D

2009-12-05T02:20:00.007+08:00

Boomerang Buzz: Day Five (Obey Him)

2009-12-04T10:49:00.000+08:00

G’day mates! It’s almost the weekend and VBS Boomerang Express is drawing to a close. The week was super fun and super tiring! But we’re sure that the Kidaroos had an AMAZING time with us this week. At the Opening Worship Rally Central, a short skit was presented with a mysterious appearance by an angel. In the skit, the angel freed Peter from his chains.

Building up on the short skit, the Kidaroos learned from Acts 12. The Bible story tells us that the church in Jerusalem was growing rapidly and Jewish leaders were very nervous. King Herod, at that time, thought that he would gain favour with the Jewish leaders by persecuting Christian leaders. So he put Peter in jail to be executed. Before the day of his execution, an angel appeared to him in the middle of the night to lead him away from all the guards and he managed to escape, finally realizing that it was not a vision and acknowledging that it was God who had helped with his escape.

Bible Verse for Day Five:
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

At the Sydney Opera House today, the Kidaroos learnt a new song, “All Things“. Upbeat and catchy, the children danced and learned the actions of the song. All Kidaroos also rehearsed for their respective performances they would be doing for the Family Day Concert tomorrow. They worked hard, so do come and join us tomorrow to see your children dance and sing!

Classroom tours start at 2.00pm for all Kidaroos. After that, we will adjourn to the main hall at 3.00pm for the Concert. Hope to see you there. =)

2009-12-03T23:09:00.018+08:00

Edited*
Update : 124 kids accepted Christ in vbs today! Amen! :D

Fam Day Concert Agenda (this Saturday!)

2009-12-03T12:13:00.002+08:00

2.00 - 3.00pm: Classroom Tour
3.00 - 3.10pm: Concert Begins - Negaraku and Pledge to the Bible
3.10 - 3.15pm : Opening Prayer
3.15 - 4.15pm: Concert
4.15 - 4.25pm: Slide Show of the past 5 days
4.25 - 4.50pm: Recap of all songs
4.50 - 5.00pm: Announcements and Closing Prayer

Boomerang Buzz: Day Four (Serve Him)

2009-12-03T12:11:00.004+08:00

Day Four was just as exciting as the past 3 days! It was a sea of orange! All Kidaroos, teachers and helpers were asked to put on their official VBS T-shirt for Photo Day today. Classroom photos are available on the blog, so please check it out!

After the daily routine of singing and dancing to VBS songs at the Opening Worship Rally Central, the Kidaroos went to the Bible Study Outback to learn from John 21 that teaches us about serving God.

The Bible story tells us how Jesus forgave Peter for denying Him. It also tells that Jesus told Peter that He still had work for him to do. Peter served Jesus for the rest of his life and told many people about Jesus. The life application that can be learned here is because Jesus forgives us, we can still serve Him.

Bible Verse for Day Four:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

Today we travelled to Missions Harbour, where the Kidaroos made craftwork for missionary partners of First Baptist Church across Asia. The craftwork will be given to these missionary partners as appreciation and they can in turn use the craftwork to bless other people in their missionary efforts.

Christmas Party invitations were distributed today. Please remember the date of the party – 20th December 2009! Also remember to bring an extra change of clothes tomorrow because the Kidaroos will be playing water-based games at Recreation Rocks.

See ya mates!

2009-12-02T23:06:00.020+08:00

newsletters

Oh no, EGG.

Boomerang Buzz: Day Three (Confess Him)

2009-12-02T10:15:00.003+08:00

At VBS today, I learned something to do with the number three. Peter really believed that he was ready to follow Jesus to death. But after the guards had arrested Jesus and people recognized Peter as a follower of Jesus, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, just as Jesus predicted he would do.

Just like Peter, sometimes I am also tested and face challenges. There are times I fail and do the wrong thing. But Jesus forgives my mistakes and my sins because I choose to follow Him. He keeps on forgiving me when I repent and continue to keep following Him.

I also learned three letters ABC for three important words. Sin separates us from God. Sin is choosing our way instead of God’s way. I can choose to follow and accept Jesus as Saviour because He loves me. I need to Admit that I am a sinner – repent and turn away from sin.

God sent Jesus to die on the cross for us. Because of His great love for us, He died, was buried and rose from the dead so that all would Believe that Jesus is God’s son and accept God’s gift of forgiveness from sin.

And I can Confess and tell others that Jesus is Saviour and Lord because He died for us.

I’m going to keep the VBS Craft I made today on my desk to remind me of Peter, the fisherman and his net. I want to always experience God’s goodness and love.

