Friday, July 11, 2008
Two Down...
Ok. We just had our first TWO Backyard Bible Clubs wrap-up. Congratulations! I know that it was an amazing week, full of surprises and memorable moments! How about sharing with everyone? Let us know how it went, what worked, what didn't, what you would change for next year, etc. We have another BBC beginning Monday and I know they would love some input. Thank you so much for your heart in ministering to the children in our community! You guys rock!!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Update: The Word is Out!
This weekend, an official announcement was made from the stage in "big church" letting our members know that instead of doing Vacation Bible School this summer, we will be taking it into area neighborhoods and reaching more unchurched kids than ever before, by hosting Backyard Bible Clubs....and the response is good!We are so excited to see all of the folks signing up to host BBC this summer. We have already heard of many creative folks who are putting their own spin on the BBC concept. Some are planning on doing a five-session BBC, one day a week for five weeks, rather than five days in a row. One group is rotating homes each day to allow more moms to open their homes and share in the fun. Another group is planning their BBC in Park Circle during the same week as Nerve2Serve Missions Week. The N2S Kids will be helping as part of their "serve in the community" missions project. Those are just a few examples of how we can work together to accomplish more.
If you have a creative idea for hosting your BBC, share with the rest of us by leaving a comment on this post. We would love to hear your ideas!
FYI: If you haven't received your Starter Kit yet, be watching for it in the mail this week.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
What is in the Starter Kit?
What is the Backyard Bible Club Starter Kit? The Backyard Bible Club (BBC) Starter Kit is a complete package of resources provided by Seacoast Church to get your started in planning your very own Backyard Bible Club.
When do I get my BBC Starter Kit?
The BBC Starter Kit is received after completing and returning the Host Packet paperwork. Need a Host Packet? Click here!
What is included in the BBC Starter Kit?
The BBC Starter Kit includes the following:
The BBC Starter Kit includes the following:
- BBC Invitations
- Parent Permission Slips
- Bible Story Lessons
- Game Suggestions
- Snack Ideas
- Craft Ideas
- Family Take-Home Information
Do I have to use everything in the BBC Starter Kit?
Nope - that's the great thing about the BBC Starter Kit. It is intended to get your creative juices flowing! Feel free to customize your own BBC by creating a fun theme, change the games for indoor areas, select alternate snacks for healthier choices, or alter the crafts to accomodate different age groups. The bottom line is to HAVE FUN while teaching the love of Christ!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't Seacoast Church having Vacation Bible School this summer? Our goal this year is to "turn members into missionaries". We are encouraging our congregation to go make a difference in their communities. Backyard Bible Clubs are a way to take Christ into area neighborhoods, bringing a life-changing message to unchurched children. What a great way to positively impact your neighborhood!What is a Backyard Bible Club?
Similar to a five-day Vacation Bible School, but on a much more personal level, Backyard Bible Club consists of a few basic elements— the Bible story, small group time, games, crafts, snacks, music and memory verses. It sounds just like VBS. But there’s one key difference—you’re bringing Bible school to the neighborhood children instead of hoping neighborhood children will come to Bible school. Plus, it is an opportunity that can work around your schedule, vacations, and other summer plans.
Why host a Backyard Bible Club?
Though many children come to know Jesus through church, Christians also have a responsibility to take the Good News to unchurched families. The example parents set for their own children while planning a neighborhood outreach event inspires them to share the gospel and reinforces their own faith. Hosting a Backyard Bible Club helps build friendships with more families in neighborhoods and it’s a lot of fun!
Where should we hold the club?
Obviously, a summertime club with lots of kids lends itself to being held outside. You’ll want to designate and equip areas for games, crafts and snacks, and you’ll want quiet (preferably shady) areas for the Bible lesson and small groups. In case bad weather spoils your plans, you should have an alternate location in mind or plan to use additional rooms inside your house. Some people will use their neighborhood clubhouse or community shelter in a nearby park to be able to accomodate more children than hosting one in their home.
Whom will you invite?
Your neighborhood is probably full of more unchurched children than you realize. We will provide invitations to use to publicize your club to families with young children (older children may participate as helpers). In addition to inviting people you already know, make the rounds of your neighborhood at a time when most people are home. Knock on doors of homes where you think there may be small children, introduce yourself and invite them to the club. Assure them that parents are welcome to attend if they’re hesitant about leaving their children at a stranger’s home. (You won’t be strangers for long.)
