Ruth, Redeemer

Sabbath morning with the VBS group. 2026 VBS team includes: Mary Ann, Edwin, Charlie, Dena, Brooke, and Joy (not pictured) (Photo used with parental permissions) (Photo courtesy of Joy Anderson)

It's the 12th year of going to Bethel, Ak for Vacation Bible School. This year we were blessed with a small and dedicated team from Wrangell, Bethel, and an outlying village. We are especially thankful for the teaching couple that joined us to round out the team, making the total 6 of us. We had a wonderful group of kids too who were engaged and ready to learn more about this year's theme.

We were inspired to share the story of Ruth and our Redeemer God after the Wrangell SDA Church has learned more about the story from the SouthEast SDA Women's Retreat last year.  We brought back the snack booth. calling it Ruth's Kitchen. And brought in a science feature, which was a big hit with the kids. Another blessed year with team.

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Schedule

Registration

Ruth’s Kitchen- 15 min
Opening Gathering- 10 min
Story Time- 15 min
Craft- 15 min
Science station- 15 min
Ruth Movie- 15 min
Closing Circle- 5 min
Total: 1. 5 hours

The registration table filled with goodie bags

The registration table was taken care of by the Bethel SDA Church.  

Here are a list of items that were at the table:

• Registration form: name, parent contact, allergies, etc
• Photo release: So we could use kids faces on our media .
• Name tags and color dots to help us split groups up for activities like craft and science station. 

Memory Verse

Ephesians 5:1-2a: Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.

This year each child, that memorized the memory verse, got a bouncy ball and a couple of glow sticks for their special prize. There weren't as many who memorized this verse as there were in year's past. Maybe it was a little long for a 4 day VBS?

VBS Team member shows memory verse on the wall.

Lessons/Story Time

Using the book of Ruth for this VBS, we naturally followed the 4 chapters of Ruth. This worked out since this year we did a 4 day VBS instead of a 5 day one like we usually do. After some discussion, it was also decided to bring back character acting for the story of Ruth. Brooke, VBS leader, stepped into the role of a somewhat clumsy but good hearted Ruth. Since she ad-libbed it all we will just give you some suggestions for what you could do. All the stories were told from the perspective of Ruth with no additional characters. 

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Day 1: Famine Journey (Ruth 1)
Ruth is on her way to Bethlehem. She stops to tell the audience tells the story of loss in the family and explains her move to Bethehem with Naomi. 

Day 2: Gleaning the Fields (Ruth 2)
Ruth is now in Bethlehem gleaning in the field of Boaz. She tells how she ended up here  and must hurry home to Naomi to share the good fortune.

Day 3:  God's Provision at the Threshing Floor (Ruth 3)
Ruth is on her way to the threshing floor of Boaz at night. She explains to the audience what Naomi has told her about kinsman Redeemer and what she must do.

Day 4: The Redeemer: Celebration (Ruth 4)
Ruth returns now married to Boaz and with a little one. She explains to the audience all that has happened and how God our Redeemer has been so good to her and Naomi. 

Music

We were excited to have not only a guitar player this year but also a piano player. We kept our list of songs to a minimum since we only had 4 days.

The theme song this year: My Redeemer Lives

Lyrics video provided for reference.

Ruth's Kitchen

VBS crew preparing for Ruth's Kitchen

Flat bread with starter bread bags

This is the second year that we have done this type of activity. The team says it is growing on them. It a great way to gather the kids and have them get some movement in before starting fully. It also allowed time for kids to arrive without missing too much at the beginning. Feel free to adjust these recipes to your group's preferences and allergy needs. 

Day 1: Trail Mix
Ingredients: Mixed nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips (sandwich bags)
Instructions: Allow the kids to mix the ratio of ingredients in their sandwich bag.
Lesson tie in: Ruth and Naomi are on a long trip, and here's a snack that people after take on a long trip. 

Day 2: Flat Bread
Ingredients: 2 c all purpose flour, 3/4 c warm water, 3 tb olive oil, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt (frying pan for cooking on stovetop)
Instructions: For the sake of speed, these flat breads are cooked on a stovetop. That being said, it took a lot longer than expected to get everyone through the activity, but the kids enjoyed. Mix all ingredients together and knead for 1-2 min. Have an adult cook it on the stovetop (or a flat griddle).
Lesson tie in: Making a quick bread like Naomi and Ruth might have done with their gathered grain.

Day 3: Mini Cheesecakes
Ingredients: 1 c graham cracker crumbs, 3 Tb coconut oil, 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 c powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions: Each kid can make a mini cheesecake in a cup or bowl. Mix graham cracker crumbs and coconut oil together; press into the cup. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whipped topping together and put on top of the graham crust. Eat immediately. 
Lesson tie in: Kids get a chance to grind the graham crackers and taste the fruits of their labor like Boaz at the threshing floor party grinding wheat and eating. 