The G’day Café served Carbonara Spaghetti that was delicious and I played water again with all my VBS friends. Thank you, Jesus for this wonderful day and the good weather. I am so glad to know that I can always come back to You in my need.

Bible Verse for Day Three:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23

2009-12-01T23:23:00.007+08:00

Boomerang Buzz: Day Two (Worship Him)

2009-12-01T11:12:00.004+08:00

Hiya everyone! Welcome to Day Two of Boomerang Express! The kidaroos are on Track 2 today and the key lesson for all ages is about worshipping Jesus. In Matthew 14:22-33, after Jesus fed more than 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, he told His disciples to get into a boat and to meet Him later. Early in the morning, Jesus made his way towards the boat. It was dark and strong winds were blowing. This made the waves batter harshly the boat the disciples were in and they were afraid when they saw an apparition walking towards them. Peter and the others thought Jesus was a ghost. To calm their nerves, Jesus called out to them, saying that he was Jesus and told them not to be afraid. Peter reacted in faith to what he witnessed and requested to let him walk out on the water towards Jesus. However because Peter focused on the strong winds instead of Jesus, he began to sink. Jesus immediately came to save Peter and as soon as Peter was safely in the boat, the winds stopped and the waters calmed. The disciples were really in awe and began to worship Jesus, saying “Truly You are the Son of God”.

Bible verse for Day Two:
These are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. – John 20:31

At Crafts Crossing, the Kidaroos made the Praise Bell (a symbol of praise and worship) by using recycled mineral water bottles, ribbons and a small bell. In classrooms, they were also taught that worship is not just about singing praises to Jesus, but it is also how we live and conduct ourselves. So to glorify and worship Jesus, we should live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Onya mates!

Please remember to wear your T-shirts on Thursday and to reply with your RSVPs for Family Day Concert (Saturday), Sunday School Open Day and Thanksgiving & Awards Party (both on Sunday).

2009-11-30T22:34:00.001+08:00

2009-11-30T16:53:00.008+08:00

Boomerang Buzz: Day One (Follow Him)

2009-11-30T12:41:00.009+08:00

G’day mates! Welcome to the first day of Vacation Bible School – Boomerang Express! It is a bright, cool and sunny morning at the Outback! Praise God for the awesome weather (no rain!). The Kidaroos came rushing excitedly into FBC grounds for registration at 8 am, some even earlier before the registration tables were manned! Upon registration, they lined up according to their classes and awaited the march into the Music Opera House. Every morning will begin with a march into the hall, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the recital of the Pledge to the Bible. This instills discipline and patriotism in the Kidaroos hearts.

Today at Music Opera House, a special guest showed up and caught the Kidaroos by surprise! Simon Peter came with his fishing net and taught the Kidaroos the meaning of “Peter” in Hebrew, which means “Rock”. Building up on Peter’s story, the Kidaroos learnt Bible Stories of Peter from Matthew 4 and John 1 in classrooms today. These stories taught the Kidaroos that because Jesus loves and chooses them, they can follow Him. They should also trust and obey Jesus when Jesus calls on them.

Bible Verse for Day One:
As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love. – John 15:9

At Recreation Rock, the Kidaroos got to know each other better through icebreaking games. These games proved to be a success as the Kidaroos learnt most of their friends’ names almost immediately and had fun at the same time!

Invitations to the Family Day, Sunday School Open Day and Thanksgiving & Awards Party were distributed to the classrooms today. Please reply with your RSVPs by Tuesday (tomorrow)!

ONE MORE DAY!

2009-11-28T20:26:00.001+08:00

All Aboard for the Land Down Under!

It is ONE day before this church experience an avalanche of 392 kidaroos, from 8 am till 6:30pm; frenzied clambering, excited shouting, joyful laughing for one whole week of fun-filled, back breaking, jaw dropping Vacation Bible School. We have 180 brave and courageous outbacks guides, prepared in body and spirit to lead the way.

This year we are going to the Land Down Under, riding the rails on the Boomerang Express as we crisscross from Worship Rally Central to the Bible Study Outback. Along the way we will sing at the Opera House, learn to share the good news at the Missions Harbor, get creative in Crafts Crossing, play hard at Recreation Rock and stuff ourselves silly at the G'day Cafe.

Not only will the kids get a glimpse of the amazing scenery and unique country of Australia, they will also and more importantly, discover the amazing truth that Jesus Christ desires to have a unique and personal relationship with them. They will learn 5 truths for 5 days:

1. Because Jesus loves and chooses me, I can follow Him
2. Because Jesus is the Son of God, I can worship Him.
3. Because Jesus died for me, I can confess Him as my Savior.
4. Because Jesus forgives me, I can still serve Him.
5. Because Jesus helps me, I can follow God's plan for me.

