contents · 44 mission: anything’s possible! mission: anything’s possible! is a collection of...

Mission Leader 1

Mission Leader Contents

Overview Chart ........................................................................................................ 2-3Mission: Anything’s Possible! ................................................................................. 4-5

Week-long Mission ProjectsCommunity Helpers are Heroes! ............................................................................... 6-7My Hero Frame .......................................................................................................... 8-9Who’s Your Hero? ....................................................................................................... 10Hero Book Drive ......................................................................................................... 11

Session 1: Samuel Anoints DavidBible Connection ........................................................................................................ 12Heart Crayons ............................................................................................................ 13Heartfelt Reminder Card/Bookmark ........................................................................... 14

Session 2: Abigail Saves the DayBible Connection ........................................................................................................ 15Food Drive .................................................................................................................. 15Basket of Blessings .................................................................................................... 16Prayer Box .................................................................................................................. 17

Session 3: Jesus Goes to the TempleBible Connection ........................................................................................................ 18Super Scrolls of Thanks ............................................................................................. 19Create-a-Hero Clay Set .............................................................................................. 20

Session 4: BeatitudesBible Connection ........................................................................................................ 21Bee-attitude Bookmark .............................................................................................. 22Hope Card .................................................................................................................. 23Hero Mission Pillow ................................................................................................. 24-25

Session 5: PentecostBible Connection ........................................................................................................ 26Hero Treat Bag ........................................................................................................... 27Hero Power Kits ......................................................................................................... 28

Super Scrolls of Thanks Template .......................................................................... 29

Samuel Anoints David

1 Samuel 16:1-12 CEB

God’s Heroes Have Heart!

• Colorized Surprise

• Sinking Soda

• Super Peace Pizza

• Super Vision Sticks

• Fantastic Fruit Foils

Abigail Saves the Day

1 Samuel 25 CEB

God’s Heroes Have Courage!

• Balancing Hex Nuts

• Super Straw

• Colossal Courage Cookies

• Pretzel Power Lifts

• Abby’s Fig Cakes

Jesus Goes to the Temple

Luke 2:41-52 CEB

God’s Heroes Have Wisdom!

• Pillars of Wisdom and Strength

• Spinning Disc Illusion

• Krypto-Krispies

• Bionic Brain Bites

• Super Duper Granola Scooper

Beatitudes

Matthew 4:23-5:12 CEB, NRSV

God’s Heroes Have Hope!

• The Leak-Proof Bag

• Super Bubble Blower

• Hope Heroes

• Fields of Hope

• Hope Ropes

Pentecost

Acts 2:1-41CEB

God’s Heroes Have Power!

• Floating Ping Pong Ball

• Incredible Ice

• Bonus: Liquid Light

• Marvelous Mini Cakes

• Cones of Power

• Hero Pops

Bible Story ScienceHero Code Snack

Do good!Seek peace and go after it!

Psalm 34:14b

Do good!Seek peace and go after it!

Psalm 34:14b

Hero Verse

Recreation MissionCraft Music• Hero Costume Kit

• Color-Your-Own Tie-On Headband

• High—Costume Quick-Change

• Medium—Hero Hands

• Low—Hero Towers

• The Pledge

• Superheroes

Heart Crayons

• Hero Prayer Box Kit

• High—Courage Toss

• Medium—Give It Away

• Low—Take a Stand

• Leap of Faith

• Everlasting God

Paper Flower Blessing Basket

• Create-a-Hero Clay Set

• High—Pass the Book

• Medium—Hero Tag

• Low—Quickening Questions

• In Everything

• Hear Us As We Pray

My Super Scroll of Thanks

• Hero Shields • High—Hope Hoops

• Medium—Slow-Mo Race

• Low—Who Has the Coin?

• Discover Your Strength in God

• Amen

BEE-attitude Bookmark

• Hero Magnetic Frame

• Mini Canvas

• High—Catch the Spirit

• Medium—Power Up!

