Statement on Changing of VBS Curriculum

As we get ready for VBS this summer, we want to reach out to you about concerns have recently been raised with Group Publishing’s Roar VBS curriculum, especially in regards to racial and cultural in-sensitivities. Our VBS team has spent the past few weeks wrestling with these matters and discerning how to move forward. While the publisher has recently released revisions to the curriculum, we still do not feel comfortable using it.  

We have, therefore, made the decision to switch to a different VBS curriculum. One of our core values at Abiding Presence is “All are Welcome,” which helps us create an environment where we can share the message that God loves each and every one of us. We believe that the new VBS curriculum we have chosen, To Mars and Beyond, will encompass our core value beautifully.

For those of you who are already signed up for VBS, there are no changes that you need to make. At this time, we simply wanted to make you aware of our position on the matter and the switch that we have made. We hope this creates a positive and loving environment for everyone. If you have any questions in this matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of us.

We’re looking forward to a great week of VBS!

Sincerely, 

Sara Dyson (Children & Family Minister)

Kimberly (VBS Director)

Pastor Keseley (Senior Pastor at Abiding Presence)