Earlier this year the congregations of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Christ Lutheran Church voted to merge to form a new congregation, Advent Lutheran Church. As the merger enters its final phase, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is planning to host a farewell barbecue next Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Current and former members or friends of the church are invited . People are asked to bring photos to help with the walk down memory lane. The church will provide meat. Those attending are asked to bring a side dish to share.

The event will take place at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 810 S. Sullivan Road.

Vacation Bible schools

• East Valley Presbyterian Church, 5305 N. Harvard Road, is finalizing plans for a Rainforest Adventure vacation Bible school Aug. 3 through 6. The first three days, the session will start with a light dinner at 5:30 p.m. and go until 8 p.m. The school will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the final day.

The session is for ages 4 and up, including adults. The charge is $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per family. Those planning to attend are asked to call the church office at (509) 924-0010 to register.

• A SonSurf Beach Bash vacation Bible school is scheduled for Aug. 1 through 4 at Spokane Valley Wesleyan Church, 16607 E. Broadway Ave. Classes will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. daily and include games, snacks, music and story time. Children age 4 through the sixth grade are invited to attend.

The suggested donation is $5 per child with a maximum of $10 per family. Call the church at (509) 924-9775 to register.