• Low—Memory Mastermind

• Power Up

• One of a Kind—Preschool Song

My Hero Frame

4 Cokesbury’s VBS Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God4

Mission: Anything’s Possible!

Mission: Anything’s Possible! is a collection of VBS Hero Central-themed mission activities designed to empower students to grow as God’s heroes by learning the value of serving others. Through these projects, we embrace the spirit of Jesus’ words that “all things are possible for God” (Matthew 19:26b, CEB)!

Power Up! This guide contains several options for mission projects of varying time commitments. Feel free to select several individual projects or focus on one. Children work together with others to complete these mission projects, thereby developing a community spirit of serving others that will last a lifetime. Challenge students to discover their strength in God by seeking opportunities to serve others!

Your Mission TimeChoose the Mission: Anything’s Possible! activities that best fit your congregation size, budget and interest...or create your own local service opportunity! If your VBS program does not have a designated Mission Headquarters (activity center) during which to promote and work on your projects, consider working mission moments into Snack Headquarters or Assembly Time.

Mobilize Your Church!Week-long Mission Projects are the best way to get your whole congregation involved in supporting your Heroes and your VBS Mission. Choose one of the several week-long Mission: Anything’s Possible! projects in this guide, and initiate your publicity for it early...even before VBS begins! Let the congregation know your vision, what you will need, and how they can help. Post daily updates on your project’s progress, and be sure to spend out special thanks when the project is successfully completed!

M:AP! Checklist Select the session mission projects and a churchwide week-long project for your VBS at least 6 weeks prior to the event.

Determine the number and amounts of materials you will need for your project(s).

Let our Craft Calculator tool help you with your list! Go to cokesburyvbs.com, select the Tools option, and click on the Craft Calculator tab. Select the mission craft you would like to make, enter the number of children, and click Calculate. Easy!

Several weeks before VBS, publicize your mission project needs list in your church bulletin and/or social media pages. Send e-mails to your congregation casting vision for your project, inviting them to contribute any items needed, and thanking them in advance for donations.

Ask students to pray for those who will benefit from their mission projects.

Besides your sessional announcements, post public updates—both onsite and on social media—on how your project is going. If you have permission, take and post pictures of projects-in-progress on appropriate media.

As part of your VBS’s Community Celebration, present your project’s results to the group. Let everyone know your goal as well as your results, end remember again to express an abundance of thanks for everyone who helped get you there.

Keep the gratitude going after VBS by posting your results onsite, online, and in personal e-mails. Remember to post special thanks to everyone for their hard work and vision...and keep praying for your projects’ recipients!

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Our Mission Project Ideas:

_________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

What does it mean to serve?

caring, sharing and serving are important themes throughout

Scripture. Help children understand that Jesus came to serve others,

not to be served. As students serve others, they are also serving God. It’s fundamental to our faith, so let’s get started guiding our students to be in

the habit of serving!


Week-long Mission Project #1Community Helpers are Heroes!

Invite local community helper heroes to come and share their stories with your VBS children. Allow them to be the main focus of your Mission: Anything’s Possible! activity center, or to present for a few minutes during your Snack or Assembly Time.

The following options present guest ideas related to each session’s Bible story and Hero Code, but feel free to adapt and make changes to fit your program’s setting and needs. Remember always to follow your church’s guidelines and procedures on inviting outside guests for VBS!

