In addition to my passion for graphic design, another element to set tone and direction for a church’s sermon series theme is set design. Currently, we are in a message series based on the same theme as our VBS. This way, we could do one big set design that would ckill two birds with one stone.
Instead of purchasing the “VBS-in-a-box” kits, LRCC strives every year to write and put a VBS together that is completely original. In light of the Avengers, the Dark Knight, and Spiderman movies that came out this summer, this year we naturally jumped into the SUPERHERO theme. The kids learned to be superheroes based on the example of our ultimate hero, Jesus. They even got a cape to wear and keep as a Superhero graduate.
We wrote original music, scripts, classes, games, and crafts all on our own. My wife came up with the entire set design from the lobby to the stage. We joked that we created the first “green” VBS design. Most of the materials we used were recycled packaging from businesses in town. From the cardboard back drops (packing materials from Lowe’s), to the rings made for the Purple lamps (packaging from Nestle barrels), to walls made with corrugated plastic squares (more packing materials). The capes for the kids were all donated shirts cut to cape form (another of my wife’s ideas)!
The lobby design was meant to feel like you are in a comic book alley with interactive elements. So, we created cutouts of some of kids’ favorite heroes for photo ops and even had a telephone booth to make “phone calls”.
The stage is set to look like a superhero classroom/multipurpose room complete with an official school crest and flashing lights.
I hope this quick overview gives you some quick inspiration to pursue your own original set design for church events, VBS, or sermon series.
Blessings,
-Chris
Hahaha! You may have seen this before, but this is too hilarious not to post again. Which ones are you guilty of? :)
Frank Viola has nailed many of the reasons why I have always come back to my senses in seasons of doubt and faith. I hope that in your own seasons of doubt, you will remember this simple list.
Part of my job as worship minister is working on the graphic design elements for our sermons. We preach through “series” all based around a singular theme. I find this the absolute best way to refine our worship planning. It points the entire staff, worship coordinators, and volunteers in one direction. I have used songs, readings, and videos I wouldn’t normally pick out or sing because of this.
And I think that is a good thing.
Here are a few of our more recent series designs. Enjoy!
Mark Love said this really well. I’ll leave it to you to take a look and see!
This is why I love music! This is a great reminder on its power - I recommend showing this to your worship team and reminding them how important their job is.
I got to be a small part of Illuminate 2012 (a youth conference in Rochester Hills, MI) this year. Led worship on Friday night with my buddy Sean Algaier and taught a couple classes. This is a great recap video of the weekend! If you are in a few hour travel radius for this event, you really need to join us next year!
