TV shows inspire children's lessons
Taking their cues from popular television shows, area vacation Bible schools are gearing up for some faith-based learning.
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Taking a cue from the popular Survivor reality series, many churches will use material from "Outrigger Island," while others will center on the "Amazon Expedition." Still others will be using different themes to present the word of God through their vacation Bible school programs.
First Baptist Church of Evans is among area churches using the Outrigger Island material. The tropical theme capitalizes on Psalm 86:11, which reads, "Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth."
Angie Byrd, the church's publicity coordinator, said the purpose of vacation Bible school is to teach Scripture in a fun and inviting atmosphere.
"Some of the kids that we get have never been in a church environment," she said. "Vacation Bible school is a friendly environment, and we want them to have fun and know they are loved. We want them to know they are loved by the Lord. It sounds simple, but Jesus loves them and we want them to realize that."
Fond memories of vacation Bible school are often recalled by adults who enroll their children in similar programs. From the crafting to the skits to the easygoing environment in which the Lord's love is discussed, vacation Bible school can create memories that can last a lifetime.
"Aside from promoting the fact that these kids are loved by the Lord, we want to build relationships with them," Byrd said.
"It's something kids carry with them for the rest of their lives."
Area churches holding vacation Bible schools include:
Grovetown United Methodist Church
206 E. Robinson Ave., Grovetown; (706) 863-6668
June 1-5
6-9 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Evans
515 N. Belair Road, Evans; (706) 863-1228
June 2-6
5:45-8:30 p.m.
Theme: Outrigger Island
Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church
703 Furys Ferry Road, Evans; (706) 860-7091
June 2-6
6-8:30 p.m.
Theme: Walk It Out
Abilene Baptist Church
3917 Washington Road, Martinez; (706) 869-1774
June 2-6
9 a.m.-noon
Theme: Outrigger Island
Westside Baptist Church
261 Flowing Wells Road, Martinez ; (706) 868-5982
June 2-6
Shiloh United Methodist Church
5970 Cobbham Road, Appling; (706) 541-1295
June 2-6
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Central Church of Christ
3650 Old Petersburg Road, Martinez ; (706) 855-0801
June 3-6
Covenant United Methodist Church ( meets at Greenbrier Elementary School); (706) 877-2147)
Each Sunday, June 8-Aug. 10
10-11:15 a.m.
Theme: Outrigger Island
Grace Baptist Church
4945 Hardy-McManus Road, Evans ; (706) 868-8908
June 9-13
9 a.m.-noon
Theme: Outrigger Island
Harlem Baptist Church
105 W. Milledgeville Road, Harlem; (706) 556-6439
June 9-13
9 a.m.-noon
Theme: Power Lab: Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power
Sharon Baptist Church
6262 Cobbham Road, Appling; (706) 541-1532
June 9-13
7-9 p.m.
Theme: Jerusalem Market Place
West Acres Baptist Church
555 Gibbs Road, Evans; (706) 860-6573
June 9-13
6-8:30 p.m.
Theme: Amazon Expedition
Kiokee Baptist Church
2520 Ray Owens Road, Appling; (706) 541-9348
June 9-13
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Theme: Outrigger Island
Wesley United Methodist Church
825 N. Belair Road, Evans; (706) 869-0888
June 23-27
9 a.m.-noon
Theme: Our God is Totally Cosmic
Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church
5555 Hereford Farm Road, Evans; (706) 863-6795
July 13-17
Theme: Beach Party: Surfin' Through the Scriptures
Harlem United Methodist Church
115 Milledgeville Road, Harlem; (706) 556-6885
July 13-19
Dinner at 5 p.m., VBS at 6 p.m.
Mosaic United Methodist Church
478 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans; (706) 650-9187
Cowboy Church -- July 13, July 15-17
5:30-8:30 p.m.
New Hope Worship Center
715 South Old Belair Road, Grovetown; (706) 868-6410
July 14-18
6-9 p.m.
Stevens Creek Community Church
600 Stevens Creek Road, Augusta; (706) 863-7002
July 28-30
9 a.m.-noon
Theme: "CSI -- Clue Seeking Investigation"