CPH’s VBS with Purpose Engages Children for a Lifetime
Realistic Art Helps Children Connect to God’s Word
CONTACT: Lindsey Martie, Public Relations
Phone: 314-268-1303
email: Lindsey.martie@cph.org
Saint Louis, MO—What is the purpose of VBS? To fill the summer doldrums? Concordia Publishing House (CPH) believes that VBS should engage and enrich children not just for a week—but for a lifetime with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To connect children with the real accounts given in the Bible, CPH strategically and intentionally uses realistic artwork to bring Scripture to life.
“When children see cartoons referenced with Bible materials, then it reinforces that this is all a cartoon,” says Dr. Patricia Ann Hoffman, Concordia University, Chicago. “The use of realistic artwork in educational materials helps lay the groundwork for faith development. When children see realistic illustrations of children their own age, it helps them connect those Bible truths to their own world.”
And it’s important to start early. The artwork used in educational materials carries significant weight as a teaching tool, especially for young children who are not yet fluent readers.
“Developmentally, young children are learning to distinguish what is real from what is make-believe. This makes it critical to use realistic artwork when teaching children Bible stories,” says Pam Nummela, CPH’s VBS editor, a Director of Christian Education, and a 30+ year veteran leader of Vacation Bible School programs.
CPH’s 2015 VBS with Purpose is Camp Discovery, offering materials for preschoolers to adults. This camping-themed curriculum uses both realistic biblical artwork and contemporary artwork of kids camping, hiking, making s’mores, and learning about Jesus. Not only will children identify with God’s plan and purpose to their own lives, they will also discover that God gives them faith, love, courage, and wisdom to serve others and give God glory.
For more information about CPH’s 2015 VBS program, visit vbs.cph.org/2015. For more information or to arrange an interview with CPH’s Vacation Bible School experts, contact Lindsey Martie, CPH Public Relations, 314-268-1303 or lindsey.martie@cph.org.
About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For 145 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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