Session 1God’s Heroes Have Heart!Invite a nurse, doctor, EMT, or other member of the medical profession to your VBS. Ask him/her to share about the work and how heart is part of it. Alternate ideas: veterinarian or animal shelter leader, service animal trainer, therapy animal professional

Session 2God’s Heroes Have Courage!Invite a firefighter to come to your VBS. Ask the firefighter to discuss ways courage factors into the job. Depending on your church and city policies, arrange for emergency vehicles to be on display for the children to see as well.Alternate ideas: police officer, power line worker, emergency management professional

Session 3God’s Heroes Have Wisdom!Invite a teacher or school leader to come to your VBS. Prepare the Heart Crayon project (pages 12-13), and present the teacher with them as a gift to his/her school. (You may also col-lect school supplies for schools who are in need of assistance.)Alternate ideas: librarian, mental health professional, scientist

Session 4God’s Heroes Have Hope!Invite a member of the clergy/your church ministry to your VBS. Ask him/her to share about the work and how hope is part of this profession. Alternate ideas: missionary, social worker, food pantry or community help center professional

Session 5God’s Heroes Have Power!Tailor this one to meet the needs and interests of your community. For example, invite farmers, postal employees, construction workers, trash collectors, and/or active military personnel or veterans to share about their work, and what using your power for good looks like to them!

Hero Verse“Do good! Seek peace and go after it!”Psalm 34:14b

Materials smart phone or tablet VBS Hero Central App

Mission MomentCaring for other people is something we all can do. Let’s think of ways we can show we care to people in our community.

Mission Leader 7

Share Your Heroes!Take pictures of your students alongside your invited community helpers, especially as your students are sharing cards, gifts of love, and appreciation with them. Share your memories with us on our social media sites (with permission!).

Hero AppreciationSee the My Hero Frame project on pages 8-9. Incorporate pictures from your community helper visits into your Wall of Heroes!

New for Hero CentralUse our new hero-themed selfie frames from the FREE VBS Hero Central App (samples above) to capture and highlight precious memories of your students and community helpers!

Our Community Helper Invitation List:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Week-long Mission Project #2My Hero Frame

Demonstrate to students that heroes are everywhere by creating your very own Wall of Heroes! This project is one that can be done over the length of VBS and highlighted as part of each session.

Use this activity to encourage students to communicate appreciation and gratitude to a special hero. 1. Cut each page of card stock into

2 pieces. (Pre-cut paper for your younger/special needs students as needed.)

2. Provide copies of the Speech Bubble Template. (Pre-cut for your younger/special needs students as needed.)

3. Ask students to think of someone who has made their world a better place, then write about these heroes on their speech bubbles. (Younger/special needs students may draw a picture or tell a leader what to write on theirs.)

4. Once complete, glue the white speech bubbles onto various colors of card stock. Decorate with Stay-Put Glitter Stickers.

5. Create your Wall of Heroes by hanging the Brick Wall Backdrop on a blank wall space, door, or bulletin board. Hang completed frames on the Wall of Heroes.


Materials Hero Central Brick

Wall Backdrop Stay-Put Glitter

Stickers Speech Bubble

Template (page 9) card stock 8 1/2 x 11” (red, yellow or blue) markers, crayons white paper glue sticks

Mission Moment Why did you choose this particular person as your hero? Caring for other people is something we all can do. How can you be a hero to someone in your home or community?

Mission Leader 9

My H

ero!


Before VBS, trace large hero images or silhouettes onto bulletin board paper and display them in high traffic areas and all throughout your hallways. Periodically invite your Heroes to write the names of their heroes onto these paper shapes. Encourage Heroes to use the names as ideas for giving away their crafts and missions that they make during VBS. Display these designs in prominent places for your community celebrations and/or worship services.

Hero Tip! If using permanent markers, make sure to protect your walls!

Week-Long Mission Project #3Who’s Your Hero?


Materials Craft Theme Stickers

and/or Stay-Put Glitter Stickers

paper masks bulletin board paper markers, crayons

Mission Moment You’ve told us on these figures who your heroes are, but how can you tell your heroes themselves? What are some ways you can show your appreciation for all they do? How can you be like your heroes?

Mission Leader 11


Materials Craft Theme Stickers and/or Stay-Put Glitter Stickers

sturdy cardboard boxes bulletin board paper and/or hero-themed wrapping paper

construction paper or poster board markers, crayons tape glue donated books

Week-Long Mission Project #4Hero Book Drive

Reading is a superpower that can open up new doors for the individuals who learn it. We can help erase illiteracy by bringing reading materials to ALL

children, youth and adults in need, so invite your congregation to participate in your VBS Hero Central Book Drive!

