January 27, 2010

Dear Pastor, Christian Education Chairperson, Vacation Bible School superintendent:

There is a renewed emphasis in the church on truth. The impetus is that in many curriculums (in the world and in the church) the truth is compromised or trivialized. Because children aren’t taught the truth of creation, they believe the myths of evolution. Because our children don’t believe the Truth that is Jesus they are left wandering and potentially lost eternally.

The Iowa District West Christian Education Committee and Camp VBS Committee invite you aboard “The Truth Train.” These partners in Christian education are again offering a summer ministries resource that is Christ-centered, Word-based, child-friendly, family-connecting, outreach-oriented, budget-sensitive, size and site-flexible, and hands-on. The resource is produced by a volunteer team of pastors and professional educators, creative musicians and artists, and most of all fellow servants who want children to believe in the Truth that is Jesus.

God’s message of truth begins with the creation account of Genesis. The five daily lessons will focus on Biblical accounts from Genesis 1-11 (Creation Station, Derailed, Rescued, Confusion Cross, and Back on Track—Real Road). Options for all grade levels (including early childhood) are included.

“The Truth Train” curriculum manual will include theme-related music (“Bible-bops” and more), opening skits, closing worship ideas, craft projects, family newsletters, and mission activities. All the resources are also accumulated on a disc. Participating congregations will also receive a theme gift for each child to take home.

A sample of several of the curriculum pieces is included for your review. An order form for “The Truth Train” is also included. Congregations are invited to review past Camp VBS curriculums to help make a decision for their summer ministry. Some congregations have also used the Camp VBS curriculum for summer Sunday school or other children’s ministry experience. The cost is the same as last year: $200 per congregation ($125 for small congregations with 25 children or less).

This is the fourteenth year that a children’s ministry resource has been developed for Iowa District West congregations and beyond (used from coast to coast and across the ocean). The Truth has always been foremost in the Camp VBS program. The Truth is presented in this 2010 curriculum in the most basic yet profound manner imagined by the leadership team. Come aboard “The Truth Train.”

Traveling and teaching His Way,