Did you Know that Tosin can make Snow?

Did you Know that Tosin can make Snow?

For a person who was born in Ireland, to Nigerian parents, and who didn’t see a lot of snow until she was 5 years old and in Canada, that she can make snow is amazing.

Next week is Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) at Westview, and the theme is “True North”,

Trusting Jesus in a Wild World. Every day the children will learn a different Bible story, new songs, make a craft, have a snack and play games. And that’s just the morning! In the afternoon other adventures are planned, and sure to be fun.

Here’s how it goes. The kids arrive and go to the gym for registration and to meet the rest of their team and their team leader. Once everyone is present, all groups go to the sanctuary for Sing and Play Peak, for singing, and finding out the theme for the day. Then each of the groups rotate through the following four stations, which take about 20 minutes each:

• Wild Bible Adventures where they hear a Bible story that shows Jesus is their

unmovable, unshakable friend forever.

• Imagination Station is the spot for creativity, discovery and surprising faith

connections. This usually involves a craft they can take home at the end of the day.

• Sticky Scripture is where Scripture is made easy to understand and remember, and shows them how to apply it to their lives now and in the future.

• Glacier Games is a fun time where games are played, and everyone gets a chance to blow off steam.

In the middle of this, after each group has been to 2 stations, they all come together for

Tundra Treats – snack time - something everyone appreciates.

At the end of the morning all groups gather once again in the Sanctuary for Compass

Closing. It could include cool science experiments, drama and music that all tie to the daily Bible point. I know that sometime during one morning Tina is going to make ice cubes. Without a freezer!

They also get to learn more about some of God’s creatures that inhabit the North. A sea Otter named Ponder is the guide on day 1. Then come Clawdia, a king crab, Earnest the bald eagle and Bruce the moose. Because of the schedule they are going to miss out on Kody the bear, but he will be part of the

Children’s Moment one Sunday later in August. So that we can all follow along, at the bottom of this report I have outlined the key Bible verse for each day, the Bible point, and the Bible story.

You probably know that we partner with Oakridge Presbyterian church and North Park Community church to share the props for all to use. And the props and decorations are amazing this year.

These are just some of the amazing props that have been made, and I know that Tosin and Tina have many others. We even put our own

“Canadian” spin on it by having a Mountie visit us. The “flowers” that you see are representative of the Lupins and Fire Weed that grow in our

own North.

Not only this, but they have pool noodles, beach towels, sleeping bags, a tent and camping gear. It will be interesting to see what those will be used for.

But what about the snow, I’m sure you’re asking.

When I talked with Tosin on Tuesday, she had some ideas where she would use the snow, and I gave her a huge one. So you will have to wait and see what she does with it.

You are welcome to look around the areas that will  be used for VBC – the sanctuary, youth room, rooms 4 and 6, all of which will be decorated to some extent. But the front of the sanctuary will have most of the décor, with the youth room coming in a close second. And, if you look closely, you might even see a quilt or two – you’ve got to keep warm up north.

Follow along next week, and thank you for keeping VBC in your prayers.

Tuesday: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise.” Matthew 7:24 – when we wonder, we can trust Jesus (based on Matthew 3, 11:1-6, John prepares the way and baptizes Jesus)

Wednesday: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 – when we feel alone, we can trust Jesus (based on Matthew 6:25-33; 18:12-14, Jesus teaches about God’s love for us)

Thursday: “And his name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:21 – when we need hope, we can trust Jesus (based on Matthew 26:47-28:8, Jesus dies and comes back to life)

Friday: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 – when we need help, we can trust Jesus (based on Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:1-12, Jesus gives the great commission and the Holy Spirit comes)

Bonus Day: “’Don’t be afraid’, he said, ‘Take courage. I am here!’” Matthew 14:27 – when we feel powerless, we can trust Jesus (based on Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman officer trusts Jesus)