Barnyard Roundup

Barnyard Roundup: Jesus Gathers Us Together

Concordia Publishing House Announces 2016 Vacation Bible School Theme

Saint Louis, MO—Jesus loves you always and forever no matter what. That’s the message children will learn with Concordia Publishing House’s 2016 VBS with Purpose®, Barnyard Roundup. The theme, announced today, provides a program that teaches kids that Jesus graciously gathers us together to be with Him with His abundant provision and saving protection now and forever.

During the “farm-tastic” week at Barnyard Roundup, kids and VBS leaders will explore the concepts and the well-loved words of Psalm 23.  Three key themes are present in Psalm 23: The Lord as our Shepherd is present with us, provides for us, and protects us now and forever.

The themes of Psalm 23 will come to life for children through the imagery of the farm. Fields of grain, sheep, pigs, and busy kids will give 21st century context to the five Bible accounts covered in Barnyard Roundup, including the feeding of the 5,000, the parable of the sower, and Jesus appearing to Mary. Through these lessons, kids will learn to step out in faith, confident in Jesus’ love for them.

What does VBS with Purpose® mean?

VBS with Purpose® is built on four key principles:

1.      After the craft glue dries and the snacks are just crumbs, the treasure remains that children should leave VBS knowing their need for a REAL Savior—and His name is Jesus.

2.      CPH’s use of realistic art gives kids confidence that the Bible is real and true.

3.      A realistic but contemporary VBS theme is but a backdrop or a bridge for kids to connect to people and life in Bible times.

4.      Bible-based lessons built with a message that engages and enriches kids for a lifetime is real fun.

“The kids who participate in Barnyard Roundup willact out Bible stories, make keepsake crafts, sing fun songs, and eat tasty treats, but VBS is more than that,” said VBS editor Pam Nummela. “What really matters is that the children in your VBS leave knowing their need for a Savior, and that Jesus Christ alone is that Savior. Kids will leave Barnyard Roundup knowing that their Savior loves them, always and forever, no matter what.”

 All-Inclusive Starter Kit

CPH’s all-inclusive starter kit gets churches ready as soon as they open the box. It includes a registration table banner, publicity posters, and a free, customizable online registration tool. Lessons are designed for on-the-go volunteers. They are easy to prepare and teach without compromising enriching, intentional content pointing kids to Christ.

Site-Rotation Highlights

Teams start their day at the Gather ‘Round Opening, where they sing songs, watch skits, and begin their day’s journey in prayer. After the opening, kids explore five different sites to discover how Jesus loves and provides for them abundantly. They do all this while making new friends with the children on their teams.

At Barnraising Storytelling, Bible stories come to life. Swept back in time, kids become part of the Bible story, using props and costumes to actively engage with God’s Word. The Student Leaflets and Bible story posters help leaders highlight key Take-Home Points. This year, kids take away life application lessons with Science in the Sheep Penactivities.

An exclusive feature of VBS with Purpose® is the Green Pastures Bible Challenge, where kids open the Bible to read God’s real and living Word. Psalm 23 is planted in their hearts through active learning activities like solving Bible code and singing memory verses put to song.

While taking part in Udderly Cool Crafts, kids create keepsakes to always remind them of how Jesus is at work in their lives. Our creative treats at Bountiful Blessings Snacks are yummy, theme-inspired, and easy to make. Bales of Fun Games are all about extreme energy, excitement, and silliness. Even the games at Barnyard Roundup reinforce Bible lessons.

To explore what this VBS program has to offer, visit the Barnyard Roundup website at cph.org/vbs2016, and follow VBS at facebook.com/ConcordiaVBS and Twitter@CPH_VBS.

About Concordia Publishing House

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For over 140 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers over 8,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

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