Craft Leader Guide

Craft Leader Guide

Week at a glance

Saints Saint John the Baptist Saints Constantine and Helen

Objective

Bible Passage

Students will understand what it means to REPENT and learn repentance is the key to our salvation. Every day we fall down and get back up.

Matthew 3: 1-11

Students will understand and embrace what it means to SEEK TRUTH on their journey to holiness.

John 14: 1-7

Memory Verse Matthew 3:2 John 14:6

Songs

The Path Guess Who? As Many as Have Been Baptized

God Is the Boss Finding the Cross

Crafts

Snacks

Games

& Wild Honey

Falling Down & Getting Back Up Turn & Repent

Preparing the Pathways

Locusts & Honey Bees

Truth Direction

Cross Puzzle Relay

Cross Target Toss Let’s Make the Shape of the Cross

Icon Collage

Stained Glass Cross

Baptism Oreos or Locusts

Rice Cake Crosses or Mini Margherita Pizzas

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Understanding the Truth, students will be able to STAND FIRM in their faith and renounce the lies of this world.

Ephesians 6: 13-17

Ephesians 6:13

The Path Stand Firm Fruit of the Spirit

St Catherine’s Ring From Christ Standing Firm Painted Rocks

“Armor of God” Snack

Shield of Faith

Armor of God Matching Game

Stand Firm or Stand Floppy Stand Firm Tag

Saint George the Trophy-Bearer

Students will understand we are like a candle in the dark world and will WITNESS their faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Matthew 5: 13-16

Matthew 5:16

Patron Saint George This Little Light of Mine

Colorful Votive Candle Olympic Torch

“Light of Mine” Cupcakes or Sunshine Snack

Lights On/Lights Off Parachute Activity

Let Your Light Shine Relay

Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker

Students will understand that the path to holiness is a struggle, but those who ENDURE to the end will be saved.

Matthew 10: 16-22

Matthew 10:22

O Pure Virgin O Give Thanks Unto the Lord

Beeswax Candles

Race Ready Snack Mix or Endurance Energizer Bowls

Parachute Endurance Popcorn

St. Nektarios Kindness Exchange Super Saints Challenge

Super Saints Objective

Each day centers around the daily Super Saint, theme, and memory verse. Through songs, lessons, crafts, games, and snacks, you will help students meet the objectives of each day, culminating in achieving the objective of the week!

Weekly Objective: By the end of the week, the students in your parish will understand why we honor the saints—the “Superheroes of our Faith”—so intentionally and how their lives provide examples to emulate as they journey on their own path to holiness. DAY 1

St. John the Baptist: Repent

Students will understand what it means to REPENT and learn repentance is the key to our salvation. Every day we fall down and get back up.

Memory Verse: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)

Saints Constantine & Helen: Seek Truth

2

Students will understand and embrace what it means to SEEK TRUTH on their journey to holiness, focusing on the examples of Saints Constantine and Helen.

Memory Verse: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’” (John 14:6)

St. Catherine of Alexandria: Stand Firm

Understanding the Truth, students will be able to STAND FIRM in their faith and renounce the lies of this world.

Memory Verse: “Take up the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:13)

St. George the Trophy-Bearer: Witness

Students will understand we are like a candle in a dark world and will WITNESS their faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Memory Verse: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

St. Nektarios the Wonderworker: Endure

Students will understand the path to holiness is a struggle, but those who ENDURE to the end will be saved.

Memory Verse: “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

Your Role as the CRAFT Leader

• Oversee all of the creative crafts of Super Saints VBS.

• Determine the location for the crafts rotation.

• Recruit and collaborate with additional volunteer staff you might need.

• Create a list of materials needed for the week and purchase them in advance.

• Assemble and share a completed sample of each craft.

• Provide clear instructions that explain the craft step-by-step.

• Set up and clean up each day in the craft station.

• Allow creativity. While it’s important to provide guidance and structure, allow students to be creative and make their crafts unique.

• Be patient. Some students may need extra assistance or may take longer to complete their crafts. Provide support as needed.

• Set up craft stations where students can work in groups. This can encourage cooperation and also allow for more interaction and socialization.

• If you can, display the finished products. Students will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they view their work.

• Share your energy and enthusiasm about the saint, the theme, and lesson of each day.

