Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible: 3rd Grade Lock-In

On Sunday, August 24th, 115 backpack Bibles were presented to our 3rd grade children, it was an exciting day in the life of our 3rd graders, their families, and their Sunday school teachers.  And the adventure was just beginning…this past Friday over 70 children and adults joined us for our very 1st 3rd grade lock-in from 6:00-10:00pm in the Fellowship Hall, as they began the journey of “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible”.

The night began with pizza and an opening session with “Indy” and “Professor” before children began traveling to 4 different libraries that would teach the children about the books within the Bible.  The Library of Law (God’s Mighty Acts), Library of History and Poetry, Library of Prophets and Gospel Writers, and the Library of Acts and Letters.  In each Library children used their Bible and a Treasure Code Guide Book to decode scripture and learn how to look up a book, a chapter, and a verse.  Children were given an item as they left each library such as: a compass - God’s word is the same today, as it was yesterday, as it will be tomorrow; a coin - the true treasure is within the pages of the Bible; a glow stick - Jesus is the light of the world; and a lock/key - all you have to do to unlock the mystery of the Bible is to open the cover, read, study and pray.

The night closed with decorating their backpacks to carry their new treasure in and a treasure seeker sundae topped with goodies that also themed with the night.  M&M’s represented the rainbow God placed in the sky; candy hearts represented God’s love and forgiveness; gummy fish represented the life and teachings of Jesus Christ; and chocolate syrup represented the “acts” of spreading the good news.

Fun was had by all!  The blessing was the excitement I saw in the eyes of the children on Sunday, and the feedback from parents that their children came home excited about their new treasure and eager to practice reading and looking up scripture in their new Bibles.  The mystery has been unlocked, the treasure revealed, the adventure began…the journey for these children in God’s Mighty Word begins now.  Glory be to God for all His blessings on the lives of His children and their parents as they experience this adventure together!

Be sure to check out our album of photos from the event.

Sherri