1. Work with your leadership team to determine who will be the recipients of your books. (local public schools? a community center or nursing home? the library? other local opportunities?)

2. Publicize your Book Drive weeks before the start of VBS on all church communication channels and social media.

3. Share details of this mission project at the beginning of your VBS to your VBS families and congregation. Begin collecting books at your VBS Kick-off Event.

4. If time allows, have the children decorate sturdy boxes for collecting and sorting the books. Wrap the boxes in bulletin board paper and/

or wrapping paper. Create signage with poster board and decorate with stickers.

5. During VBS, have children sort the books as donations come in:

Separate books by appropriate reading/age levels.

Check for books with damage. Show them ways to repair any that need some minor fixes and tender loving care.

6. Celebrate your results, and if possible, drop donations off to the recipients as a group.

7. Thank your contributors both publicly via announcements and social media, and privately via thank you notes and messages.


Bible Story Samuel Anoints David 1 Samuel 16:1-12

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Heart!


Materials Bible Bible Story Poster Set Decorating Poster Pak

Teacher TipCheck out our Pinterest boards to find pictures of the silicone heart mold.

Mission: Anything’s Possible!Bible Connection

In our Bible story, God assigned Samuel a very special and very difficult task. God asked Samuel to travel many miles, find a man he didn’t know, and meet all of his sons to find the one who would be the new king...all while avoiding the angry and watchful eyes of the current king. Oh, and the son that he would anoint had to have a good heart...something only God could see. That was a big job! In fact, it might have seemed impossible at first.

We all have special tasks to do for God, and they might seem too big or impossible in the beginning... “But all things are possible for God.” God will always be with us and give us what we need to accomplish our missions for God!

To help us remember that we are God’s heroes, we are going to take something ordinary—something broken seemingly useless—and make it into a new extraordinary thing that will bless others.

We have an opportunity to help children who may not have crayons or may need a friendly boost of cheer to encourage them to stay strong and work hard! Let’s create a gift for them as a reminder to us to share God’s love by serving and caring.

Say our Hero Code with me: God’s Heroes Have Heart!

Mission Leader 13

Materials Hero Central Tablecloth or other table covering broken, used crayons cookie sheet silicone heart molds (individual or tray) oven freezer optional: baggies and/or Heartfelt Reminder Cards/Bookmarks (page 14) to present finished products

Teacher TipSilicone heart molds can be found in the baking section of hobby and craft stores. Cupcake or candy molds will work. Crayons can easily be popped out when cool.

ATest Church TipPeel off the paper wrappers from each crayon ahead of time. This is a great project for involving your congregation members!

Mission Craft ProjectHeart Crayons

PurposeChildren and leaders create heart-shaped crayons to share with others.

Safety TipAdult leaders heat oven to 200° F. Supervise each step of this activity.

Ages Appropriate for all ages with supervision.

Directions

1. Peel off the paper wrappers from each crayon.

2. Break crayons into pieces. Note: Crayon pieces should be about ¼- to ½-inch. Smaller crayon bits will melt more quickly in the oven and be less likely to run and bleed into neighboring colors.

3. Fill the heart molds with crayon pieces. Encourage your students to collaborate to decide what colors they want to mix together.

4. Slightly overfill each mold with crayon pieces, as they will melt down and shrink.

5. Ask an adult leader to place molds on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes or until crayons are completely melted.

6. Ask an adult leader to remove the cookie sheet carefully from the oven, taking care not to spill any melted crayon.

7. To speed up the cooling process, transfer molds into the freezer after the crayons firm up.

8. After 30 minutes, remove molds

from the freezer. If the bottom of the mold is cool to touch, you can release the crayons from the mold. Gently pull and stretch molds to loosen up crayons. Then push each crayon from the bottom. If the molds are still warm to the touch, return to the freezer and recheck again for coolness in 10 minutes.

