OPERATION OVERBOARD: Dare to go deep with God!
Dive in and discover God’s underwater universe! Swim with humpback whales and seahorses, scuba through a vibrant coral reef, and take a personal submarine to the ocean floor, where eels and octopi play. As they journey miles below the water’s surface, kids plunge into Bible stories of people with deep faith and learn to trust a God whose love is bigger than the sea.
Participants will learn to “go deep” into God’s Word for their lives, exploring the meaning and application of Bible stories about people who exhibited deep faith.
Starter Kit includes:
- Operation Overboard Catalog
- Access to FREE premium, upgraded online registration at cokesburyvbs.com
- Director
- Preschool/Kindergarten Leader
- Leader Guide for each leader (Bible Storyteller, Craft, Music, Discovery Time, Assembly, Recreation, Snack, Decorating, Mission, and Reflection Time)
- Sample copy of each age-level Student Book (Preschool/Kindergarten, Younger Elementary, Older Elementary)
- Complete Music CD with PowerPoint slides and 2 new preschool music tracks
You will also find a sample of publicity and craft materials:
- Scripture Treasures (set of 5)
- Mesh Dive Bag
- Pop-Up Card Craft
- Foam Picture Frame Craft
- Mosaic Cross Craft
- Bible Story Activity Stickers
- Small Promotional Poster
- Leader Recognition Certificate
- Student Certificate
- Invitation Postcard
- Thank-You Postcard
- Nametag
- Nametag Holder
- Nametag Attendance Stickers
- Follow-Up Photo Frame
- Craft Theme Stickers
- Iron-On Transfer
- Common English Bible Outreach Edition
Theme Scripture for the Week
“Faith is the reality of what we hope for and proof of what we don’t see.”
(Hebrews 11:1, CEB)
Key Learning and Daily Bible Verses
Session #1: DEPEND ON GOD
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, don’t rely on your own intelligence.” –Proverbs 3:5, CEB
Session #2: DARE TO CARE
“You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.” –Matthew 22:39, CEB
Session #3: CLAIM JESUS
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.” – John 3:16, CEB
Session #4: CHOOSE TO FOLLOW
“Choose today whom you will serve…. But my family and I will serve the Lord.” –Joshua 24:15, CEB
Session #5: CHANGE THE WORLD
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to every creature.” –Mark 16:15, CEB
Bible Stories
Session #1 Noah Depends on God (Genesis 6:9-13, 6:22-7:17, 8:1, 8:13-9:17)
Faith Connection- Noah showed deep faith by obeying no matter how difficult the task.
Water connection- Flood; the earth became one great sea.
Session #2 A Servant Girl Dares to Care (II Kings 5)
Faith Connection- A girl showed deep faith by helping Naaman find God’s healing.
Water connection- Naaman ducked seven times in the Jordan to be healed.
Session #3 John Proclaims Jesus (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22)
Faith Connection- John had deep faith when he proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, and that faith deepened more when he baptized Jesus.
Water Connection- John baptized Jesus with water in the Jordan River.
Session #4 The Disciples Choose to Follow Jesus (Luke 5:1-11, John 21:4-24)
Faith Connection- The disciples showed deep faith by leaving their nets and following, and that faith deepened with the second “miracle of the fish” after Jesus’ resurrection.
Water Connection- The disciples fished in a boat on the Sea of Galilee.
Session#5 Paul Delivers Good News- (Acts 27)
Faith Connection- Paul showed deep faith by trusting God’s promise in a dangerous situation, and by helping others to do the same.
Water Connection- A severe storm tossed Paul’s boat all over the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas.