Many local youth will take a look at Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth at some of the Vacation Bible Schools
which will kick off next month at various churches.
"Hometown Nazareth – Where Jesus Was a Kid" is one of the popular themes for this year’s
schools. Another common theme focuses on beach fun.
Two schools using the Nazareth theme are Weston Church of Christ and the community school in Pemberville.

Promotion for the theme indicates the youth will explore Jesus’ hometown through the eyes of his mother,
Mary, and see what a typical day was like for Jesus as a child.
In Pemberville, the churches are joining forces for a new "Community VBS." The hope is to
preserve the traditions of former VBS programs, while forging new ground in working together.
There will be two separate programs and youth can participate in either one or both. The daytime session
will be June 20-24 from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. The evening program will be the following month, running July
18-22 from 6 to 8 p.m. with family meals served at 5:30 p.m. The evening session will use the theme,
"Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street."
Both sessions will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 220 Cedar St., with the schools to be staffed by
members of all three churches. The other churches involved are Pemberville United Methodist and First
United Presbyterian Church.
Cost is $10 per child with a $30 maximum per family. The cost is the same for attending either one or
both sessions.
The programs are open to children who will reach age 4 by Aug. 1 through eighth grade.
Organizers are also planning community events on the Wednesdays between the sessions.
Online registration may be done at www.groupvbspro.com, or contact any participating church.
¥ In Weston organizers indicate participants will work in the carpentry shop, become creative in the bead
bazaar and make hand soap in the Olive Oil Shop in Hometown Nazareth. Participants will also become a
farmer in the field and visit the market for a well-deserved snack.
The kick-off event for the school will be June 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Weston Church of Christ, 13355
Center St. The actual program runs June 26-30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the same location. Activities for
the kick-off are slated for the church’s parking lot, but will be moved indoors in case of rain.
The activities planned include snacks, music and games. There will also be a live petting zoo.
Organizers say no one will be turned away and rides are available if needed. Pre-registration may be done
at the kick-off event.
¥ Custar United Methodist Church will hold a "Beach Blast" June 6-10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Organizers say this no ordinary trip to the beach, it’s a week of sand, sea, sun and fun as participants
dig into the Bible to learn about God.
The program is open to those age 3 through sixth grade. Registrations can be made by calling Cheryl Nagel
at (419) 669-3126.
¥ The Luckey Community Vacation Bible School will use a theme of "SonSurf Beach Bash" for its
offering June 13-17.
There will also be a picnic on June 16 at 6 p.m. with the program to follow at 7 p.m. Sessions are from 9
a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, located at the corner of Park and Eddy Streets will serve as the host. There is no
cost and is open to hose who are age 3 through sixth grades. Toddlers must be toilet-trained.
Participants should bring crayons, scissors, pencil, markers and glue or glue stick.
¥ Plain Congregational Church, 16011 W. Poe Road, will hold its "PandaMania" VBS June 13-17
from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The program is open to those age 3 through sixth grade. The school is free and
includes a lunch on the final day.
Register at www.groupvbspro.com.