2008 Dedication

Use this VBS dedication service to introduce Listen Up! Messages from God to your congregation and ask God’s blessing on leaders and children.

Sing:“I can hear your message”(Worship and Drama Guide, p. 41;#2, Listen Up! Song CD)

Pastor/Worship Leader:
In Bible times, God called prophets to take God’s messages to the people. The prophets did what God asked them to do, bringing messages of repentance and words of hope. They stood firm in faith even when it was unpopular or dangerous (well, most of them did). What do you know about Amos, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and Jonah? These Old Testament prophets have much to tell us about God.

Don’t you think our world could use a few prophets today? This week, our children will learn how to hear and share God’s messages. Everyone can find ways to be God’s messengers in this community and beyond.

Let us dedicate our staff who will guide our VBS program this year. 

Pastor/Worship Leader:
There are many ways our children will be learning about God’s messages this week.

A daily interactive drama will introduce God’s special messengers: Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jonah, Amos and Daniel. The children will learn songs written especially for this program—all about listening to God and sharing God’s messages.

(Pray for the worship and drama team, that God will lead them. They may stand and be introduced.)

There will be time for Bible study and thinking about God’s message from the children’s perspectives.

(Pray for the group leaders, that God will guide them as they prepare and teach the various age groups. They may stand and be introduced.)
           
Listen Up! Links activities will engage the children’s different learning styles in art, drama, games, and crafts on the themes of giving and receiving messages of faith.
           
(Pray for Listen Up! Links leaders, that God’s Spirit of creativity and delight will flow as they guide the children in their activities. They may stand and be introduced.)
It takes lots of time to plan carry out this important ministry. The VBS committee has worked hard to bring us to today. Without their dedication and commitment to children’s ministry, this program would not happen.
           
(Thank God for the dedication of your VBS leadership team. They may stand and be introduced. Thank God, too, for the many volunteers who help with childcare, snacks, driving, etc. [insert other volunteer groups]. They may stand and be introduced.)

Listen up, people in the congregation! Take note of our leaders for this important ministry. Pray for them all week.

Listen up, leaders! You have been called by God and this congregation to share some exciting messages from God. How will you share these messages?  

Vacation Bible School Staff:
We will share our faith in God with joy and confidence.
We will share God’s transforming love with the children.
We will listen for God’s message through the children.

Congregational Response:
Thank you for sharing your gifts of time and talent with the children.
We will pray for you each day.
May God speak to you and through you, in new and exciting ways.
May God bless you and make you a blessing.

Pastor/Worship Leader:
Listen up, children! Welcome to our Bible school program. (Children stand)
Here you’ll find answers to questions like: “What did Isaiah do with coal? What strange thing did Ezekiel eat? Why was Jonah upset with God? What did Amos have to say about worship? How did Daniel stand firm by going down?”

By the end of the week, you will know new ways to “listen up!’ to God and share God’s messages with others. So listen up, children! Bring your friends and get the message. And remember, we will be praying for you.

Congregational Response:
We will pray for you and your friends every day.
We pray that God will bless you and make you a blessing as you listen and learn.
Amen. (All sit down.)

Sing: “Listen up, people!” (p. 45, Worship and Drama Guide; #4, Listen Up! Song CD)