Lauren Estes-Velez

Hartselle Enquirer

Each summer, Vacation Bible School is enjoyed at many churches, with participation in the hundreds or more as an outreach to both children in the church and those in the community who might no longer be involved in a church, or who have never had a church family.

Fairview-The Grace Place pastor Milan Dekich said it is vital to reach people while they are young and invest in them about Jesus.

“The Christian faith is passed from person to person through relationships,” Dekich said. “At VBS children are able to build relationships with their peers and with adults who will pour into their lives the love of Jesus. They also learn to build a relationship with the word of God as they are exposed to scripture through worship and teaching.”

Although kids are the focus in vacation bible school, adults are often affected too.

Pleasant Ridge Church member and head pastor’s son Caleb Suggs said he feels that Vacation Bible School is key in both witnessing to the community and giving children fun days to look forward to in the summer.

“Vacation Bible School is very important because you get a lot of kids who don’t necessarily  go to church regularly, and they get the exposed to Jesus and the word of God,” Suggs said. “It’s a way to reach people you normally wouldn’t and also have fun while doing it.”

Several local churches announced their VBS dates and themes:

Cave Spring Baptist Church- “Camp Out” located at 187 East Cave Spring Road Decatur, AL 35603. Their dates are June 11-14 to be held at 6:00-8:00 nightly. The ages accepted are 4 years-6th Grade. You can register online at: thecsbc.com.  For more information, call 256-350-5410 or email info@thecsbc.com.

Shiloh Baptist Church located at 3941 Highway 36 East Somerville, AL 35670, Their dates are July 9-13 (Sun-Thurs), 6-8:30pm. Their theme is “Operation Arctic.”– “Grab your parkas and snow boots and get ready to explore the super-cool Arctic wonderland with us at Vacation Bible School! On our thrilling expedition, we’ll uncover the coolest book on the planet – the Bible!”

Fairview- The Grace Place located at 4154 Huckaby Bridge Rd, Falkville, AL 35622. Their dates are June 11-14 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All children through 4th grade are welcome. The theme is Gadget’s and Gizmos.

Fellowship Baptist Church Vacation Bible School will be held from June 26-30 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM nightly. Classes for all ages available. Pre-Register today at bit.ly/FBCVBS2017. Contact nowallsdecatur@gmail.com or call 256-580-6375 for more information.

East Highland Baptist Church will host Galactic Starveyors VBS for 4 yrs.-4th Grade and VBX for 5th and 6th Grade on June 19-23, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Online registration is available. The website is www.easthighlandbaptist.com.

Piney Grove Christian Church located at 388 East Piney Grove Rd Falkville 35622 is hosting their VBS on July 9-13 from 6pm-8:30 pm. The church van is available for rides. For more information or to call to schedule a ride, contact 256-784-5423.

Neel Unitd Methodist Church  is located at 6991 Danville Road Hartselle, AL 35619. They will be having a weekend VBS event with the theme “camp out.” It will be held Friday June 9; from 5:30-9, and Saturday June 10; from 9-1:00. This is for ages kindergarten to sixth grade.You are encouraged to bring a swimsuit on Saturday, and to come early to register.

First Baptist Church Hartselle is hosting a Vacation Bible School June 5-9, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for children ages 4 – 6th Grade.

Mt.Zion Baptist Church will be hosting their VBS from June 11-15th nightly  from 5:30-8:30.  A meal will be provided each night at 5:30 p.m.. There will be a nursery available, as well as, adult classes provided. The family night will be June15.

West Hartselle Baptist Church is holding their VBS for all ages (parents too) from June 11-14 at 6pm. There is a meal for attendees at 5:15pm. The address is 1640 West Main Street in Hartselle. Please contact WHBC for more information.

Hartselle First United Methodist Church will host their VBS June 11-14 from 5:30- 8 p.m., welcoming grades 3k-fifth grade.