• Pray about all aspects of the crafts for Super Saints—before, during, and after.

As a leader, you are the heart of this Vacation Bible School!

How to Create a Successful and Spiritually Enriching Experience

Plan ahead: Plan ahead: Take some time to prepare your crafts in advance. Gather any necessary materials for each day’s craft. Make sure you have enough supplies for each student.

Be flexible: Some crafts are best for younger students and others for older students. Some rotations will complete their crafts quickly while others take more time. Adjust as necessary.

Keep it fun: VBS is a time for students to learn about God in a fun and exciting way! These crafts are meant to support the teaching of each day’s theme and Super Saint in a hands-on and creative way.

Make it interactive: Encourage students to participate in discussions that relate to the lesson. This helps to keep them engaged and helps to reinforce the concepts you’re teaching.

Be patient: Students may have a lot of energy and may need reminders to stay on track. Be patient and positive, and remember that you’re making an impact in their lives.

Keep safety in mind: Make sure the environment is safe and secure. Oversee students as they use scissors and consider pre-cutting items for younger ones. Securely close and label supplies that may be dangerous (paint, glue, etc.). Have a plan in place for emergencies or unexpected situations.

Day 1

• verse poster

• 6” x 8” canvas (one per student)

Supply List

• 8-10 small paper icons for each student

• 1” paintbrush (2 students can share)

• Mod Podge (matte finish)

• Juvale 2” mini circle mirror tiles (60-pack)

• water cups for rinsing brushes

• paper towels or rags for cleaning brushes

Day 2

• verse poster

• tissue paper in different colors

• wax paper

• craft sticks

• scissors

• cut-out crosses

• white glue

Day 3

Craft One: “Stand Firm” Rocks

• paintable rocks (3-5 inches wide)

• acrylic paint markers

• butcher paper or wax paper

Craft Two: St. Catherine’s Ring From Christ

• pipe cleaners cut in half

• assortment of large buttons

• assortment of gems

• scissors

• white glue

Day 4

Craft One: Colorful Votive Candle

• disposable punch cups

• small glass cylinder vases (optional for older students)

• plastic tea lights (or real tea lights)

• assorted colors of tissue paper

• extra red, orange and yellow tissue paper

• glue

• paintbrushes

• water

• paper plates (dinner size)

• star stickers

Craft Two: Olympic Torch (for younger students)

• paper plate (one per student)

• star stickers

• tissue paper in red, yellow, and orange

• glue or tape

Day 5

• beeswax sheets: 16-1/3” x 7-2/3” (one for each student)

• roll of candle wicks (pre-cut wicks 2” more than the width of each sheet)

• scissors (to pre-cut the wick for all groups)

• 1-3 blow dryers

• blue painter’s tape

• markers

• butcher paper or wax paper

Day 1

Day 1 at a glance

Saint

Saint John the Baptist Theme

Repent

Objective

Students will understand what it means to REPENT and learn repentance is the key to our salvation. Every day we fall down and get back up.

Passage

St. John the Baptist’s Call to Repentance (Matthew 3:1-11)

Memory Verse

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)

Songs

• The Path (VBS Theme Song)

• Guess Who?

• As Many as Have Been Baptized

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• Know-Want to Know-Learn

• Read the Bible Passage

• Act It Out : Repentance

• Memory Verse

• Salt & Pepper Activity

• Color the Icon of the Saint

Snacks

• Baptism Oreos OR Locusts & Wild Honey Crafts

• Decoupage/collage of icons with mirror Games

• Falling Down & Getting Back Up

• Turn & Repent

• Preparing the Pathways

• Locusts & Honey Bees

Like a Candle:

When we sin, it is like the candle light is blown out. Each time we repent, we relight our candle. REPENT, RELIGHT, and REPEAT.

Day 1 CRAFTS overview

Objective:

Engage students in creating an Icon Collage with Reflection Mirror to visually explore the theme of repentance. Guide them to contemplate making positive life choices and aspiring to spiritual growth on their path to holiness.

Materials:

• verse poster

• 6” x 8” canvas (one per student)

• cutouts of paper icons for each student

• 1” paintbrush (2 students can share)

• Mod Podge (matte finish)

• Juvale 2” mini circle mirror tiles (60-pack)

• water cups for rinsing brushes

• paper towels or rags for cleaning brushes

Set Up:

• Prepare all the necessary materials and tools for each student.

