Area churches offer VBS opportunities

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With summer fast approaching, many churches in the area are gearing up for their annual community outreach endeavors, specifically vacation Bible schools.

Vacation Bible schools are a cheap or no cost way for parents to have their children entertained over several days while doing faith-related crafts, games and devotions. Some local churches also provide meals for the kids or families to enjoy.

Below is a listing of the vacation Bible schools offered in the New Richmond, Somerset, Star Prairie and Roberts areas, in order of occurrence as of press time.

June

Immaculate Conception, located at 151 S. Washington Ave. in New Richmond, is offering a VBS Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 22. According to their website, the “Crocodile Dock” VBS event goes from 1-3:30 p.m. each day and is appropriate for kids in kindergarten to fourth grade. The website also states that care and bus transportation is available for those attending summer stretch in the morning. Contact the church at 715-426-4652 or visit their website (www.ic-church.com) to register for $20.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 365 W. River Dr. in New Richmond, will have their “Amazing Desert Journey with Jesus” VBS on Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 22. Jennifer Hein, a coordinator for VBS at St. Luke’s, said VBS goes from 6-8 p.m. with a meal at 5:30 p.m. and she encourages not just kids, but families to come.

“We wanted to give an option for families to spend time together,” said Hein.

There will be a celebration picnic on Friday, June 22. There will be a dunk tank there to raise funds for Project: Clean water to help bring water to children around the world. There is no cost associated with this VBS and families can register by calling the church office at 715-246-4861 or by stopping in and picking up a registration form.

Children at Christ Lutheran Church will reach new heights as they participate in a VBS called “Sky” where they explore the idea that “everything is possible with God.” Christ Lutheran is located at 510 Germain St. in Somerset. According to their website, their VBS takes place Sunday, June 24 – Thursday, June 28, from 6-8 p.m and is appropriate for kids age 3 to fifth grade.

Those wishing to participate can register by calling the church at 715-247-3341 or online at www.somersetlutheran.org before June 24.

July

United Methodist Church, located at 209 East Second Street in New Richmond, will also be using the “Sky” VBS program. Their VBS takes place Sunday, July 29 – Thursday, Aug. 2, from 6-8 p.m. with a meal beforehand at 5:15 p.m. Children 4 years old by Sept. 1 – fifth grade are welcome to attend.

“There’s going to be time for singing,” said Michelle Henke, youth ministries leader at United Methodist Church. “They will be playing games and acting out bible stories.”

Those wishing to register can contact Henke at 715-246-3988 or visit www.newrichmondwiumc.org. The registration fee is $5 and includes a T-shirt and CD.

Prairieview Covenant Church is offering VBS from 5-8:15 p.m. July 29-Aug. 2. They are offering a light supper at 5 p.m. and then continue with the program, “Come Meet a Man Named Jesus.” According to Nancy King, pastor and VBS coordinator at Prairieview, their VBS is very interactive and includes puppets, skits and more.

“We have a lot of fun,” said King.

The program is free and those wishing to register can contact King at 715-246-0600 or Brandy Bell at 651-270-8899.

First Lutheran Church, located at 258 N. Third St. in New Richmond, will be offering a VBS July 30 – Aug. 2. Their theme is “Babylon” which talks about Daniel’s courage in captivitiy. The program goes from 9-11:30 a.m. and is $12 per child or $30 for a family.Those wishing to register can contact the church at 715-246-2133 and dial extension 25 for Shelly McNitt.

August

Roberts Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 1001 Birch Drive in Roberts, and Cross Lutheran, located at 1246 County Road TT in Roberts are teaming up for a VBS this year. Families are welcome to “Go Fish, Praise” during Aug. 5-9 from 6-8 p.m. at the Roberts UCC building. Those wishing to register can call 725-749-3225 and fill out a form. The cost is $5 per person or $10 for a whole family.

Participants at Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 415 Bridge Ave. in Star Prairie, will be transported to “Babylon” as part of their VBS event on August 6-10. The free VBS also includes a meal starting at 5 p.m. and the program goes from 6-8 p.m. Those age 3 to fifth grade are encouraged to attend.

First Baptist Church, located at 341 N. Shore Drive in New Richmond will take kids on a “Safari.” Their VBS option is August 13-17 from 9-11:45 a.m. Children pre-kindergarten - fifth grade are encouraged to sign up. For more information and to register, call the church at 715-246-2700.

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