Day 4: Wedding Feast Fruit Kebabs
Ingredients: Bananas, grapes, blueberries, honey (plus skewers)
Instructions: Chop up fruits into bite size and put in a tray. Have kids, carefully, thread the fruit onto the skewer and add honey as desired.   
Lesson tie in: Celebrating the wedding of Boaz and Ruth

Crafts

This year we tried a few new ideas using mostly items we had on hand in our church in Wrangell. Some went much better than expected and others were underwhelming. And yes we brought glitter back, because who doesn't like glitter?

Day 1: "Cracked Earth" Painting
Lesson tie in: "In Bethlehem, the ground was dry and thirsty. Sometimes we go through 'dry' times, but God is planning a way back to the harvest."

• Supplies: cardstock, glue, tan or brown paint, dish soap, paintbrush
  
• How-To:
  1. Paint a thick layer of dark brown over cardstock.
     
  2. While wet, brush a layer of white school glue over the top.
     
  3. Immediately paint tan/light brown paint (mixed with a drop of soap) over the glue.
     
  4. Watch as the drying glue pulls the top layer apart to create "famine cracks."
     

*Note: This did not turn out as we expected, so we suggest testing this out early enough to find the right ratio to make it work.

Day 2: "Field of Blessing" Finger Knitting (Optional craft: Braided Barley)
Lesson tie In: "Ruth gathered grain bit by bit. God takes our small efforts and turns them into a big blessing."

• Supplies: Yellow, tan or brown yarn
  
• How-To:
  1. Hold the yarn tail with your thumb.
     
  2. Weave behind/over fingers until you have two rows of loops.
     
  3. Pull the bottom loop over the top loop and off the finger. Repeat to create a "rope" of grain.
     
  4. Need a visual: Finger Knitting
     

 (Optional): Braided Barley 

• Supplies: Yellow, tan or brown yarn
• How-To:
  1. Cut three 36-inch strands of yarn.
  2. Tape the knotted top to a table.
  3. Braid ("outside to the middle") until desired length
  4. Need a visual: Braiding 101

Note: The finger knitting can be complicated, so little ones will need extra help. This is where having a simple braid activity as an alternative is good. And also good for the older kids who finished finger knitting fast. Once the kids got it, it became a popular craft. Kids would ask to make another one in the days ahead when they finished their craft activity.  

Day 3: Barley Kernel Pixel Art
Lesson tie in: "Every square represents one thing God provides. All these little 'squares' of grain add up to a big miracle!"

• Supplies: Yellow, brown and green foam squares, blue paper, glue (unless foam is the peel-off version), optional: yellow yarn and scissors to cut yarn
• How-To:
  1. Have kids glue form squares in the form of a stalk of wheat. Can add yarn for part of silk of the stalk
     
  2. Need a visual: see picture above for example
     
  3. 
     

Day 4: "Redemption" Spin-Art
Lesson tie In: "God takes our messy lives and spins them into something beautiful."

• Supplies: Salad spinner, cardstock, scissors, and paint (gold, but any colors you have), glitter, scissors
• How-To:
  1. Cut out circles that fit the bottom of the salad spinner
  2. Place a paper circle in a salad spinner
  3. Drop in gold/bronze paint and a handful of glitter
  4. Spin to fling the "grain" outward like it’s being winnowed in the wind!

Note: Use or find a salad spinner you don't care about using ever again. Also check that it is the kind that doesn't let water through directly to the sink. If it has holes directly out, then you'll want to find another container to spin into or else you will get it everywhere. Don't ask us how we know!

Science Station

This was an inspired activity because we planned this in lieu of games, and later found out that one of our volunteers is a science teacher. This was right up their alley, and they brought it all to life.  This was also a crowd pleaser for the kids. We found that we had enough time to do two experiments during our allotted time, except for the last day, when we had less time

Day 1: Balloon Experiments
Lesson tie in: "These balloons need air to fly, just like we need God's breath and strength for our journeys! Ruth didn't know what would happen, but she trusted God to lift her up. When have you had to be brave and trust God with something new?"

Balloon Smooch (Video directions here)

• Supplies: 2 balloons, string, tape (to hang from a doorway or table), 1 straw.
• Directions:
  1. Blow up both balloons and tie a string to each.
  2. Tape the strings to a door frame or the edge of a table so the balloons hang at the exact same height, about 6–12 inches apart.
  3. Use the straw to blow a steady stream of air directly into the space between the two balloons.
• The "Why": Fast-moving air creates an area of low pressure. The higher air pressure on the outside of the balloons pushes them together, making them "smooch".