Beginning with the apostle Peter's first introduction to Jesus, kids will follow Peter's growing relationship with His Savior and Lord. Kids will be encouraged to begin their own journey with Jesus. Whether they are just being introduced to Jesus, are ready to begin a life of following Jesus, or have already accepted Jesus as Savior, kids will discover how important it is to have a relationship with God's son. No matter where kids find themselves, they will learn that 'It All Comes Back to Jesus'.

Let me backtrack and remind ourselves why we are doing this. The committee has been planning since April. The volunteers have been working tirelessly to prepare their lessons, games , snacks, songs and dance, crafts since August. Why are we doing this?

It is because VBS offers a unique opportunity for us to open up our church to a big group of kids and parents who have not heard about Jesus and who have not been to church before. VBS brings the harvest right before us, to our doorsteps and it is our duty and responsibility as God's people to share the good news, to touch their lives with God's love, and to point the way to Jesus.

VBS is an evangelistic outreach program. The heart and essence of this ministry is that we teach our own church kids to be a missionary and to reach out to an unchurch friend and invite them to church. Our own kids have been blessed with Sunday School throughout the year. Through VBS we are teaching them not to be inward looking but to be outward looking, not just to concentrate on ourselves but to reach out to the world around us. Children take their cue from their parents. If they see us reaching out to others around us, it is something very natural for them to do as well. If you are one of the parents whose kids do not get to attend because he/she could not find a passport, we hope you understand - VBS is an evangelistic outreach program.

A personal story to share. A lady from another church shared this to us. She attended our VBS years ago, and accepted Jesus through VBS. She attended VBS three years in a row. Now , her mum and her mum's twin sister are currently attending our Cantonese service. This is just one of the many testimonies of how VBS has impacted childrens' lives.

Prayer is the foundation for a successful VBS. If you are not one of the volunteers actively involved in VBS, you can and should certainly pray along with us, and for us. We have distributed a one month prayer calendar, and in it are the many items you can pray for. Pray together as a family, pray with your fellow volunteers, pray individually - just pray!

VBS does not end after one week. The spirit of VBS should carry on through all of us throughout the year. The VBS scripture this year is 1 John 4:9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Let us enlarge our vision, and our hearts, and take up this challenge and do our part in sharing God's love. VBS week is only the beginning of this journey. We have the rest of the year to continue to reach out to these unchurch families that have begin their journey with us. For the parents who have invited these unchurch kids, they are not just a convenient passport so that your own kids can attend VBS. They are kids that God has put in your lives, and you have to ask yourselves, what are we going to do about this? Volunteers who have helped during VBS week. You will come into contact with nearly 200 unchurch kids this week. How are you going to carry on influencing them after VBS? What can you do so that the seeds you have planted during VBS week will not die but germinate?

Come aboard the Boomerang Express! Each one of us have a part to play in order for the train to move in the right direction. We hope that one day, when we reach our final destination, we will see lots of passengers, tickets paid by Jesus, in God's train.

Train Updates 2

2009-11-28T16:59:00.002+08:00

Get your second Train Update HERE!

Decor Pictures (introduction)

2009-11-24T17:02:00.005+08:00

While we continuously strive to best provide all you readers with a glimpse (through plenty of pictures) of what has taken place over the past weeks, please note that the following posts are picture-intensive and might take a longer-than-usual duration to load.

Do bear with us, while we attempt to come up with the best way for you to digest these pictures. Till then, lay back, relax and enjoy them! Now click "Older Posts"! Cheers mate!

The BOOMerang Collection. Try and spot yours!

2009-11-24T17:01:00.000+08:00

Thank you all for your submissions. A 5-part exclusive is up next!

Pictures (Part 1 of 5: Blueprints, coz it all starts with a plan!)

2009-11-24T17:00:00.001+08:00

Hang tight to your seats, a plethora of decor pics (courtesy of the creative director) is comin' at you in 5 waves! Let's start with the blueprints!

Pictures (Part 2 of 5: Geckos)

2009-11-24T16:59:00.000+08:00

Pictures (Part 3 of 5: Didgeridoos)

2009-11-24T16:58:00.000+08:00

Pictures (Part 4 of 5: The Map)

2009-11-24T16:57:00.000+08:00

Pictures (Part 5 of 5: Boomerangs)

2009-11-24T16:55:00.002+08:00

Pictures pictures!

2009-11-24T00:09:00.008+08:00

BB juniors wondering how we paint the corals ;)

Church main hall.
Look at all the boomerangs :O

That's it for now. There's more to come! (:

2009-11-18T09:25:00.001+08:00

Hello to all volunteers of teaching teams,

Thank you for coming aboard the Boomerang Express and giving your time, effort and talents to this ministry. I am certain that the blessings you received from serving God in this ministry is more than you can ever imagine. Often we think with our human minds, and work with our human hearts, and see with our human eyes; and we miss the many spiritual blessings that God wants to bless us with in this ministry. I hope that as you are feverishly preparing, you will also have time to just stand still before God and allow Him to speak to you.

I have not written to you before , allowing your facilitators to interact directly with you and believing that they are your best contact person in this ministry. Firstly, I want to thank Poh Gek, Gina, Weng Yue, Peak and Tzyy Woei for availing themselves to be facilitators for all the different age levels.

But as the BIG week approaches, I am also burdened to share with you what is in my heart. As I said before many times, VBS is an evangelistic ministry, a ministry that is close to God's heart because it involves reaching out to children. When you volunteered for this ministry, you have stepped forward to an awesome responsibility. A task that is not to be taken lightly, a task that involves time, effort, and sacrifices. The teaching team members are the CORE of VBS because it is YOU who will teach the kids the WORD of God. It is YOU who will share with them the ABCs. It is YOU who will spend the most time with them. To put it in one word, it is YOU who will make the most IMPACT.

Therefore, I beseech all of you to take the next two weeks very seriously. Please spend time preparing your lessons thoroughly, please spend time before God asking Him for wisdom, please prepare your mindset and your hearts to receive these children with much love.

Teachers - I know some of you are hard up for time, and struggling to find time to prepare the lessons. Know that the facilitators are available to help you. Please call on them if you are in trouble and need advice.

Youth helpers - your role is to assist the main teachers, and spend time forming relationships with the kids and being role models to them.

It has also come to my attention recently that there have been swapping of teachers among yourselves, and some of you have invited other people on board without informing the VBS committee. The committee spend a lot of time assigning you your roles, so if there is any needed changes, please refer back to us to avoid confusion.

Also, I have been told that some youth helpers in class have been assigned to teach the lessons. The role of youth helpers are to assist the teachers, NOT to teach. Teachers, please be mindful of that. Some youths are only 13- 14 years old. Their role is to be runners for you, and to form relationships with the kids, not to TEACH.

My phone line is open 24 hours if you need anything. Sue: 012-6909388

VBS - our Very Best Service for God.

May God be with all of us.

The Rah Rah Speech

2009-11-16T09:16:00.001+08:00

Speech given on the 14th of November - May this inspire all of you to give your best to God.

Good afternoon everyone!! I want to thank you all for taking the time to come today.We are all busy, juggling between family, studies, work, but we all came here today with one common purpose and one common passion, that is desire to share God's love through one week of Vacation Bible School.

This year we have 180 volunteers; spread into 20 classes and 5 rotation sites. This year we have 376 kids registered, 243 in the morning session, and 143 in the afternoon session.

Before I go on, I want to see a show of hands of those of you who are new to VBS, only started serving this year. Now, what about those who have served more than one year but less than five years? What about those who have served for more than five years?

For those who have served many times over these past years, including some of us in the committee, we often asked yourselves...why do we do it? It is tiring, very tiring after the end of VBS. We have to take time and effort to prepare the lessons, the crafts, the games, the songs and dance routines....why do we do it? We take time off work, use up some of our annual leave...why do we do it?

You may have your own answers, but for me and I can safely say I also speak on behalf of the committee, the reason why we do it year after year is because we know, deep in our hearts, firmed in our minds, that this ministry is unique and special because it gives us a wonderful opportunity to reach out to these little people, little people that is very special in God's eyes, and close to His heart. This ministry is unique and special because it gives us an opening to invite children and parents who have not been to church before to experience the fellowship of christians and more importantly to hear the good news in an environment that is fun and exciting. This ministry is unique and special because it brings the whole family of God together, old and young to serve with one common mission and vision. This ministry is unique and special because we grow through our serve. We become a little better at reflecting God's image. This is why we serve in this ministry year after year. This is why you hear people say VBS is addictive. God's work is addictive when we know God is present and giving us His blessings.

We are less than two weeks before the avalanche begins. The committee started meeting together sometime in April to review different materials, and to start planning for VBS. All you volunteers came on board in August. I know some of you are already frantically preparing your lesson plan, your games, your snacks, your songs, your crafts.

As we all work together as a team, let us not forget the bigger picture. Imagine that we are all colours of the rainbow. One can be red, the other yellow, another green, yet another orange...all coming together to form a rainbow. We bring different strengths, different gifts, but we are all working in the same direction, just like the arch of the rainbow. Its only when we appreciate this that we can be effective for God. It is not easy to work together, we may rub each other the wrong way, we may have different ideas, we may have different ways of working, but remember the big picture. We are all working to bring glory to God, and to show God's awesome love to the kids. At the end of the day, it all comes back to Jesus. So let us learn to tolerate, to forgive and to practice grace when we are working together.

Our VBS scripture I John 4: 9 says God's love was revealed among us in this way, God sent His One and only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.

I pray that each one of you here will experience the greatest joy during this seven days of VBS. The joy of serving God, the joy of pointing the way to God, the joy of sharing who God is to these kids. And who is this awesome God? A God who reveal Himself to us through His word during the bible lessons, a God who is beautifully creative during craft time, a God whose heart is for those who has yet to know him during missions, a God whom we can worship through songs during music time, a God who provides us with good food and care for our physical needs during snack time, and a God who enjoys good clean fun during games time.

What does VBS stands for? Our Very Best Service to God!

May God Be with all of us.

VBS Outback Decor Team

2009-11-14T09:15:00.002+08:00

Here are our skilled + talented Outback Decor team members. They have been toiling almost every weekend (some are most weeknights too, *GASP!*) to transform FBC into the Outback (for one week). Please commit them into your prayers.

Teasers

2009-11-13T17:40:00.005+08:00

Are y'all curious?

Right about now.

Heating up - sizzle sizzle!

2009-11-13T09:12:00.002+08:00

Dear folks, VBS is about TWO weeks away. I know the volunteers are all working very hard to prepare. I just want to give a shout out to the decoration team who is silently working behind the scenes ( no pun intended!) . I dropped by our deco room yesterday and saw the busy elves painting away, hands and face and clothes smeared with a myriad of colors! With music in the background, jokes and comments of encouragement, I am just reminded that THIS is the spirit of VBS. None of the elves working have kids attending VBS, all of them hold full time jobs; and they come after work ( some still in workclothes), have a boxed dinner, and work till midnight...almost every day.

I wish I can post some photos for you to see but Art Director said everything is TOP secret at the moment. I had to even give a password before I enter the room! haha!

Jokes aside, I hope if you see the decoration team putting up deco in the main sanctuary, please give them a pat on the back. They have been working so very hard! I salute them from the bottom of my heart.

Train Updates

2009-11-10T11:34:00.003+08:00

Get your train updates HERE!

Ta,
Ben

November 14th - Last Call!

2009-11-09T08:25:00.002+08:00

All Aboard! All Aboard! Last and final training session...

When: 14th November 2009, Saturday

Time: 2pm - 5 pm

Where: FBC Pantai Main Hall

Who: ALL volunteers

We have great things in store for you! We will start off with an elephant walk ( huh? ), then time to pray for each other and VBS, and also time to break off and discuss in detail with your team members.

This is the very last training session before the avalanche begins. Let's make sure we make the effort and spare the time to come for this training. To serve in VBS is a commitment. Let's all pull our weight, do our part, and get on board the Boomerang Express!!

Hope to see ya'll there!

A Different Perspective

2009-10-16T12:48:00.002+08:00

Thought I would share this posting by Fee in her blog "www.feeisfree.blogspot.com" and to encourage us all on how amazing and complex yet simple is our Master's master plan... Lee Henn

It has been sometime that I had wanted to serve in Vacation BibleSchool (“VBS”) but dealing with children has never been my strength. Therefore, I have let the opportunity slipped on numerous occasions until now. During VBS’s promotion to recruit helpers this year, not only did my children spend a long time in front of the booth, they also gobbled up countless number of sausages served. In between her bites, Clarissa asked if I was going to help out. I could feel my cheeks turning red when I saw how much she has eaten but the crunch came when a thought surfaced “Surely if I could deal with Joseph, I could deal with any child?” That was when Sue passed me a form, and without another thought, I signed my name. Almost immediately, I felt a butterfly fluttering within. Finally, I am taking the plunge, out of my comfort zone.

When the first VBS training session took place, I was both relieved and happy to learn that I have been assigned to assist Wee Lee, someone whom I knew for more than 10 years but never quite had the chance to catch up until now. While we were making small chats about our children, Wee Lee asked if Joseph was in the nursery class for Sunday School. “Oh, Joseph Wong is an independent child. He would sit down and do his work quietly until he finished; while his peers would be distracted or playing with one another.” Co-incidentally, Wee Lee is also Joseph’s Sunday School teacher! My heart was filled with awe for God when I heard this. First, I was truly amazed that God has brought me to VBS so that I could catch-up with an old friend. Second, God was speaking through Wee Lee, telling me that “Hey, I am not done with Joseph. I am still at work in his life. Can’t you see it? Well, you should by now, as even his teacher could see it! I have heard your prayers for Joseph and I am doing something about it.”