• Organize the craft stations with enough space for students to work comfortably.

• Set up individual workstations for each student with a canvas, icons, paintbrushes, Mod Podge, and a mirror tile.

Materials:

• 6” x 8” canvas (one per student)

• 8-10 small paper icons for each student

• 1” paintbrush (2 students can share)

• Mod Podge (matte finish)

• Juvale 2” mini circle mirror tiles (60-pack)

• water cups for rinsing brushes

• paper towels or rags for cleaning brushes

Objective:

Engage students in creating an Icon Collage with Reflection Mirror to visually explore the theme of repentance. Guide them to contemplate making positive life choices and aspiring to spiritual growth on their path to holiness.

Day 1 Crafts

ICON COLLAGE

Introduction:

1. Gather the students and introduce the craft activity. Explain they will be creating an icon collage with a special mirror in the center.

2. Discuss the purpose of the mirror: to reflect their image and inspire them to aspire to become saints.

Demonstration:

1. Show a completed sample of the icon collage.

2. Explain how to decoupage their icons to the canvas:

• Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the canvas evenly.

• Apply the icon images, one at a time, overlapping them.

• Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles.

3. After the collage is dry, add a final layer of Mod Podge to the entire surface, followed by adding the mirror in the center of the canvas.

Crafting Time:

1. Instruct students to select the icons they would like to include in their collage.

2. Guide them through the process of decoupaging the icons onto the canvas. Encourage creativity in arranging the icons.

3. Assist students with Mod Podge application, ensuring they coat each icon with a thin layer for proper adhesion.

4. Encourage students to overlap the images to create texture.

5. Highlight the importance of careful brush strokes, assisting as needed.

6. Once everyone has attached all their icons, allow 5-10 minutes for that layer to set.

7. Have students gather around to discuss their creation and the icons they chose.

8. Seal the entire canvas with a final thin coat of Mod Podge, starting with the first icon that was attached. Then add the mirror to the center of the canvas with Mod Podge.

Note:

ICON COLLAGE (continued)

Ensure that the materials are prepared in advance, the workspace is organized, and students are guided through the steps of the craft with enthusiasm and care.

It’s important for the layers of Mod Podge to dry as you work. Consider having students use a blow dryer on a cool or low setting to dry their canvas between the layers.

Reflection and Discussion:

• After completing their collages, have students gather around to discuss their creations.

• Ask them how seeing their reflection in the mirror inspires them to aspire to become saints and make positive choices.

Closing: Let’s review the verse

• Gather the students near you.

• Remind them of the meaning of repentance and its connection to turning toward God.

• Emphasize the connection between the craft activity and the theme of aspiring to be numbered among the saints through repentance and positive choices.

• Have the students say the entire verse together: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)

Day 2

Day 2 at a glance

Saint

Saints Constantine & Helen

Theme

Seek Truth

Objective

Students will understand and embrace what it means to SEEK TRUTH on their journey to holiness.

Passage

The Way to the Father (John 14:1-7)

Memory Verse

“Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’” (John 14:6)

Songs

• God Is the Boss

• Finding the Cross

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• Activity: Find the Cross

• Act It Out: Finding the Cross

• Plant Basil Seeds in Small Pots OR Make Cross Necklaces

• Read the Bible Passage

• Memory Verse

• Color the Icon of the Saint

Snacks

• Rice Cake Crosses OR Mini Margherita Pizzas

Crafts

• Stained Glass Cross Games

• Truth Direction

• Cross Puzzle Relay

• Cross Target Toss

• Let’s Make the Shape of the Cross

Like a Candle:

We need light in order to see and to SEEK the TRUTH. Christ is the light of the world. HE is the Truth we are seeking.

Day 2 Crafts overview

Objective:

This craft reminds students about the importance of the Cross. When we follow Christ, Who is the Truth, we rely on Him to help us make good choices even when it is difficult.

Materials:

• verse poster

• tissue paper in different colors

• wax paper

• craft sticks

• scissors

• cut-out crosses

• white glue

Set Up:

• Prepare all the necessary materials and tools for each student.

• Organize the workstations with enough space for students to work comfortably.

