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Letter to the editor

Churches offer good, clean fun

Summer programs give kids, and sometimes also adults, a break, usually weaving Christian lessons into activities.

By GAIL HOLLENBECK
Published June 4, 2005

INVERNESS - Exciting adventures are in store for kids this summer. They might choose to go on an African safari or join the circus. Maybe they will take a trip to Buccaneer Bay. Perhaps they will visit a construction site or have a blast on the beach.

These are just some of the opportunities being provided by local churches to combine summer fun with lessons from the Bible. Many of the programs begin this week.

The fun has already begun at Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church with Wild Wednesdays. Events like miniature golf, a trip to Kennedy Space Center, and a rope and log obstacle course are planned for each Wednesday.

Times and ages vary, and there is a fee for some events, so call the church at 746-6200 or visit www.sevenrivers.org to check each week's schedule.

"My hope is that the kids have fun and, more importantly, that they learn truths about Jesus that they never knew," said Rachel deBeer, director of children's ministries for the church. "I want kids to know Jesus as their savior and I want to disciple the children that already have a relationship with him."

DeBeer also plans to accomplish her goals through the church's vacation Bible school, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon June 27 to July 1. The theme is Construction Zone: Building Character Like Jesus.

"In every story, kids will see Jesus as the model of perfection," deBeer said. "His plans for us are divine. We've packed the week full of challenges and excitement, including an Interior Design Center with Bible stories and activities, a Hard Hat Area for games, a Brown Bag Bistro for snacks and do-it-yourself crafts, so kids will be encouraged to build their lives "according to code,' learn God's Word and hammer it home."

You can register and pay online or call the church office.

Volleyball and soccer camps will run July 25-29 for all grades. Register by July 8. Call for prices and details. The church is at 4221 W Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will offer Davey and Goliath's Circus Spectacular from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. People from 3 to 93 are welcome. A nursery attendant is available for babies and toddlers. There will be stories about Jesus, crafts, circus tunes, games, skits and new friends to meet, including Davey and Goliath. The free program will begin with a light supper. The church is at 439 E Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando. Call 746-7161.

First Presbyterian Church of Inverness, 206 Washington Ave., will host Serengeti Trek from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. The fun will include games, crafts, Bible stories and snacks. A closing program will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. Preschoolers through fifth-graders are invited, and there is no charge. Call 637-0770.

Homosassa First Assembly of God, 6430 S Lewdingar Drive (at the rear of Howard's Flea Market), invites children in kindergarten through fifth grade to join in, again, Serengeti Trek from 6:15 through 9:10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Kids will sing, play teamwork-building games, have snacks and make Bible crafts. They will gather at Gideon's campsite, Daniel's prayer room, the garden tomb of Christ, and Paul and Silas' jail cell to participate in Bible adventures. There is no charge. Call 382-4229 or 621-4607.

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church will host Kingdom of the Son, a weeklong safari for children ages 6-11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Children will experience God's love through songs, crafts, games, snacks and a Gospel lesson. The focus of the week will be The Lord's Prayer. There is no fee.

While the children enjoy vacation Bible school, pastor Jim Scherf will instruct an adult class from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. each day. The adults are welcome to join the children for snacks at 10:30 at the "Water Hole" in Luther Hall. Each family will receive a free music CD or cassette. The church is at 9425 N Citrus Spring Blvd., Citrus Springs. Call 489-5511.

First Baptist Church of Hernando will kick off its program, Beach Blast, with a family picnic and entertainment, including magic and balloon acts, from 1-5 p.m. today. Vacation Bible school will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. At noon June 12 there will be a Luau Beach Blast picnic with a dunk tank, sno-cones, popcorn and carry-in dinner. The church is at 3790 E Parson's Point Road. Call 726-6734.

Go Global With Jesus is from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday at Copeland Park in Crystal River. Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 2105 N Georgia Road, is providing transportation for parents, children and their friends to and from the park.

Pickup time at the church is 5:30, and dropoff is at 9:10 p.m. Permission forms for riding the bus are available at the church. Games, songs, crafts and Bible study events will help people learn about the power of God and the life of Christ. Bring your Bibles. Call 563-1577.

Faith Baptist Church invites kids in kindergarten through 12th grade to the Big Inning vacation Bible school from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 12-16. There will be singing, crafts, games, snacks and Bible lessons. The church is at 6918 S Spartan Ave., Homosassa Springs. Call 628-4793.

St. Anne's Episcopal, St. Timothy Lutheran and First Presbyterian Church of Crystal River will unite to host Serengeti Trek from 8:30 a.m. to noon June 20-24 at St. Anne's, 9870 W Fort Island Trail.

Each day kids will choose one specific way to live out the Bible Point at home and learn how to know God, talk to God, tell about God, love God and work for God. There is no charge. There will be programs for children and adults of all ages. To reserve a place call St. Anne's at 795-2176, St. Timothy's at 382-0435 or First Presbyterian at 795-2259.

Shepherd's Way Baptist Church, 695 N Lecanto Highway, will have a Beach Blast for kids age 4 to fifth grade from 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays, June 26 to July 31. Kids will "dig" into God's promises, provisions, presence and power. Call 628-0964.

[Last modified June 4, 2005, 06:14:28]