Volunteers help churches put on vacation Bible schools

This is the time of year when vacation Bible schools seem to spring up across the Valley. But each church that puts on a VBS session must commit to weeks of planning and have plenty of volunteers to help out.

Different companies put out themed programs each year. It’s not uncommon for churches of different denominations to offer the same program. “In January I start looking at different publications,” said children’s ministry director Pam Sims of Calvary Chapel Spokane Valley.

Sims makes her selection and has the materials in hand by mid-February. Then she starts putting everything together and lining up the two dozen volunteers needed to pull it off.

Five of those volunteers will lead each activity, which include worship songs, snacks games and crafts. “The rest of my helpers are crew leaders and go around with groups of five kids,” Sims said.

The theme of this year’s VBS is “Lava Lava Island: Where Jesus’ Love Flows.” Children age 3 through the fifth grade will attend class from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. There is no charge.

The church is at 16409 E. Broadway Ave. Call 921-9460 for more information.

This week Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is also hosting a VBS. The sessions will be held at the church, 3598 N. Harvard Road, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the church at 926-3591 for more information.

Community FunFest

Berean Bible Church has come up with a way to keep the kids busy today with a Community FunFest. The free event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. at the church, 10910 E. Boone Ave.

The event includes food and live music. There will also be a jumping castle, face painting, sidewalk chalk art and water balloon contests. Children in grades K-5 can participate in a bicycle safety rodeo.

Worship schedule changes

• The Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, 15515 E. 20th Ave., will offer a single Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. each week. Sunday school classes now meet at 9:30 a.m.

• A single worship service will begin at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday at Christ Lutheran Church, 13009 E. Broadway Ave.

• The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection is offering two new worship options to accommodate summer schedules. There is now a worship service at 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday. In July the church will begin offering an additional service at 6 p.m. each Wednesday.

The church is at 15319 E. Eighth Ave.