PALESTINE — The completion of school and the start of summer begins a busy time for area churches, who are holding what many consider to be one of their largest outreach efforts of the year — Vacation Bible School.

Each respective church sets their own dates, lengths and themes for the event — from airplanes and trains to island adventures and trips to Bible times. The usual five-day VBS, includes Bible and/or mission lessons, music, games, crafts and snacks.

Below are the Vacation Bible Schools taking this week:

• Cedar Creek Missionary Baptist Church, located on FM 322, from 6 to 9 p.m. today through Thursday for children ages 5-13. The theme is “SKY (Everything is possible with God).” A meal is served at 5 p.m.

• Grace United Methodist Church, First Christian Church and First Presbyterian Church joint VBS, from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday at Grace UMC, 1918 E. Murchison St.

• First Baptist Church of Elkhart, 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday for children age 4 through fifth grades (completed). The theme is “Incredible World — Amazement Park.” Family Night will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

• Southside Baptist Church, 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday for any child Kindergarten through sixth grade (completed). The theme is “Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity.” The church is located at 1500 Crockett Road.

• Palestine Full Gospel Church “Bethlehem Village,” 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the church, located at 1907 S. Sycamore St.

• Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Cost is $5 per child.

• Broyles Chapel Baptist Church, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The  theme is “Amazing Wonders Aviation.” A  meal will be served from 5:15-5:45 p.m.

• Memory Lane Missionary Baptist Church, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for children who have completed kindergarten through the fifth grades. The theme is “Sonlight Express, Jesus and Me.” The church is located at 2213 Crockett Rd.

Other scheduled VBS events include:

• Judson Baptist Church, located at 199 ACR 4915 in Cayuga, 9 a.m. to noon June 18-21 for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. Register at the church or online at www.judsonbaptistcayuga.com. For more information call 903-499-2601.

• New Behold Church two-day overnight VBS camp, from 3 p.m. Friday, June 22  to 7:45 p.m.  Saturday, June 23 at 5180 N. State Highway 155.

• Trinity Church Vacation Bible School will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 24-28. The theme is “Sky VBS.”  The VBS closing program will be held Thursday, June 28. The church is located at 526 Benbrook Dr.

• Grapeland Baptist Church, located on the corner of FM 227 East and Spivey Road, will hold its Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:10 p.m. June 25-29. The theme for this year’s VBS is “Space Quest” and is open to children four years through sixth grade (completed).

• First United Methodist Church of Elkhart will hold its Vacation Bible School from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 8-12 for children ages 5-12. The theme is “Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God.”

• Court Drive Church of Christ Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 9-12. The church is located at 1434 Court Dr.

• Westwood Baptist Church Vacation Bible School will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 15-19. The theme is “Adventures on Promise Island: Where Kids Discover Gods Lifesaving Love.” The church is located at 1809 Bassett Rd.

• First Baptist Church of Palestine Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 23-27. The church is located at 5700 N. Loop 256.

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VBS calendar information was taken from weekly church news submitted to the Herald-Press each week. To submit Vacation Bible School information, please e-mail community@palestineherald.com, fax to 903-729-0284 or bring it in to the Herald-Press office at 519 Elm St.