Internet
Explorer users will notice that the reviews are organized in a collapsible
outline. Simply click on a question and the answer will appear below it.
Resource: Mystery Mansion-
Unlocking God's Truth
Published
by:
Concordia Publishing
House.
-
Is this a "permanent" resource (i.e. you buy it once and you can reuse it over many years) or a "dated" resource (i.e. it is produced for just one summer, with a new one coming out each year)?
This is a dated resource for 2001. Lesson plans could be reused, however the materials are of limited quantities and will need to be re-ordered if available. - What
are the main goals or aims of this VBS resource?
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of the complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3. - What
is the content (i.e. particular Bible stories, a theological theme,
questions, etc.)?
This is accomplished through outreach to newcomer families, drawing together non connected Christian families, and forming Christian families with deeper connections to the faith community through Biblical teachings. - For
what ages is it intended, and how are they grouped?
3-5, 5-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, & 12-14 - What
is the structure of a week, a day, and/or class session in this VBS
program? What kinds of activities do learners engage in?
Week- 5 Sessions Session- Come on in (greeting, welcome) Introducing the Bible Story (general orientation, experience story in a variety of ways) Exploring the Bible Story (rediscover story through activities that involve problem solving techniques to reveal key ideas/theological concepts) Unlocking God's Truth (responding through song or other activities) More Mystery Activities (music, crafts, games) Heading Home (closing prayer, reminder of key idea) - What
kind of teachers would you need if you were using this VBS program?
Above and beyond teachers a Director and Assistant Director will be needed. Director- The Director works with others to plan, organize, promote, and supervise VBS. This person must have the interest, skills, and ability to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children and families. This person should expect support from church staff, the Mystery Mansion Team, and the congregation. This person is also responsible for teacher training and the development of risk management and the stewardship of resources. Assistant Director- The Assistant Director helps the Director to plan, organize, promote, and supervise VBS. This person must have the interest, skills, and ability to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children and families. This person is involved in facilitating lessons and making things happen. Teacher- Teachers work with a group of children to help them learn about Jesus and his love for them. The teachers will receive training and will work in teams with other teachers and assistants. This person should expect support from church staff, the Mystery Mansion Team, and the congregation. - What
space, resources, additional staffing, and other resources would you need to
use this VBS appropriately?
Space- At least six rooms will be needed for classes. One additional room will be needed for resources and staging. Additional Staffing- Secretary/Registrar, Teacher Assistants, Skit Director, Story Teller, Bible Application Teacher, Group Facilitator, Opening/Closing Leader, Mansion Room Leader, Discover Center Coordinator, Craft Coordinator, Recruitment Coordinator, Phone Coordinator, Music Leader, Child care Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, Transportation Coordinator, Decorations Coordinator, Snack Coordinator, Game Leader Other-Tape player, TV and VCR, Decorations for rooms, Costumes for skits, general craft supplies - What
view of children, their development, their faith, and their ways of learning
are implicit in this VBS material?
Faith-Children are thought to be discovering their faith through a questioning process. Development- Lessons are divided into age appropriate groups. Ways of learning- Children interact with concepts in order to discover the truths they hold and apply them to their lives. - As
this VBS resource treats it, what IS the Bible, how is it interpreted, and
how is it used in the VBS?
The Bible is used as a key to unlock concepts. The Bible is used primarily as stories which reveal truths. The Bible is the central focus of this curriculum. - What
theological concepts or themes are central in this VBS?
Each Mystery Mansion lesson includes a Bible story that explores the who, what, where, when, and why of Jesus, our Savior. The central focus is Christology. - How
does the promotional material (advertising or marketing pieces) relate to
the substantive content of the VBS (in other words, does it have slick
packaging, and does the packaging really have anything to do with the
content of the VBS program)?
The packaging is very eye catching. It is colorful, has strong culturally relevant images which are multiracial. The focal point of the design is finding Jesus. The design exhibits the use of crafts, room decor and costumes suggested in the lessons. It is, however a cumbersome box that gives no divisions to organize the material. It is simply a pretty box. - What is
the cost of this resource? If a small church with 25 people attending
VBS wanted to use this material, how much would they have to spend? If
a large church with 100 people attending VBS wanted to use this material,
how much would they spend?
There is a basic kit that includes the Starter kit and Director's guide. In addition they will need Teacher's guides, Teacher's Packets, and Student Leaflets. Additional resources for crafts, singing and other activities can be purchased as well. Director's and Teachers guides are available on CD Rom for an additional cost. Basic Kit Cost- $50.98 Teacher's materials for 25 learners- $136 Teacher's materials for 100 learners- $544 - Over
all, what do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of this VBS resource?
Strengths - The lesson plans are very detailed and well organized, yet flexible in their application and use of resources. The activities focus on basic concepts, are age appropriate, attractive, and exciting. Age levels overlap in the different groups to allow flexibility according to variant age populations. The Director's guide is designed to effectively develop the support structure needed to make it all work. Teacher training is provided adequately through the instruction of the Director's Guide. The components are flexible enough to allow the price to be reasonable for a small church, yet resources are available for more extravagant productions and larger groups. Weaknesses - Although it gives the appearance of flexibility, it is marketed in such a way that a smaller church may feel that they need some or all of the "extras" in order to do it right. To buy everything is very expensive. Generally speaking, it requires a huge commitment of time, persons, and resources that would make it virtually impossible for a smaller church unless some people took multiple roles in leadership. The activities for the 12-14 age group are inappropriate and border on being patronizing. The packaging is not well organized.