Self- Filling Balloons (Video directions here)

• Supplies: Empty plastic bottle, vinegar (1/3 cup), baking soda (2 tsp), 1 balloon, small funnel (optional).
• Directions:
  1. Pour the vinegar into the plastic bottle.
  2. Fill the deflated balloon with baking soda (using a funnel or small spoon).
  3. Stretch the neck of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle, but keep the heavy part of the balloon hanging to the side so the powder doesn't fall in yet.
  4. When ready, lift the balloon up to dump the powder into the vinegar and watch it inflate!.
• The "Why": Mixing the acid (vinegar) and base (baking soda) creates a chemical reaction that releases Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas, which needs space to expand and fills the balloon.

Day 2: The Science of Sound
Lesson Tie in: "Sound makes things vibrate and shake—you can't always see it, but it changes everything! That day at the field, Ruth's whole life was about to shake and change in the BEST way. Sometimes God works in quiet moments to transform our lives. What's something God has changed in your life?"
 
Screaming Balloon (Video directions here)

• Supplies: Balloons, 1 small metal hex nut (from a hardware store)
• Directions: 

1. Drop the hex nut into a balloon, blow it up, and tie it. Swirl the balloon in a circular motion to make the nut spin inside

 Chicken Cup (Video directions here)

• Supplies: Plastic cup, string, 1 metal washer, water.
• Directions: 

1. Poke a small hole in the bottom of a plastic cup. Tie a string to a washer, thread the string through the hole (so the washer is inside the cup), and let the string hang down.
2. Wet your fingers and slide them down the string in short, jerky motions.

• The "Why": Sound is caused by vibration. The edges of the hex nut or the friction of your fingers on the string create vibrations that the balloon or cup amplifies so we can hear them.

Day 3: Magnetic Experiments
Lesson tie In: "Just like magnets pull metal toward them without touching, God was pulling Ruth to the right place! She was just picking up grain, but God had a bigger plan. God draws us to the right people and places too, even when we don't see it yet." 
  
Homemade Magnet (Written directions here)

• Supplies: 1 large iron nail, copper wire (insulated), D-cell battery, electrical tape, items to pick up with battery
• Directions:
  1.  Wrap the copper wire tightly around the nail dozens of times. Tape each end of the wire to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. The nail is now a temporary electromagnet!

Magnetic Fishing 

• Supplies: Paper fish, paperclips, string, a stick/dowel, a strong magnet, bucket.
• Directions:
  1.  Slide a paperclip onto each paper fish. Tie a magnet to the end of a string attached to your stick. Go "fishing" in the bucket!
• The "Why": Electricity flowing through a wire creates a magnetic field. By coiling the wire around iron, you concentrate that field to create an electromagnet.

Day 4: Unpoppable Bubbles (Video directions here)
Lesson tie- In: "These bubbles seem too delicate to last, but they're stronger than we think! God's love and promises are like that—they might seem too good to be true, but they LAST. Ruth thought her story was over, but God was writing a beautiful new chapter. God can do amazing things in YOUR life too!"

• Supplies: 1 cup distilled water, 2 tbsp dish soap, 2 tbsp vegetable glycerin, a bubble wand, thin fabric gloves (winter mittens or magic gloves work best).
• Directions:
  1. Mix the water, glycerin, and soap in a container. Stir very gently to avoid creating suds.
  2. Crucial Step: Put the mixture in the fridge for at least one hour (cold solution evaporates slower!).
  3. Put on your gloves, dip the wand, and try bouncing the bubbles on your hands.
• The "Why": Bubbles usually pop because the water layer evaporates or oil from our skin breaks the surface tension. The glycerin acts as a "moisturizer" to slow evaporation, and the gloves protect the bubble from the oils on your hands.

Goodie Bags and Q&A

Ruth Movie

A beloved tradition with our VBS continues.  We used small plastic handled bags where we put in some small fun goodie items, like balloons, activity pages, etc. Something new this year is that we added in kids bible study guides (here's an example: Bible Study Guides).

The Question and Answer time is how we end our VBS, it seems to keep the kids engaged in the lesson time. And this year we gave out bible activity books and a few left over God Said It books.

Filled goodie bags waiting by the craft supplies

We have continued to enjoy doing a movie time from the story. We recommend you buy the DVD second hand for ease. The video is called: Ruth. It is put out by NEST Video (sample of video below) 

Decorations

This year our decorations focused on the color gold and wheat fields. We used our favorite streamers and added in paper lanterns throughout. We created a little field area with "wheat" and bees. We also added some birds throughout the scene to add to field theme. We kept it basic again since we had to decorate and start in the same day. 

Ta-Dah! A Ruth, Redeemer, VBS

We hope this has inspired you to make your own Ruth, Redeemer DIY Vacation Bible School. We enjoyed bringing this to life this year. As always it is a joy to share the process with you. Enjoy!

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