finding a friendship

with god!

From June 23rd to June 26th,  1st Kids and volunteers went on an amazing undersea adventure here at 1st UMC Maryville. This SCUBA diving experience didn't require any special training or equipment and no one had to get wet.  Throughout the four nights of VBS kids immersed themselves in the Word and discovered what living water is really all about!  By the end of the four days children (and the adults) learned that God wants to be our Best Forever Friend!  


Check out our photo galleries to see how everyone dove deeper into their faith?  


VBS DAY 1


VBS DAY 2 


VBS DAY 3 


VBS DAY 4 

meet the bible buddies

scuba vbs 2024

Fun characters from under the sea join us this year at 1st UMC. These "Bible Buddies" help kids learn the Bible Point for each day and help kids learn key Bible verses.  This year, all the verses of scripture come from the Gospel of John. When kids hear the Bible Point throughout the week, they will respond with hands clasped together, "Thanks, God!"

  • Friendly dolphin named Finnley


    Dolphins love hanging out in groups with their friends and this one named Finnley is anxious to meet you on the first day of SCUBA VBS. 


    Bible Point: 

    God is a friend who loves

    Bible Story:

    God shows compassion to the people of Nineveh. (Jonah 1-3)

    Bible Verse:

    "Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." 

    John 13:34


  • Seals trust their fur to keep them dry and warm and our senses to help us dive deep and catch fish.  They also trust their parents to care for them.  Remember God is a friend you can trust!


    Bible Point: 

    God is a friend we can trust.

    Bible Story:

    Jesus calms a storm. (Mark 4:35-41)

    Bible Verse:

    "I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart." (John 14:27)

  • List Item

    Whale sharks can live a long, long time.  But when you believe in Jesus, you can live forever! God is a friend forever!


    Bible Point: 

    God is a friend forever.

    Bible Story:

    Jesus dies and comes back to life. (John 18-20)

    Bible Verse:

    "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying." (John 11:25)

  • List Item

    You may not have eight arms, but you can reach out and share God's love with people around you.  God is a friend for everyone. 


    Bible Point: 

    God is a friend for everyone.

    Bible Story:

    Lydia believes in Jesus. (Acts 16:11-15)

    Bible Verse:

    "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)