PROGRAM/FORMAT •
Does everyone need to be in costume? •
Do I need to build sets to create the Marketplace? •
In the past, Holy Land Adventures® participants formed the tribes of Israel. How will that work this year? •
Can I use the program just for kids? •
Can my Rome VBS be shorter than 5 days? •
How does Rome VBS work with smaller churches? PRODUCT •
Can crafts be purchased individually or are they only sold in packages? •
Can I return opened packages of product for partial credit? •
Do I need to buy the Postcards From Rome Student Books? •
Can I make copies of the music CD? •
What happens at a Networking Party? •
How do I get to participate in the field test? BIBLE TRANSLATIONS •
What Bible translation does Rome VBS use?
Does everyone need to be in costume?
No one should be required to wear costumes, but costumes help create the environment and will set the tone for fun and authenticity. It could be as simple as donning a basic robe or tunic, sandals, and a colorful sash…or use a sheet to make a toga!
Back to Top Do I need to build sets to create the Marketplace? Hammer and nails are not required! Creating a Bible-times marketplace needn’t be lots of work. Canopies and blankets are the basic “sets” you’ll use. Gather sheets, baskets, and pots to create shops and you’ll see your Marketplace come alive. And your Marketplace works indoors or outdoors!
Back to Top In the past, Holy Land Adventures® participants formed the tribes of Israel. How will that work this year? At Rome, families meet new friends as they form Roman Families. These small groups (of no more than 10) ensure relationship-building and create a safe learning environment. Each Family has an adult or teenage Family Leader and an Assistant Family Leader. Family Leaders are teachers who become part of the Family—like parents or older siblings. Family Leaders participate in all the activities and encourage kids and adults to talk about and apply what they’re learning.
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Can I use the program just for kids?
You bet! Although the activities have been designed for and tested by families, your Rome VBS can be just for kids. Simply form combined-age elementary Rome Families, including one or two kids from each age level, along with an adult or teenage Family Leader and Assistant Family Leader. If you include preschoolers, create smaller Rome Families of five children to one Family Leader.
Back to Top Can my Rome VBS be shorter than 5 days? Yes! If time constraints only allow you to do a 4-day program, simply condense Days 4 and 5 (God saved us through Jesus, and We want to share this Good News) into one day. But even if you condense your schedule, send home the Postcards From Rome for each day. The activities will help everyone connect Bible truths to everyday life.
Back to Top How does Rome VBS work with smaller churches? If you have fewer than 50 participants, you’ll just have fewer Rome Families. And since you’ll have fewer people exploring the Marketplace shops, you’ll need fewer shops—though some smaller churches use them all. You’ll still set up a place for Paul to be under house arrest, the Underground Church, and the Apprenticeship Games.
Back to Top Can crafts be purchased individually or are they only sold in packages? Crafts, as well as a number of other resources, are sold only in packages. Processing individual units is both complicated and time consuming, so packaging crafts in quantity brings down the cost for you. We’ve reduced most package counts to 10 units to reduce the number of items you may have left over.
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Can I return opened packages of product for partial credit?
Because we receive items prepackaged from our vendors, we’re unable to process returns of opened or partially used packages. If you find yourself with a few extras, use them as special gift surprises for Sunday school students, for siblings of VBS attendees, or for children who couldn't attend VBS.
Back to Top Do I need to buy the Postcards From Rome Student Books? Yes—each child and adult needs a student book. Each Postcard is filled with faith-stretching questions, journaling prompts, and comparisons between Bible-times life and life today. Postcards From Rome allow everyone to apply Bible truth to real life!
Back to Top Can I make copies of the music CD? When you purchase a music CD, you also buy the right to use the 8 songs. You’re welcome to play these songs as often as you like. Making your own copies—even to use at your VBS—is against the law.
Back to Top What happens at a Networking Party? At a Networking Party you’ll join other VBS directors from your area and explore how Rome VBS works. You’ll share ideas, network, and get hands-on training from one of Group’s VBS specialists. Check the catalog or the Parties page for a party location near you!
Back to Top How can I participate in the field test? Our VBS team plays an integral role in every field test. Editors become crew leaders, artists volunteer as station leaders, and marketing managers help decorate the sanctuary. This lets us experience each aspect of the program first-hand...and tweak the program so it runs smoothly for you! The field test is held each year in a church that's within driving distance from our northern Colorado office. We hold our field test in a different church each year so we can test a variety of settings, denominations, church volunteers, and kids. Field testing lets us make the mistakes—so you don’t have to!
Back to Top What Bible translation does Rome VBS use? We’ve chosen to use the New Living Translation (NLT) because it’s kid-friendly and easy to understand.
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