9. Once crayons are cooled, place them in the baggies.

10. Optional: add a Heartfelt Reminder Bookmark to the bag (page 14).


Mission Craft Project Heartfelt Reminder Bookmark

PurposeChildren create bookmarks to add to their bags of heart-shaped crayons as a blessing for others.

PreparationMake copies of the Heartfelt Reminder Bookmark Template (enough for 1 per child). Pre-cut the bookmarks for younger and/or special needs students.

Directions1. Cut out the bookmark template. Optional: glue bookmarks to card stock.

2. Decorate the bookmark with crayons, markers, and/or stickers.

3. Attach the bookmark to the bag of heart shaped crayons using a glue dot or double-sided tape.

4. Present as gifts to friends, kids, teachers, college students, adult learners, and more!

Ages Appropriate for all ages with supervision.

Bible Story Samuel Anoints David 1 Samuel 16:1-12

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Heart!


Materials Heartfelt Reminder Bookmark Template (on this page) Craft Theme Stickers and/or Stay-Put Glitter Stickers safety scissors double-sided tape glue dot crayons or markers optional: card stock

Mission Moment How do you think David felt when he was chosen to serve? How do you think you would have felt to be chosen to serve?

These specialhearts were

made just for you

With bright red and yellow,

purple and blue.

We hope they will serve as a

reminder for you

To work hard and study, but play and color, too!

We put a lot of

heart into making

this for you.

We hope it

you!

WWO

SW

WOS

Mission Leader 15

Bible StoryAbigail Saves the Day1 Samuel 25

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Courage!


MaterialsBible Connection

Bible Bible Story Poster Set Decorating Poster Pak

Food Drive donated food items sturdy boxes posterboard, construction paper, markers, and/or crayons for decorating the boxes


In our Bible story, Abigail made peace in her land through a simple act of bringing food to David and his team of men. Collecting and sharing food with others in need is a powerful way to serve God and make a difference in the world.

In the United States alone, more than 1 in 5 children faces hunger regularly. For these children and their families, a gift of food can help to bring healthy bodies, improved grades in school, and peace of mind.

Of course, hunger is not the only need in our communities. Many

people are also lonely or feel that overcoming their problems is impossible. They just need to know people are thinking of them and praying for them. They need to know someone cares.

These mission projects all focus on using our courage to reach out and provide blessing to others in seemingly impossible circumstances. Let’s take a moment to ask God for guidance and strength to reach others in need. Stop and have a prayer.

Say our Hero Code with me: God’s Heroes Have Courage!

Community Mission ProjectFood Drive

Organize a food drive to support your local food pantry! This can be done as a one-day event or week-long project.

Work with members of your staff to make arrangements for those who will be receiving these items.

Determine a drop-off location for the items. The area should have a space to sort the donations.

Collect food items from all VBS classes and volunteers.

Students can sort items to create a prearranged amount of items per box.

If doing a display of the food items, guide students to create various cityscape designs.





Materials Hero Central Tablecloth or other table covering 2 Flower Templates per student (See Free Resources at cokesburyvbs.com.) safety scissors markers glue wooden skewers small basket floral foam ribbon green tissue paper or plastic grass

Mission Moment How do you think Abigail felt as she was helping David and his team of men? How do you think you would have felt in this situation?

Mission Craft Project Basket of Blessings Purpose To work as a team on a collaborative creation that will bring a blessing to someone who needs it.

Ages Appropriate for all ages.

Preparation Cover tables with a tablecloth. Pre-cut the flower shapes for your youngest Heroes. Set out supplies. Show students how to add the floral foam to the basket. Arrange for someone to receive the Basket of Blessings.

Directions

Step 1: Decorate two flower shapes using crayons, markers and stickers.

Step 2: Place several dots of glue on the inside of the flower shapes. Place them lightly together, glue-to-glue.