When is the best time for a club?
Middle to late summer works especially well, because boredom has set in and kids are looking for something different to do. You may hold a morning club if children in your neighborhood are available then or an early evening club when families are home and the temperature is cooler. If you can’t manage five days, try a two- or three-day club. The great thing about Backyard Bible Clubs is that it is so flexible!
Who will help you with the club?
For a smoothly running club, try to have three or four adults and one or two youth helpers from yoru neighborhood. Ask friends from your church or small group to help you. When planning your club, make a full list of your tasks, and then divide them up among your helpers. Most clubs will have from 12 to 24 kids attending each day, including helpers’ kids, so be prepared. To cover costs, consider splitting the costs among the club leaders or asking children’s parents to bring specific snack items or craft supplies. The church will help supply some of the basic information and materials, but feel free to be creative and utilize the resources you already have in your closets and garage. You probably have most of the items needed. Just be creative and add your own ideas!
Similar to a five-day Vacation Bible School, but on a much more personal level, Backyard Bible Club consists of a few basic elements— the Bible story, small group time, games, crafts, snacks, music and memory verses. It sounds just like VBS. But there’s one key difference—you’re bringing Bible school to the neighborhood children instead of hoping neighborhood children will come to Bible school. Plus, it is an opportunity that can work around your schedule, vacations, and other summer plans.
Why host a Backyard Bible Club?
Though many children come to know Jesus through church, Christians also have a responsibility to take the Good News to unchurched families. The example parents set for their own children while planning a neighborhood outreach event inspires them to share the gospel and reinforces their own faith. Hosting a Backyard Bible Club helps build friendships with more families in neighborhoods and it’s a lot of fun!
Where should we hold the club?
Obviously, a summertime club with lots of kids lends itself to being held outside. You’ll want to designate and equip areas for games, crafts and snacks, and you’ll want quiet (preferably shady) areas for the Bible lesson and small groups. In case bad weather spoils your plans, you should have an alternate location in mind or plan to use additional rooms inside your house. Some people will use their neighborhood clubhouse or community shelter in a nearby park to be able to accomodate more children than hosting one in their home.
Whom will you invite?
Your neighborhood is probably full of more unchurched children than you realize. We will provide invitations to use to publicize your club to families with young children (older children may participate as helpers). In addition to inviting people you already know, make the rounds of your neighborhood at a time when most people are home. Knock on doors of homes where you think there may be small children, introduce yourself and invite them to the club. Assure them that parents are welcome to attend if they’re hesitant about leaving their children at a stranger’s home. (You won’t be strangers for long.)
When is the best time for a club?
Middle to late summer works especially well, because boredom has set in and kids are looking for something different to do. You may hold a morning club if children in your neighborhood are available then or an early evening club when families are home and the temperature is cooler. If you can’t manage five days, try a two- or three-day club. The great thing about Backyard Bible Clubs is that it is so flexible!
Who will help you with the club?
For a smoothly running club, try to have three or four adults and one or two youth helpers from yoru neighborhood. Ask friends from your church or small group to help you. When planning your club, make a full list of your tasks, and then divide them up among your helpers. Most clubs will have from 12 to 24 kids attending each day, including helpers’ kids, so be prepared. To cover costs, consider splitting the costs among the club leaders or asking children’s parents to bring specific snack items or craft supplies. The church will help supply some of the basic information and materials, but feel free to be creative and utilize the resources you already have in your closets and garage. You probably have most of the items needed. Just be creative and add your own ideas!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Sign Up to Host!
So you think you want to Host a Backyard Bible Club? Great!- Go online to register as a BBC Host.
- You will receive your Host Packet with all the info that will need to be completed.
- Once the paperwork is turned into the Kidscoast office and the background checks clear, you will receive your BBC Starter Kit.
- Send out invites to kids in your neighborhood.
- Have fun!
Do you have questions about signing up to Host a Backyard Bible Club? Let us know in the comments section or contact Melissa Pridemore at (843) 881-2100 x1214.
Welcome to the Backyard Bible Clubhouse!
This site is for you, so be sure to check back often and particpate in the discussions. Leave comments and make suggestions in order to help us make this year's Backyard Bible Clubs a success!
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