• Set up individual workstations for each student, with wax paper, tissue paper, cut-out crosses, craft sticks, scissors, and glue.

• For your reference: http://www.homeeducatormom.com/2013/03/14/stained-glass-cross-easter-craft/

Day 2 Crafts

Materials:

• verse poster

• tissue paper in different colors

• wax paper

• craft sticks

• scissors

• cut-out crosses

• white glue

Objective: This craft reminds students about the importance of the Cross. When we follow Christ, Who is the Truth, we rely on Him to help us make good choices even when it is difficult.

Stained Glass Cross

Introduction:

1. Gather the students and introduce the craft activity.

2. Share how Saint Constantine saw a cross in the sky and the words, “By this sign, conquer.” The following night, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him in a dream and declared to him the power of the Cross and its significance. St. Constantine ordered a banner be made in the form of a cross and inscribed with the name of Jesus Christ. He went on to win the battle, was declared emperor, and ended the age of persecution by legalizing Christianity.

3. Also share that his mother, Saint Helen, went on an expedition to find the Cross that Jesus died on—the True Cross of Christ.

4. Remind students that while it is difficult, we must always seek the Truth. The way of the Cross is the Truth! Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

5. Explain to students they will be creating their own stained glass cross today to remind them of the importance of the Cross.

6. Discuss that when we focus on the Cross, we focus on Jesus and that helps us stay on the path to holiness.

Demonstration:

1. Show a cut-out cross and how to attach the tissue paper squares to the wax paper.

2. Refer to a completed stained glass cross as a sample of what their craft might look like.

Stained Glass Cross (continued)

Objective:

This craft reminds students about the importance of the Cross. When we follow Christ, who is the Truth, we rely on Him to help us make good choices, even when it is difficult.

Crafting Time:

1. Cut out squares of colored tissue paper or have your students tear them.

2. Pre-cut some crosses. You can use scissors to cut out the inside of the crosses.

3. Roll out a piece of wax paper that is double the width of your cross.

4. Fold wax paper in half and spread glue onto half of the wax paper using a craft stick.

5. Add tissue paper squares to the glued wax paper until all the glue is covered.

6. Spread glue all over the other side of the wax paper and fold over on top of the tissue.

7. Smooth out paper and let dry. Put some heavy books on top to help it dry flat.

8. Glue the cross to the wax paper and let dry. Then cut out the cross.

Closing:

Let’s review the verse

• Gather the students near you.

• Remind them we strive to seek truth through the Cross.

• Say the entire verse together: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’” (John 14:6)

Day 3

Day 3 at a glance

Saint

St. Catherine of Alexandria

Theme

Stand Firm

Objective

Understanding the Truth, students will be able to STAND FIRM in their faith and renounce the lies of this world.

Passage

Spiritual Weaponry (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Memory Verse

“Take up the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:13)

Songs

• The Path

• Stand Firm

• Fruit of the Spirit

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• Armor of God Experiment

• Read the Bible Passage

• Memory Verse

• Activity: Armor of God

• Color the Icon of the Saint Snack

• “Armor of God” Snack

Crafts

• St. Catherine’s Ring From Christ

• Stand Firm Painted Rocks

Games

• Shield of Faith

• Armor of God Matching Game

• Stand Firm or Stand Floppy

• Stand Firm Tag

Like a Candle:

Imagine your candle standing firm in the sand after you light it. Let us be like the candle and STAND FIRM in our faith.

Day 3 Crafts overview

Objectives:

Craft One: “Stand Firm” Rocks

Rocks are strong; they stand firm. The painted rock reminds us of standing firm on the rock of Faith.

Craft Two: St. Catherine’s Ring From Christ

This craft reminds us of the ring Christ gave to St. Catherine. She chose Him to be her bridegroom.

Materials:

“Stand Firm” Rocks

• paintable rocks (3-5 inches wide)

• acrylic paint markers

• butcher paper or wax paper

St. Catherine’s Ring From Christ

• pipe cleaners cut in half

• assortment of large buttons

• assortment of gems

• scissors

• white glue

Set Up:

• Prepare all the necessary materials and tools for each student.

• Organize the workstations with enough space for students to work comfortably.