I was fighting back my tears when I heard that my Joe is very well-behaved in Sunday School. And to show me a different perspective, God nudged me to sign up for VBS via Clarissa and placed me with Wee Lee. I would say that this is definitely a divine appointment, won’t you?

VBS 2009 Volunteers Training

2009-10-11T08:21:00.002+08:00

G'day Folks!

Thank you taking up the call to be the volunteers for this year's VBS 2009 - the Boomerang Express!

Get ready for our first VBS training and meeting for ALL volunteers on:

Date: Saturday, 24th October 2009

Time: 2.00-6.00pm

Venue: Main Sanctuary, FBC Pantai

Don't miss this important session! You will be contacted directly by your respective team leaders. Please RSVP ABLE OR UNABLE by 14th October. See you all there!

5th September Training Session

2009-09-24T18:09:00.004+08:00

Whack Commies..

2009-09-16T11:04:00.003+08:00

What does the VBS Commies do when they are under pressure?

They make the birthday boy eat cake... and the Queen will give him a Chocolate facial..

And then the Queen is being declared as 'ittle Miss Bossy...

VBS Kids Promo (6 Sep 2009)

2009-09-15T10:00:00.000+08:00

Prayer requests

2009-09-12T11:59:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone,

As we inch closer and closer to December, please PRAY that God will help pave the way for VBS volunteers in clearing all their obstacles so that they are able to serve during VBS; PRAY especially that ALL pending leave requests for the VBS volunteers are approved.

Because VBS Comm is also in the season of Children Registration, we also need to pray :

Pray that God will prepare the hearts of the children especially those who do not yet know him to be able to come and be exposed to His Word; Pray that God will give wisdom to our SS kids and lead them to bring to VBS their friends who do not yet know him.

And because we just finished VBS Teacher Training:

Pray that the Lord touch the teacher volunteers and give them refreshing insight on their role as a VBS teacher as they review the training and read their VBS Leader's Guide.

Thank you,
VBS Comm 2009

Thank you!

2009-09-09T12:52:00.002+08:00

Dear all teaching members,

We thank you all for taking the time to attend our first training session on the 5th of September. I am sure all of you were blessed one way or another by the training. You also got to know your other teaching members better through the interactive session.
The whole training session was taped and we will soon have it available for you, especially for those who could not make it to the training.

For those who collected your manuals on the day, happy reading and perusing through the lessons in the guide. Take it slowly, and don't be overwhelmed. The next training session on the 24th of October - we will have facilitators to take you through the lessons thoroughly.

For those who were absent, please collect your manuals. We will have the manuals available at the VBS registration table for you to collect on Sunday.

Hope to see you all again on the 24th of October!

2009-08-25T16:31:00.001+08:00

Dear All,

As we teach and lead the children to stay close to our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray that all volunteers will also gain from serving in this Ministry. VBS can also be a personal time of spiritual growth for volunteers.

This year, the lessons are about the life of Peter and how he came to know Jesus. It begins with Peter's first introduction to Jesus in John 1:40-42 and Matthew 4:18-22.

As we prepare ourselves by reading the FIVE Bible story lessons, we pray that volunteers will also learn more about Peter and his relationship to Jesus and in so doing that we shall all also determine how we ourselves can grow in our own relationship with Him.

Hands and hearts for Christ Jesus,
VBS Committee 2009

Let's Pray for Each Other

2009-08-25T16:25:00.003+08:00

VBS is an outreach to the un-churched children. It’s purpose is not discipleship. Therefore, as in all evangelistic projects, prayer is so very vital.

As we serve our Lord, we must be aware that the Devil is real and he is out to get both the world and Christians. Therefore, when we serve in Ministry, we must be engaged in constant prayer and spiritual warfare.

Thank you for accepting the invitation to serve Jesus in this Children’s Ministry. From experience, we realize that as a VBS volunteer, you may have daily schedules that are full and there will be many moments when you wonder if you can really manage juggling your work, your family obligations, church duties and now VBS ……..

We still have many months ahead for preparation before the actual week starting the 30th November 2009.

Last minute matters may pop up although you have submitted your leave for VBS and duty at the workplace nags at your peace of mind. Some family or personal issue may arise causing you to weigh whether or not to withdraw your service at VBS etc etc etc………….

