Lifeways VBS 2025 Theme: “Magnified” Snack Ideas

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Lifeways VBS 2025 Theme: “Magnified” Snack Ideas

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is always a time of excitement and joy for children, and having an engaging theme like “Magnified” for Lifeways VBS 2025 makes it even more special. To make your VBS week memorable, here are some creative snack ideas that align perfectly with the “Magnified” theme.

1. Magnifying Glass Cookies

Ingredients:

  • Sugar cookies
  • White icing
  • Black licorice
  • Clear sugar crystals

Instructions:

  1. Start by baking your favorite sugar cookies. Once cool, spread a layer of white icing on each cookie.
  2. Place a black licorice circle around the edge of the cookie to represent the frame of the magnifying glass.
  3. Sprinkle clear sugar crystals in the center to give it a “magnified” effect.

2. Insect Ants on a Log

Ingredients:

  • Celery sticks
  • Peanut butter or cream cheese
  • Raisins or chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Cut celery sticks into snack-sized pieces.
  2. Fill the center of the celery sticks with peanut butter or cream cheese.
  3. Place raisins or chocolate chips in a line on top of the filling to mimic ants walking on a log.

3. Microscope Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

  • English muffins or mini bagels
  • Pizza sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni slices and veggie toppings

Instructions:

  1. Slice the English muffins or mini bagels in half and lay them out on a baking sheet.
  2. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each half.
  3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni slices and veggies to create fun designs, reminiscent of specimens under a microscope.
  4. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Binocular Brownies

Ingredients:

  • Brownie mix (or pre-made brownies)
  • Chocolate frosting
  • Pretzel sticks
  • M&M’s or other round candies

Instructions:

  1. Bake brownies according to the package instructions and let them cool.
  2. Cut the brownies into small rectangular shapes.
  3. Spread chocolate frosting on top.
  4. Use pretzel sticks to create the “binocular” handles and place M&M’s on top to simulate the lenses.

5. Discovery Fruit Cups

Ingredients:

  • Mixed fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, etc.)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Clear plastic cups

Instructions:

  1. Layer mixed fresh fruits in clear plastic cups.
  2. Top with mini marshmallows to add some fun and contrast.
  3. Serve with small plastic spoons for easy eating.

6. Telescope Twists

Ingredients:

  • Pretzel rods
  • White chocolate chips or candy melts
  • Colorful sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts according to the package instructions.
  2. Dip half of each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate.
  3. Immediately sprinkle colorful sprinkles on the chocolate-dipped end.
  4. Let the pretzels cool on a sheet of wax paper until the chocolate hardens.

These snack ideas not only align with the “Magnified” theme but are also sure to delight the children attending Lifeways VBS 2025. Enjoy these delicious and creative treats!

Lifeway VBS “Magnified” Day 1: God Created Everything and Wants to Spend Time with Me

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Welcome to the first day of Lifeway VBS “Magnified”! Today, we’re diving into an incredible truth: God created everything there is, and yet, He still wants to spend time with each one of us. This lesson is anchored in the Bible, with a focus on the verses from John 1:1-3,12 and Mark 10:13-16.

Lifeway VBS “Magnified” Day 1: Bible Verses

John 1:1-3, 12

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made… Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Lifeway VBS “Magnified” Day 1: Lesson Highlights

God the Creator

From the very beginning, we see that God is the creator of everything. John 1:1-3 emphasizes that through Jesus, all things were made. This means that the stars, the oceans, the mountains, and all living creatures came into being through Him. It’s amazing to think about the vastness of God’s creation and how intricately everything has been designed.

God’s Personal Love

Despite the grand scale of His creation, God is deeply interested in each one of us. John 1:12 tells us that those who receive Him and believe in His name are given the right to become children of God. This means that God wants a personal relationship with us. He wants to spend time with us, listen to us, and help us grow.

Jesus Welcoming the Children

The story of Jesus and the children in Mark 10:13-16 beautifully illustrates God’s heart for us. Jesus’ disciples tried to prevent the children from coming to Him, but Jesus insisted they come. This shows that God’s love is inclusive and He values everyone, especially the smallest and seemingly least important. Jesus took the children in His arms, blessed them, and showed them great love and care.

Lifeway VBS “Magnified” Day 1: Take Away

As we begin our VBS journey, let’s remember that we are special to God. He created the entire universe, yet He still desires to be close to us. Let’s open our hearts to Him, spend time in prayer, and reflect on His Word.

Activities

  • Creative Time: Draw a picture of something in God’s creation that amazes you.
  • Prayer Circle: Share something personal with the group and pray together, thanking God for His love and creation.
  • Bible Story Acting: Act out the story of Jesus welcoming the children to show how we are all special to Him.

Lifeway VBS “Magnified” Day 1: Reflection

Day 1 of “Magnified” reminds us that God, the Creator of everything, loves us and wants to be near us. Let’s carry this truth in our hearts as we continue to learn and grow together this week.

Remember, you are a valuable part of God’s amazing creation and He delights in spending time with you.