Step 3: Slide the wooden skewer between the two flower shape layers. Press together firmly around all edges to secure the stem.

Step 4: Place the completed flower arrangement in the floral foam. Work together to add the “grass.”

Mission Leader 17

Mission Craft Project Hero Prayer Box

Purpose To create a prayer tool and a reminder of the power of prayer.

Ages Best suited for school-age children.




Materials Hero Central Tablecloth or other table covering Hero Prayer Box Kit Stay-Put Glitter Stickers and/or Craft Theme Stickers markers and/or crayons

Teacher TipThis craft requires fine motor skills. For younger or special needs students, see Craft Leader book page 33 for an alternative craft, Mini Canvas Art.

Mission MomentWhat are some more ways you can use your courage to reach out and bless others?

Preparation Cover tables with a tablecloth. Set out supplies. Have a volunteer ready to assist younger and special needs students in tearing along the perforated lines and removing excess paper from the Hero Prayer Box shape. Make sure students’ names are on their boxes.

Directions

Step 1: Color the Hero Prayer Box while it’s still flat. Use markers and/or crayons to decorate the box.

Step 2: Create your Hero Prayer Box by folding along perforated lines and tucking in flaps.

Step 3: Write prayers and/or names on the burst shapes and store them in the Hero Prayer Box. Have students write out names of others who need encouragement.

Encourage students to take completed Hero Prayer Boxes home and keep adding to them!


Bible StoryJesus Goes to the TempleLuke 2:41-52

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Wisdom!




In our Bible story, Jesus and his family visited Jerusalem for a Passover celebration. This was a special time in Jesus’ life because he was now considered to be “all grown up.” When he went to the Temple, he had a new opportunity to talk to wise teachers and learn from them. He listened to them and asked questions, and the teachers respected him and recognized his gifts and wisdom.

What a gift it is to have teachers who care about us and help us grow in our wisdom and talents! We can show appreciation to our teachers by giving them special gifts of thanks.

Homemade notes and crafts are a very special way to send someone messages of thanks. Our projects today feature two very different but meaningful ways to appreciate those who take time to teach and encourage us!

For our thank you notes, we will be creating Super Scrolls of Thanks. In Jesus’ time, people did not have books like ours. They learned to read from scrolls, so we will be making scroll-style notes to remind us of growing in wisdom like Jesus.

After that, we will be using clay sets to honor our wise teachers and heroes. Create a set to share with a special hero or to help you to remember and be thankful for your wisest teachers.

Say our Hero Code with me: God’s Heroes Have Wisdom!

Mission Leader 19




Materials Hero Central Tablecloth or other table covering Super Scrolls of Thanks Template (see page 29) Stay-Put Glitter Stickers paper grocery bags smooth sticks, craft sticks, or dowel rods glue to adhere sticks to scroll optional: twine

Mission Moment Who helps you grow in your faith? How do you think this person will feel when he/she receives this scroll of thanks?

Mission Craft Project Super Scrolls of Thanks

Purpose To create a special card to express thanks and bring joy to our heroes.


1. Make enough copies of the Template for each Hero to get at least one.

2. Encourage children to decorate their scrolls. Suggest they write or draw in the shapes, and use the stickers to complete the scrolls.

3. Glue the completed Templates onto pieces cut from the paper grocery bags. If desired, distress/wrinkle up the paper a little for an older effect.

4. Adhere one stick/dowel rod to each end of the paper. Once they have dried, each end up like a scroll until they meet in the middle.

5. Optional: secure the scroll closed by tying it with a piece of twine.

Preparation Cover tables with a tablecloth. Set out supplies. Assist with students as needed.

Directions


Mission Craft Project Create-a-Hero Clay Set

Purpose To create a fun reminder to be thankful for our heroes.





Materials Hero Central Tablecloth or other table covering Hero Central Create-a-Hero Clay Set sturdy paper plate marker or pen

Mission Moment Who is your favorite teacher and why? How does it feel when someone stops to tell you thank you for a job well done?

