​It may not say it on the calendar, but summer is here.

Vacation Bible School is the unofficial beginning of summer, even though the calendar says summer starts June 20. But the old summer standby, VBS, will be well under way before then, with some churches starting as early as May 28.

As always, the themes carry some intriguing titles–Heavenly Rest Park, Great Big Beautiful World, SCUBA: Diving Into Friendship with God, and Kingdom Circus.

Following is a partial list of churches offering Vacation Bible School. Children are welcomed at all the churches whether their families are members or not. To add a VBS, send information to editor@spiritofabilene.com

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE HEAVENLY REST
Where: 602 Meander St.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 3-5
Theme: Heavenly Rest Park
Registration: https://heavenlyrestabilene.churchcenter.com/registrations/events

SOUTHERN HILLS CHURCH OF CHRIST
Where: 3364 Buffalo Gap Rd
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 3-5
Cost: $150
Online registration: Click here

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 1333 N. Third St.
When:  9 a.m.-noon May 28-May 30; 9 a.m.-12:30 May 31
Theme: SCUBA: Diving Into Friendship with God
Registration: Click here

FIRST CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Where: 400 Orange St.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. July 12 and 9 a.m.-noon July 13
Theme: Great Big Beautiful World
Registration: fcpc.net/connect/children

ST. PAUL/ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES
Where: St. Paul UMC, 525 Beech St.
When: 12:30-3:30 p.m. July 14; 5:50-8 p.m. July 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 16. Lunch will be provided on July 14 and dinner will be provided July 15-16.
Additional: July 16, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Adventure Cove
Theme: Christmas in July: The Heart Transformation of the Grinch with the Armor of God

PIONEER DRIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 701 S. Pioneer Drive
When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 2-6
Theme: Breaker Rock Beach-Breaker Rock Beach – God’s rock solid truth in a world of shifting sands
Registration: Non-members call main office at  325-692-677

WYLIE METHODIST CHURCH
Where: 3430 Antilley Road
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 9 (Scuba Adventure Family Night); 9 a.m.-12 noon June 10, 11, 12
Theme: Scuba-Diving into Friendship with God
Registration: http://www.wyliemethodist.com

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Where: 5125 Antilley Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 15-18
Theme: Kingdom Circus
Registration: http://www.fccabilenetx.com/

WYLIE BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 6097 Buffalo Gap Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 8-July 11
Theme: The Great Jungle Journey: An Epic Cruise From Genesis to Revelation
Online Registration: Click here

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 2300 S. 20th St.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. July 21-25
Theme: WildLive: Showcasing Christ’s Character
Online Registration: Click here

SOUTHWEST PARK BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 2901 S. 20th St.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 9-11
Theme: Breaker Rock Beach – God’s rock solid truth in a world of shifting sands
Online registration: Click here