Yes, the Devil is constantly at work, tempting us and challenging us as he did our Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 4:5-7. We are involved in a spiritual battle as Christians and so we must arm ourselves with the armour of God and constantly pray together and for each other. We need to take the power and authority given to us by our Lord Jesus and enforce this authority in the name of Jesus. (Luke 10:17-20)

In the presence of the greatest responsibilities, in the worry of the smallest cares, in the perplexities of life’s moments of crisis, let’s all also help and bolster each other to rest in the security of God’s will.

Please use our VBS Blog to be the place where we may voice and share our concerns with one another. Let’s all be active and pray jointly for the matters raised here.

This place is for each and every one of us serving at VBS.

Please share with us your concerns that we may all pray together on the issues raised.

We ask that before you post your prayer needs and concern, that you would please take a moment to specially pray for the last person who posted.

For those of you with concerns but wish to remain anonymous, please email to VBS Committee at vbs.committee@gmail.com or speak to any VBS Committee member so that we may post your prayer needs for you.

Hands and hearts for Christ Jesus,

VBS Committee 2009

August Promo needs

2009-08-12T23:03:00.000+08:00

Hey y'all!

I need to build a train and some tracks for Sept 6 promo.

I just need a 2-D side of a train and several coaches. Someone will pretend to be on the train and inviting boys in to board the train.

Can anyone volunteer to help?
Regards, Tony

Kidaroos Get Ready!

2009-08-12T22:20:00.002+08:00

Kidaroos registration will be opened on the 6th of September. There will be a big bang promotion on stage on that day! Mums and dads, teachers....get your kids to be thinking and praying for who to invite to VBS this year. Remember now, the friend or friends must not be attending our church or any other churches.

Spaces are limited. First come first serve....so get your tickets ready to hop onboard!

Boomerang Express - It All Comes Back to Jesus

2009-08-11T11:14:00.000+08:00

9 August 2009 .

Chugga...Chugga...Chugga...Whoo...Whoo....all aboard now for the Boomerang Express train ride across the land Down Under. That's right folks, it's Vacation Bible School time again at FBC. For one whole week, the kidaroos (kids) and the Outback Guides (teachers and helpers) will crisscross Australia, taking off from Worship Rally Central, chugging along to Bible Study Outback, zig zagging and whistling at the Opera House, Missions Harbor, Crafts Crossing, Recreation Rock and the G'Day Cafe!

As the kids get a glimpse of the amazing scenery and unique continent of Australia, they will also discover the life changing truth that Jesus Christ desires to have a special and personal relationship with them. Throughout the week, the kids will stay on a single track of study as they learn about the life of Peter and how he came to know Jesus. Beginning with Peter's first introduction to Jesus, kids will follow Peter's growing relationship with his Saviour and Lord. Kids will be encouraged to begin their own journey with Jesus. Whether they are just being introduced to Jesus, or are ready to begin a life following Jesus, or have already accepted Jesus as Saviour, kids will discover how important it is to have a relationship with God's Son. No matter where kids find themselves they will learn that ''It All Comes Back to Jesus".

Are you hooked now? Mark these dates in your diary: 30th November - 6th December 2009. As in last year, we will have two sessions in a day; a morning session from 8:30 am - 12:30 noon and an afternoon session from 2pm - 6pm.

The main function of VBS is an evangelistic program for the unchurched kids and their families. It is our fervent hope that the whole of FBC will share this vision, and come along and partner us in this minstry to reach out to as many families as possible, by God's grace and strength. We encourage all of you to see VBS as an strategic outreach program for our church, and rise up to the occasion and play your part in making VBS a success and ultimately giving glory to God.

Last year, about 350 kids attended our VBS, and half of them were kids that had neither heard about Jesus nor stepped into a church. Isn't this such a wonderful opportunity for us as a church to reach out to them and show them who Jesus is and what it means to have a relationship with Him?

To the parents of our kids, don't miss this opportunity to teach the kids the importance of being a missionary to their unchurched friends and invite them to VBS. We hope you will enlarge your vision and see that your role extends beyond VBS and will continue to encourage and bring the unchurched kids to Sunday School and other events in church.

To the rest of the church, we need co-workers to come forward and get involved at the different stations and bible study huts. For those of you who have served year after year, we salute you! We need you to come on board and be the experienced hands and minds to help chug the train along its tracks and make sure the train doesn't derail! For those of you who have not been involved in VBS, don't miss out on the tremendous blessing in serving in this ministry. Training will be provided, and we guarantee a week of hard work, but indescribable excitement and irresistible fun. A word of warning, though, you will be seriously addicted once you come on board!