Preparation Cover tables with a tablecloth. Open packages for your students. Set out supplies. Place clay items on a sturdy paper plate. Write the name of the student on the edge of the paper plate.

Directions

Step 1: Students use the three colors of clay—red, yellow and blue—to mold items into shape. Create a hero, accessories, buildings, etc. Be creative!

Step 2: After “hero” shape is molded, assist students to add a cape and mask to their design, if desired. Set items aside to dry.

Step 3: Play! Encourage students to use their creations to tell stories of God’s heroes, new and old!

Mission Leader 21

Bible StoryBeatitudesMatthew 4:23-5:12

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Hope!




In our Bible story, Jesus taught his followers a set of guidelines called the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a list of qualities or actions that help us to be happy and blessed. They teach us that, no matter how our circumstances look, we can have hope because we know that good things are coming.

Jesus taught us that when life is difficult and hope seems impossible, God’s heroes have hope because we know God keeps God’s promises. We want to pass on that powerful possibility of hope to others who may be in need of it!

Our BEE-attitude Bookmark (get it?) project will share with others a reminder of the hope and promise of the Beatitudes. Our Hope Cards will pass on notes of encouragement to others with a powerful reminder that God keeps God’s promises.

Say our Hero Code with me: God’s Heroes Have Hope!


Purpose To create a bookmark that will bring a blessing to someone who needs it.

Ages Appropriate for all ages. Directions

Mission Craft Project BEE-attitude Bookmark




Materials Hero Central Tablecloth or other table covering Bee-attitude Bookmark Template (this page) card stock (8”es x 2 ½”) yellow ink pad hand wipes permanent marker such as a Sharpie hole punch ribbon

Mission Moment How can you help others to have hope in hard times? How do you hope this Hope Card and or Bee-attitude Bookmark will help someone else?

1. Copy the template (right) or create the style bookmark you would like to use.

2. Help children press their thumbs into a yellow ink pad and press onto the bookmark.

3. Create bee features on each thumbprint with a black marker.

4. Punch a hole in the top of the bookmark.

5. Add a ribbon for decoration.

I will discover my strength in God by being

obedient, respectful, helpful, and peaceful.

Thumbprint card created bya child at Hero Central!

Mission Leader 23




Materials Hero Central Tablecloth or other table covering Hope Card Template (See Free Resources at cokesburyvbs.com.)

watercolor paper watercolors & brushes small amounts of instant tea, coffee, and/or Epsom salt washi tape hand wipes sturdy paper plates

Teacher TipShort on drying time? Use a hair dryer on low to speed up the process.

Mission Craft Project Hope CardPurpose To create an encouraging gift for someone who needs it.


Preparation Cover tables with a tablecloth. Place small amounts of tea, coffee, and salt onto plates for kids to use. Set out supplies. Make sure students sign their cards. Discuss to whom each student wants to give these cards and why.

Directions

Step 1: Cut out templates. Trace the card onto watercolor paper and fold in half. Trace the cross onto the front of the watercolor paper card.

Step 2: Paint the background, leaving the cross area blank.

Step 3: While paint is still very wet, sprinkle VERY small pinches of salt, tea, and/or coffee over the paint.

Craft Tip! Salt soaks up water and will leave lighter spots. Tea gives an orange-red, earthy look. Coffee gives a dark, mottled look.

Step 4: Dry completely.

Step 5: Rub excess salt from the card.

Step 6: Layer washi tape strips inside the cross to fill in the area.


Mission Craft Project Hero Mission Pillow

Purpose To r live out the Hero Verse by sharing joy with others.





Materials Hero Central Tablecloth or other table covering Hero Mission Pillow kit

Teacher TipKeep stuffing in its package until you are ready to use it to keep it from “shedding” on your surfaces and clothes.

Preparation Cover tables with a tablecloth. Open package. Set out all pieces. (Note: Needle is tucked inside the roll of red yarn.)