• Set up individual workstations for each student with wax paper or butcher paper, one stone and a variety of acrylic paint markers or pipe cleaners, buttons, gems, scissors, and white glue.

Materials:

• paintable rocks (35” wide)

• acrylic paint markers

• butcher paper or wax paper

Objective:

Rocks are strong; they stand firm. The painted rock reminds us of standing firm on the rock of Faith.

Day 3 Crafts

“Stand Firm” Rocks

Introduction:

1. Gather the students and introduce the craft activity.

2. Share about the life of St. Catherine.

3. Discuss how she led many people to Christ because of her strong convictions, knowledge of the Truth, and unwavering faith.

4. Say: “St. Catherine stood firm on the rock of her faith.”

Demonstration:

1. Show the students a pre-painted rock.

2. Encourage them to be creative while they make a design that will remind them of their path to holiness.

Crafting Time:

1. Apply wax paper or butcher paper to each station to protect the table surface.

2. Give one rock to each student.

3. Allow students to use the acrylic markers to paint and decorate their rocks.

4. Start by asking each student to write “Stand Firm” on the rock in from of them. Ask them to also put their initials on the rock.

5. Encourage creativity and assist with suggestions on what to draw if needed.

Saint Catherine’s Ring from Christ

Materials:

• pipe cleaners, cut in half

• assortment of large buttons

• assortment of gems

• scissors

• white glue

Objective:

This craft reminds us of the ring Christ gave to St. Catherine. She chose Him to be her bridegroom.

Introduction:

1. Gather students and introduce the craft activity.

2. Share about the life of St. Catherine.

3. Recall the story of Saint Catherine receiving a ring from Christ. She chose him as her eternal bridegroom.

Demonstration:

1. Show the students samples of the pipe cleaner rings.

2. Encourage them to be creative while they make a design to remind them of the ring Christ gave to St. Catherine.

Crafting Time:

1. Either pre-cut pipe cleaners in half or have students cut a pipe cleaner in half.

2. String the pipe cleaner through two holes of one button, creating a ring base.

3. Have the students wrap the pipe cleaner around their finger to form a ring and twist both ends together.

4. Using a small amount of white glue, attach a gem to the button.

Closing:

Let’s review the verse

• Gather the students near you.

• Remind them of the importance of standing firm against trials and distractions from God.

• Say the entire verse together: “Take up the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:13)

Day 4

Day 4 at a glance

Saint

St. George the Trophy-Bearer

Theme

Witness

Objective

Students will understand we are like a candle in a dark world and will WITNESS their faith to others by sharing the love of Christ.

Passage

The Disciples in the World (Matthew 5:13-16)

Memory Verse

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Songs

• Patron Saint George

• This Little Light of Mine

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• This Little Light of Mine Experiment

• Read the Bible Passage

• Memory Verse

• Activity: Lightbulb

• Color the Icon of the Saint Snacks

• “Light of Mine” Cupcakes OR Sunshine Snack

Crafts

• Colorful Votive Candle

• Olympic Torch Games

• Lights On/Lights Off

• Parachute Activity

• Let Your Light Shine Relay

Like a Candle:

When you let your candle light shine, you become a WITNESS. Let your light so shine “that others may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Day 4 Crafts overview

Objectives:

Craft One: Colorful Votive Candle

The votive craft reinforces the concept of WITNESS. We must let others see our light shine—not hide it—and be a witness to the Faith.

Craft Two: Olympic Torch (for younger students)

The torch reminds students to shine their light to glorify God.

Materials:

Colorful Votive Candle

• disposable punch cups

• small glass cylinder vases (optional for older students)

• plastic tea lights (or real tea lights)

• assorted colors of tissue paper

• extra red, orange and yellow tissue paper

• glue

• paintbrushes

• water

• paper plates (dinner size)

• star stickers Olympic Torch

• paper plate (one per student)

• star stickers

• tissue paper in red, yellow, and orange

• glue or tape

Set Up:

• Prepare all the necessary materials and tools for each student.

• Organize the workstations with enough space for students to work comfortably.

• Set up individual workstations for each student with a cup, tea light candle, tissue paper, glue, and paintbrush.

• In multiple cups, pre-mix 2 parts glue to 1 part water and place at the workstations.