Galentines Decor from Dollar Tree

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Creating Galentine’s Day decor on a budget with items from Dollar Tree can be a fun and creative project. Here are some ideas for Galentine’s Day decorations using affordable items from Dollar Tree:

  1. Heart Banner:
    • Purchase heart-shaped cutouts or foam hearts from Dollar Tree.
    • String them together with twine or ribbon to create a cute heart banner.
    • You can also personalize the hearts with messages or use them as a backdrop for photos.
  2. Floral Arrangements:
    • Buy artificial flowers, vases, and floral foam from Dollar Tree.
    • Create your own floral arrangements for centerpieces or table decorations.
    • Mix and match different flower varieties and colors to suit the Galentine’s Day theme.
  3. Candle Holders:
    • Purchase glass candle holders or votive holders from Dollar Tree.
    • Decorate them with heart-shaped stickers or paint for a festive touch.
    • Place tealight or votive candles inside for a cozy atmosphere.
  4. DIY Photo Booth Props:
    • Get creative with foam sheets, markers, and sticks from Dollar Tree.
    • Cut out fun shapes like lips, hearts, and glasses to create DIY photo booth props.
    • Your guests can use them for memorable Galentine’s Day photos.
  5. Tablecloth and Tableware:
    • Choose a festive tablecloth with heart patterns or in shades of pink and red.
    • Purchase coordinating plates, cups, and napkins for a cohesive look.
    • Mix and match items to create a charming and budget-friendly tablescape.
  6. DIY Wreath:
    • Buy a plain wreath form and silk flowers from Dollar Tree.
    • Attach the flowers to the wreath using hot glue to create a personalized Galentine’s Day wreath.
    • Add ribbon or bows for an extra touch.
  7. Message Board:
    • Purchase a small chalkboard or dry erase board from Dollar Tree.
    • Write empowering or uplifting messages for your Galentine’s Day celebration.
    • Display it prominently to inspire and spread positive vibes.
  8. Heart-Shaped Balloons:
    • Dollar Tree often carries heart-shaped balloons around Valentine’s Day.
    • Use these balloons to decorate your space or create balloon bouquets.
    • Add ribbons or streamers for an extra festive look.
  9. Glittery Garland:
    • Pick up glittery foam sheets or garland from Dollar Tree.
    • Cut out heart shapes and string them together to create a sparkling garland.
    • Hang it across doorways or along the walls for a touch of glamour.
  10. Sweet Treats Display:
    • Purchase inexpensive candy dishes or trays from Dollar Tree.
    • Fill them with Valentine’s Day candies, chocolates, or heart-shaped cookies.
    • Create a sweet treats display as both decor and a tasty treat for your Galentine’s gathering.

Remember to let your creativity shine, and don’t be afraid to mix and match items to suit your personal style and preferences. Decorating for Galentine’s Day on a budget can be both fun and fabulous!

Topic: Galentines Decor from Dollar Tree

Are you a Slinky?

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Yes, Yes you are! The hubby and I were listening to a podcast the other day and learned that our life is like a slinky!

Let me explain, If you take a Slinky and hold one end from your fingers while the other end expands to the ground until its at its resting space and then you let the top go, the bottom will not move, in fact it will hover in place until the whole coil colapses together and then it will all fall to the ground.

Neat huh? So how is this like our life. Well here you go. You only experience what is around you and what affects you. So if a person in China ate cheese you probably would never know, right? Yes because that person isn’t directly affecting you or crossing you path.

But if a person in China at cheese and filmed it and placed it on Youtube or any other social media it may cross your path and if you click and watch it then instantly that person has now affected your life!

Have I lost you yet? The example used in the podcast was if the sun was hit by something that caused it to diminish we wouldnt know until 8 mins and some seconds late because that is how long it will take for the affects of the sun to reach us. Unless something is very close to us then we may never know something has happened or existed.

So our lives are like a slinky!

Rushing Waters: Music Decoration Ideas #VBS 2015

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I thought these were some awesome ideas but I haven’t had the chance to be able to make my own. However I did get a good find at a yard sale recently! There was a free box and in it had blue cellophane roll as well as brown packaging paper! So I got my rock/canyon and my waterfall all for FREE!

I just need some painters tap and some imagination.

We have two main entrances to the front of our sanctuary that leads into the hallway so I plan on creating that area into two waterfalls similar to the bottom right picture as seen above.

Below is the second one that is on our Children’s Wing main hallway. This was very simple I cut 8 8ft tall strips of butcher paper and crumpled it up. I use 1 blue plastic table cloth and cut long ways in 4 to make the water falls.

Other Rushing Waters Decorations

Please comment below on you created your rushing waters area.

Topic: Rushing Waters: Music Decoration Ideas #VBS 2015

How to Make a Fake Palm Tree

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Great addition to Lifeway VBS 2015 “Journey off the Map”. You can also alter the Palm Tree to make it into a Weeping Willow Tree for Shady Grove for crafts.

Since the class the hubby and I did, crafts came to us, so we plan on making a section of our room designated for the craft area. This so much fun and builds so much excitement for the kids. When you get excited, your children will get excited and makes it so much easier to get into the theme and play the part.

Please remember we decorate our rooms with themes simply to make our time together fun while we share the Love of God.

What You Need:

– Carpet Rolls (without the carpet) or Wrapping Paper rolls for smaller trunks

– Brown Packaging Paper

– Packaging Tape

– Mic stands or Tripods (look at Thrift stores or yard sales)

– Green Paper

– Green Streamer

– Straws or umbrellas without the fabric

How to Make:

1. First take your carpet roll or wrapping paper roll  and cover using packaging paper or other brown paper scrunching it up as you go to make a more realistic trunk shape. Use packaging tape to secure.

2. Once your trunk is done slide it over the mic stand or tripod stand.

3. If you are using an umbrella make sure that the fabric is removed. Tape of green leaves that you cut out or use green streamer strips of varying colors and lengths and tape to the umbrella. If you are using straws make sure to tape the straws together so they will not come apart during your VBS week and adds more security.

That is it! You are done!

Just so you know we plan on giving our decorations to another church doing the same theme as we have in the past. Also my oldest son wanted his Theme birthday as Rio 2 so these Palm Trees were also used then as well.

Topic: How to Make a Fake Palm Tree – Journey off the Map Decoration Ideas