Directions

Step 1: Carefully pull apart all the kit components.

Step 2: Thread the needle (single thread). Tie a knot in the bottom end.

Step 3: Place yellow and red starburst shapes together back to back (so that “HOPE” is showing), and line up the holes (you may need to rotate the red back to get the alignment just right).

Step 4: Begin looping the thread in and out/over and under through the holes, whichever stitch is more comfortable for the student.

Mission Leader 25




Mission Moment How do you think the person who receives this gift will feel? How did you feel as you were creating this pillow, knowing it would be a gift for someone else?

Step 5: Stop stitching just before the pillow is completely sealed. Clip open the stuffing and stuff the pillow.

Step 6: Finish stitching the pillow, and tie a knot in the string to seal it. Cut off any excess string.

Step 7: Give your completed pillows away to someone in need of a pick-me-up!


Bible StoryPentecostActs 2:1-41

Hero CodeGod’s Heroes Have Power!




At Pentecost, the followers of Jesus did something that definitely seemed impossible; thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to speak in new languages that they didn’t know! Of course, that would be impossible without God, but remember: “all things are possible for God!”

God did not give the disciples this power to show of or make them famous or anything. Instead, because of God’s power, the disciples were able to spread God’s message and love to many people who might otherwise not have heard or understood it.

God wants everyone to know how much God loves each one of us and all the people in our world.

The best part is, when we share God’s love with others, they share it with more people and it just grows and grows and grows!

Our projects today are all about using our power to share God’s love with others. Let’s stop and say a prayer for the people who will receive these gifts, that they will know God’s love through us. Stop and have a prayer.

Say our Hero Code with me: God’s Heroes Have Power!

Mission Leader 27




Materials small treat bags ribbon Power Burst Template (page 29) various bags of candy, cookies, and so forth markers tagboard Stay-Put Glitter Stickers

Mission Moment Why is it important to share God’s love with our heroes?

Mission Craft Project Hero Treat Bag

Purpose To create an encouraging gift that shares God’s love with our community helpers.


Preparation Cover the tables with table coverings. Purchase gift bags for the children to use. Make arrangements for individuals to receive these bags. Set out supplies. Discuss who is receiving these gifts and why.

Directions

1. Have children add stickers to the gift bags. If using the Stay-Put Glitter Stickers, write “Our Hero” or “My Hero” on the bursts shapes before attaching the sticker to the bag.

2. Children add a variety to pre-purchased treats to the bags.

Teacher Tip Before VBS begins, consider asking congregation or families for donated treats!

3. As children complete this project, discuss ways heroes help us, as well as the Mission Moment question (right sidebar).





Materials Craft Theme and/or Stay-Put Glitter Stickers sturdy gift bags applesauce water trail mix tuna/cracker packs raisins energy bars hand wipes

Teacher TipExtend this activity and have children decorate the bags. Use markers and stickers to create special bags.

Mission Moment What are some ways you can use your power to share the good news of Jesus with others?

Mission Craft Project Hero Power Kits

Superhero Power Kits are a tangible way for children to care, share and serve. Have children fill bags with healthy snack items.

Handing out a Power Kit to someone gives you a way to meet their needs by providing them with some healthy snacks and water. These bags are great to keep on hand in your car for an immediate response in a situation with someone in need.

Superhero Power Kits are also helpful to donate to homeless shelters and organizations working with individuals that are homeless. Kits can also be given to local schools to hand out to children who are on free reduced lunch program to send home over the weekend or on school holidays.

1. Have children add stickers to the bags. 2. Children add a variety to pre-purchased snack items to the bags.3. As children complete this project, discuss ways they can be heroes to help

others in need.

Purpose To create an encouraging gift that shares God’s love with someone who needs it.


Mission Leader 29

My Super Scroll of Thanks

Thank you for teaching me to care, share, and

serve!

contents · 44 mission: anything’s possible! mission: anything’s possible! is a collection of...

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