Day 4 Crafts

Colorful Votive Candle

Materials:

• disposable punch cups

• small glass cylinder vases (optional for older students)

• plastic tea lights (or real tea lights)

• assorted colors of tissue paper

• glue

• paintbrushes

• water

• butcher paper

Objective:

The votive craft reinforces the concept of WITNESS. We must let others see our light shine—not hide it—and be a witness to the Faith.

Introduction:

1. Gather the students and introduce the craft activity.

2. Share about the life of St. George.

3. Discuss how he was able to show his light through his witness and how we are called to do the same.

Demonstration:

1. Show the students a pre-decorated votive.

2. Encourage creativity when they decorate their own votive candle.

Crafting Time:

1. Have students tear the tissue paper into long, wide pieces.

2. Ask the students to turn their cups upside down and paint the outside with the glue mixture.

3. Instruct them to tear the tissue paper as they go. Encourage overlapping for experimentation with color.

4. Once the outside of their cups are covered in tissue paper, have the students paint over the outside of the tissue paper with glue to make it smooth.

5. Help students turn on (or light) their candles.

6. Place the candle inside the cup and let your light shine!

7. Sing “This Little Light of Mine” and act out “hiding it under a bushel” with the group.

Materials:

• paper plate (one per student)

• star stickers

• tissue paper in red, yellow, and orange

• glue or tape

Objective:

The torch reminds students to shine their light to glorify God.

Olympic Torch (Option for Younger Students)

Introduction:

1. Gather the students and introduce the craft activity.

2. Share about the life of St George.

3. Discuss how he was able to show his light through his witness and how we are called to do the same.

Demonstration:

1. Show the students a pre-decorated torch.

2. If time allows, show them how to assemble their torch.

3. Explain that in the Olympics, the torch is a symbol of peace and hope.

Crafting Time:

1. Have students glue different colors of tissue paper in the center of the paper plate so that most of the paper hangs off the top of the plate

2. Roll the plate so that the bottom is more narrow than the top, forming the shape of a cone which resembles a torch.

3. Tape or glue the edge of the plate and add star stickers to the outside.

Closing:

Let’s review the verse

• Gather the students near you.

• Review the concept of shining our light as witnesses.

• Say the verse together: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Day 5

Day 5 at a glance

Saint

St. Nektarios The Wonderworker

Theme

Endure

Objective

Students will understand that the path to holiness is a struggle, but those who ENDURE to the end will be saved.

Passage

Persecution and Martyrdom (Matthew 10:16-22)

Memory Verse

“But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

Songs

• O Pure Virgin

• O Give Thanks Unto the Lord

Lesson

• Super Saint Story of the Day

• Troparion

• Activity: Soak up the Sponge

• Stories of St. Nektarios

• Bible Passage

• Memory Verse

• Activity: My Future Icon

• Weekly Themes Review

• Be Like a Candle

• Color the Icon of the Saint Snacks

• Race Ready Snack Mix OR Endurance Energizer Bowls

Crafts

• How to Make a Beeswax Candle

Games

• Parachute Endurance Popcorn

• St. Nektarios Kindness Exchange

• Super Saints Challenge

Like a Candle:

A candle must ENDURE heat and fire. “Set your heart right and be steadfast…because gold is tested in fire.” (Wisdom of Sirach 2:2-5)

Day 5 Crafts overview

Objective:

A candle must ENDURE heat and fire. This craft reminds students that like a candle we must stay lit with the Light of Christ.

Materials:

• beeswax sheets: 16-1/3” x 7-2/3” (one for each student)

• roll of candle wicks (pre-cut wick 2” more than the width of each sheet)

• scissors (to pre-cut the wick for all groups)

• 1-3 blow dryers

• blue painter’s tape

• markers

• butcher paper or wax paper

SET UP:

• Prepare all the necessary materials and tools for each student.

• Organize the workstations with enough space for students to work comfortably.

• Set up individual workstations for each student with butcher paper or wax paper, beeswax sheet, candle wick, and scissors.

*Note: There are many videos online that demonstrate how to create these candles.

Materials:

• beeswax sheets: 16-1/3” x 7-2/3” (one for each student)

• pre-cut wicks

• 1-3 blow dryers

• blue painter’s tape

• markers

• butcher paper or wax paper

Objective:

A candle must ENDURE heat and fire. This craft reminds students that like a candle we must stay lit with the Light of Christ.