We take this opportunity to invite all of FBC to be our Partners-In-Prayer! Please uphold the VBS in prayer. Commit the VBS into God’s hands and pray for a shield of protection throughout the week around every one of the kids and co-workers. Pray for all co-workers to be steadfast and excel in the Lord’s work, knowing that their labour will not be in vain. Pray for the teachers to effectively communicate Bible truths to the children they teach. Pray for the mission teachers that God will use them to spread enthusiasm for missions. Ask God for creativity and patience for those working in the media and crafts teams. Pray for stamina and strength for those leading recreational activities and those preparing snacks. Pray that the Concert Day will provide wonderful witnessing opportunities for reaching the unchurched. Pray that all co-workers and children will seek Jesus with all their hearts before, during and after VBS. Thank God in advance for the blessings and opportunities He will be providing through VBS.

This year, we have set up a post VBS team, a group of people that will be working with the VBS teachers, parents and Sunday School teachers to transit the unchurched kids to coming to our regular Sunday School. We hope that VBS won't be just one week of Bible learning, life changing and fun filled events, but will serve as a platform to reach out to the unchurched kids and allow us to establish an ongoing relationship with them and their families.

So church, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? Hear the whistle? Grab your tickets and hop aboard the Boomerang Express! Because remember, no matter when, where or what we find ourselves in, we know that "It All Comes Back to Jesus!"

By VBS Committee 2009

Celebrating VBS

2009-08-06T18:25:00.003+08:00

Let's remember God's blessing upon us especially for VBS and celebrate by wearing our past VBS t-shirts this Sunday. Break out the colours!! We need more teaching folks! Please pray for more and for us to have enough for the both sessions... if you are unsure.. take the leap of faith and see what God can do in your life when you choose to walk with him in faith!

VBS Boomerang Express 2009 Promo

2009-07-28T13:54:00.004+08:00

Behind the Scenes

2009-07-28T09:51:00.013+08:00

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the VBS Committee meetings? Do these Commies (as they are called) hold serious, sombre, professional/business type of meetings? Do they play politics? Do they fight to get their piece of mind across and defend their ideas tooth and nail to the last blood?

Or are they a bunch of happy go lucky come as you may group that resembles a Woodstock Gang? Do they really give each another funny nick names? Do they really eat and drink funny stuff at the meetings like fermented goat milk salad and cat-poo coffee?

Oh yeah the Queen's got a duck too!

Left: Hee..yah.. karate chop..that's how we stun them for the promo...

You've got to plan the railway line right or else it will lead to nowhere...

Below: Yeap that's about it... think we got the promo nailed down..guffaw!

Who said serving God can't be fun?

The Australian Sausage Sizzle!

2009-07-19T22:55:00.000+08:00

Teaser: Australian Sausage Sizzle!

2009-07-18T23:54:00.001+08:00

Coming your way this Sunday (19th of July)!

Boomerang Express Terms!

2009-07-15T09:46:00.001+08:00

Kidaroos - kids

Outback Guides - leaders/teachers

Track - term used to refer to each day ( Track 1, Track 2 and so forth)

Rotation - trackin'

Sites - places to which kids rotate
- Bible Study Outback
- Music Opera House
- Crafts Crossing
- Missions Harbor
- Recreation Rock
- G'Day Cafe
- Worship Rally Central

Boomerang Challenge - age-appropriate daily challenges designed to carry Life Application of the bible study home with the kids

Kid's Activity Pack - Learner Guide

Boomerang Express: It All Comes Back to Jesus!

2009-07-15T09:30:00.000+08:00

Hello folks! Welcome to the first post of Vacation Bible School 2009 at FBC. The committee is already working in full swing since June, and we have many exciting events planned in the coming months.

This year's theme ( as you may have figured out from the title!) is based in Australia. As the kids get a glimpse of the amazing scenery and unique country, they will also discover the awesome truth that Jesus Christ desires to have a personal relationship with them. Throughout the week, kids will stay on a single track of study as they learn about the life of peter and how he came to know Jesus.

Beginning with Peter's first introduction to Jesus, kids will follow Peter's growing relationship with his Savior and Lord. Kids will be encouraged to begin their own journey with Jesus. Whether they are just being introduced to Jesus, are ready to begin a life following Jesus, or have already accepted Jesus as Savior, kids will discover how important it is to have a relationship with God's Son. No matter where kids find them themselves they will learn that "It All Comes Back to Jesus".

Watch out for this space. More exciting news to follow.....

VBS Commies 2009