Frequently Asked Questions...
1. WHO IS CANDY PETERSEN?
A former school teacher, Candy has been a professional writer for eleven years. Besides creating juvenile fiction, non-fiction, crafts, lyrics, and recipes, Candy’s Christian comedies have been performed by hundreds of churches across the nation. Her Advent play, If Angels Were Mortal was a finalist in the 1996 Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest, available through Pioneer Drama. (303)-779-4035.
Married 33 years, Candy has one daughter and a pet sheltie. Known for her joy in the Lord, her pet peeve is Christians who use fear tactics to bring others to the Lord. With great respect for children’s intelligence, Candy has seen firsthand their ability to absorb knowledge presented in an atmosphere of love, encouragement, and fun.
Currently, Candy is the editor and publisher of Lighted Path Publications. Most of her writing time is now spent researching and creating the Madam Q VBS series.
2. WHAT IS LIGHTED PATH PUBLICATIONS?
L.P.P. is a non-denominational, mail-order company. It was founded in 1992 after Candy field-tested her first VBS and realized its potential for reaching even the most reluctant participants. In addition to selling curriculums and related products, L.P.P. publishes a limited number of Christmas plays.
3. WHAT MAKES THIS CURRICULUM DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL ONES?
a. The entire event focuses on one Bible story, rather than a different one each day. While traditional curriculums choose a theme, then find stories to support it, L.P.P. chooses a story, then emphasizes the lessons found in it. By studying one story in depth, everyone (including the volunteer) learns new information.
b. The curriculum is drama-based. Each day begins with a clue hunt by your youth,(alias, gumshoes) then teams meet at headquarters, where they not only assist Madam Q in unraveling the Bible story, but solve their client’s problem. Now, the Bible story, rather than being a side bar in your event, becomes its focus.
c. All activities relate to this one story. Whether it is the craft, music, game, special assignment, or snack, each reinforces or expands the information given at HQ.
d. The story focuses on an imperfect Old Testament hero and his relationship to God, the Father. Most traditional curriculums and Sunday school curriculums focus on Jesus. (Jesus, however, is tied into the story on the last day, thus offering the opportunity to evangelize, if desired.)
e. The curriculum is reusable and affordable! Because the curriculum involves top quality products and is self-contained, it is an investment for future generations. No one-shot story papers, student workbooks, or cookie-cutter craft packages!
f. The service project is fun! It focuses on teamwork, reaching goals, and using one’s gifts for good, rather than "What’s in it for me, teacher?"
g. The VBA is written for 20-80 youths, ages 5-13. (A separate curriculum on the same story, is available for your 3-4 year olds.)
h. Because the curriculums are written in a series, if your church stays with the program, there are several advantages: 1. Time is saved deciphering new programs and creating new settings. 2. Youth are eager to return, remembering their past adventure. 3. Volunteers are easier to recruit. 4. Money is saved, as some products are reused. 5. Your church library grows with top-quality resources. 6. Information is not duplicated from one year to the next.
4. WHAT CURRICULUMS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE?
Madam Q and the Case of Joseph, the Dream Master; Madam Q and the Case of Moses, the Misfit; And, currently under revision and updating is Madam Q and the Mystery or Noah’s Ark.
5. I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS. HOW CAN I CONTACT YOUR COMPANY?
L.P.P is open weekdays from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, (EST). Our toll-free number is 1-888-557-7284. Our E-mail address is Lightedpat.@aol.com.