Day 5 Crafts

Beeswax Candle

Introduction:

1. Welcome students to the final craft activity of the week.

2. Explain that a beeswax candle is easy to make.

Demonstration:

1. Show the students a pre-made beeswax candle.

2. Remind students how the candle relates to us and to the path we have been talking about at VBS: our path to holiness.

• REPENT: When our candle light goes out, we relight it by repenting. We ask for forgiveness daily and confess as much as we can. Repent, Relight, Repeat.

• SEEK TRUTH: Just like a candle gives off light and allows us to see, we use that light (which is Christ) to help us search for Truth. We SEEK TRUTH by going to church, hearing the Gospel being read and preached, attending church school and youth activities, praying, studying the Bible, reading the wisdom of our holy fathers and mothers, studying the lives of the saints, and more. We never stop learning. Light the way so we can properly seek the Truth.

• STAND FIRM: Once we find the Truth, we STAND FIRM in the Truth just as a candle stands firm in the sand after we light it.

• WITNESS: Our shining light serves as a WITNESS to the Truth. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

• ENDURE: Just as a candle has to endure the heat of fire, so we too must ENDURE hardships and tribulations. But if we allow Him, Christ’s light will continue to shine through us, even in hard times. Like a candle, we shine our light until the very end, offering a sweetsmelling sacrifice to God all along the way.

Beeswax Candle (continued)

Optional activity:

As a group, walk to the area where candles are lit before church. Allow the students to light their candles and remind them to offer prayers.

While you process back to the craft area, sing “This Little Light of Mine.”

Ask the students to blow out their candles and collect them. Hand them out to all students at the end of the rotation.

Crafting Time:

1. Use the blow dryer to heat up the bottom of the sheets of beeswax (adult/teen leaders only).

2. Ask students to place the wick 2” from the bottom of the sheet and start to roll.

3. Encourage the students to roll the candle slowly and tightly.

4. If the beeswax sheet becomes difficult to roll, use the blow dryer to reheat it.

5. As students complete the rolling of their candles, offer to snip the wicks.

6. Attach a piece of blue painter’s tape with each student’s initials..

After you finish making the candle, be sure to pray together the Blessing of the Candles: O Lord Jesus Christ, the True Light that enlightens every man that comes into the world, pour out Your blessing on these candles and hallow them, that as they scatter the darkness of night, so also may our hearts be enlightened by the glowing of the Holy Spirit; and may we avoid the darkness of sin, seeing only those things that are pleasing to You. May we, having overcome the darkness of this world, attain the Light that never fades; for You are our Savior and Light, and to You do we send up glory, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Closing: Let’s review the verse

• Gather the students near you.

• Discuss how we are like a candle.

• Remind them of the importance of staying on the path to holiness as we try to become like the saints. We must REPENT, SEEK TRUTH, STAND FIRM, WITNESS and ENDURE.

• Encourage students to light a candle each time they go to church and to offer prayers for their family, friends, and even people whom they may not like. Praying for our enemies helps us learn to love them.

• Say the entire verse together: “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

Icons

St. John the Forerunner

Sts. Constantine and Helen

St. Catherine

St. George

Jesus Christ

Troparia

St. John the Baptist

The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets, since thou wast granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they proclaimed.

Wherefore, having contested for the truth, thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades: that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and granting us great mercy.

Troparion

Sts. Constantine and Helen

Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man.

Troparion

St. Catherine

Let us praise the all-lauded and noble bride of Christ, the godly Catherine, the guardian of Sinai and its defense, who is also our support and succor and our help; for with the Holy Spirit’s sword she hath silenced brilliantly the clever among the godless; and being crowned as a martyr, she now doth ask great mercy for us all.

Troparion

St. George Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Troparion

St. Nektarios

The offspring of Selyvria and the guardian of Aegina, the true friend of virtue who didst appear in the last years, O Nektarios, we faithfully honor thee as a godly servant of Christ, for thou pourest forth healings of every kind for those who piously cry out: Glory to Christ Who hath glorified thee. Glory to Him Who hath made thee wondrous.

Glory to Him Who worketh healings for all through thee.

But

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

—Matthew 19:14

Heroes of our Faith

Heroes of our Faith