There are several themes being used at the Vacation Bible Schools this year.
"Davey and Goliath's Camp Creation" is being used by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
"The hall will be transformed into a camp setting with lively worship, kid-friendly skits, Bible stories, games, whimsical cabin craft projects and songs," said VBS director Ben Harrer. "You may remember watching Davey and Goliath on TV. Davey and his dog, Goliath, will guide children through Camp Creation, helping them to learn the powerful messages of God's everlasting love. Each day campers learn about God's creation while having a blast at the same time."
The Bible is "top dog" at Camp Creation. God's love and the children's stewardship response is emphasized. The program starts each night with a free dinner and ends in a worship service.
Several churches are using the "Lava Lava Island" theme.
"This year, our church is overflowing with excitement as we explore Lava Lava Island," said the Rev. Craig Davies of First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. "Our program will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for kids. Each day they will sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, enjoy tropical treats, take on a daily challenge to let Jesus' love flow home, experience electrifying Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God's Word and create Bible Point Crafts they'll take home and play with all summer long."
"Lava Lava Island is an exciting way for kids to learn more about Jesus' love," said Denise Putnam, Christian education director for the church. "We'll be studying stories about the life of Jesus. Each day we will conclude with a festive Lava Lava Luau that gets everyone involved in celebrating what we have learned. This year our children will participate in a hands-on mission project that will provide Bible story books to children in Latin America."
The First Baptist Church of Inverness will present "SonGames 2004," a week of sporting good fun.
"We are excited about our Vacation Bible School," said director Cherity Juergensmeyer. "At SonGames, children will discover how to live as members of God's team as they join in, team up, get strong, keep on and celebrate. We will have a great time with lively songs, skits, crafts, games, Bible stories and snacks - all of the things that make Vacation Bible School so much fun for the children."
"Explore the Power of Jesus" is the theme of the VBS at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. The purpose is to help everyone lean more about the power of God and the life of Christ. The theme provides a fun setting for learning about God's wisdom through games, songs, crafts, recreation and life-related Bible study.
Bethel Baptist Church will use its "Up, Up, Up and Away" theme to teach lessons each night on mountaintop events in the life of the prophet Elijah. The program will include singing, an offering contest, mystery boxes, craft projects, a Bible lesson and Bible school characters such as the Oldtimer and Wrong Way Willie. A closing program on Friday will let the children sing, speak and rehearse what they learned about Elijah's mountaintop experiences. Missionary Marc Capps and his family will be in the classes all week and will receive the offering on Friday to help furnish their home in Honduras. After the program a hot dog feast will be served.
"Happiness is the Lord" is the theme being used by Faith Baptist Church. Evangelist and Mrs. Bobby Brown will present the program with "Brother Bob" using music and ventriloquism each night.
Vacation Bible School times, dates and locations are as follows:
Davey and Goliath's Camp Creation begins with supper at 5:30 and ends at 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 439 E Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando. Adults and children prekindergarten through grade 5 are welcome. There is no charge. Call 746-7161 to register.
Lava Lava Island will be from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday at First Presbyterian Church, 206 Washington Ave., Inverness. Ages are preschool through grade 5. There is no charge. Call 637-0770 to register.
Bible school will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday at Heritage Baptist Church, 2 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills for children age 2 through grade 8. A barbecue will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12. Call 746-6171.
Up, Up, Up and Away will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Bethel Baptist Church, 2289 N McGee Drive, Hernando. Children from 4 through high school-age and adults are welcome. Call 726-1095.
Explore the Power of Jesus from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday at Copeland Park in a program sponsored by Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. A bus will transport the children to and from the church at 2105 N Georgia Road, Crystal River, to the park. For parents and children and friends. Call 563-1577 for permission slips.
Happiness is the Lord will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 13-17 at Faith Baptist Church, 6918 S Spartan Ave., Homosassa Springs. Children in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited. Call 628-4793.
Lava Lava Island will be from 9 a.m. to noon June 14-18 at Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, 4221 W Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto. K4 through fourth grade. Cost is $20 for the first child, $15 for siblings. Register at 746-6200.
Lava Lava Island will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon June 21-25 at First Presbyterian Church, 1501 SE U.S. 19, Crystal River. The program is also sponsored by St. Anne's Episcopal and St. Timothy Lutheran. All ages from 4 through adult are welcome. There is no charge. Call 527-1654 or 795-2259 to register.
Lava Lava Island will be from 9 a.m. to noon July 5-9 at First Congregational UCC Church, 7171 SW State Road 200, Ocala, for children age 6 to 12. Call (352) 237-3035 to register.
SonGames 2004 will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 18-23 at First Baptist Church of Inverness, 123 S Seminole Ave. Ages preschool through sixth grade. There is no charge. Call 726-1252 to register.
