By Loretta Fulton

Ah, Vacation Bible School, the unofficial beginning of summer is back.

The summertime mainstay of children for generations, VBS offers spiritual growth, arts and crafts, music, refreshments, and lots of fun each summer. This year, First Baptist Church is getting a head start on everyone else, with its VBS running from Tuesday, May 27, through Friday, May 30.

Others, including the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, St. Paul United Methodist Church, and Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, are starting next week.
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 

HIGHLAND CHURCH OF CHRIST
Where: 425 Highland Ave.
When: June 28
Theme: Bible Times Marketplace. “Families will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, experiencing the sights and sounds of life long ago in a marketplace by the Sea of Galilee.”
Registration: Email ashleycrisp@highlandchurch.org

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE HEAVENLY REST
Where: 602 Meander St.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 2-4
Theme: Always: A Story About God’s Love for You
Registration: Click here

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 1333 N. Third St.
When:  9 a.m.-noon May 27-29 and 9 a.m.-12:30 Friday, May 30
Theme: Magnified!
Registration: Click here

FIRST CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Where: 400 Orange St.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. June 27 and 9 a.m.-noon June 28
Theme: Come to the Table
Registration: Click here (Register by June 2 to get a free T-shirt)

PIONEER DRIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 701 S. Pioneer Drive
When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 1-5
Theme: Magnified!
Registration: Email childrens@pioneerdrive.org or call 325-692-6776 Ext. 113

WYLIE METHODIST CHURCH
Where: 3430 Antilley Road
When: June 15-18
Theme: True North-Trusting Jesus in a Wild World
Registration: Click here       

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Where: 5125 Antilley Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 14-17
Theme: Treasure Cove
Registration: Click here    

WYLIE BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 6097 Buffalo Gap Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon June 16-19
Theme: Answers in Genesis: Wonder Junction
Registration: Click here

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 2300 S. 20th St.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 8-12
Theme: Rocket Racers: On Track With Our Powerful God
Registration: 692-1500

SOUTHWEST PARK BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 2901 S. 20th St.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 8-12
Theme: Magnified!
Registration: Click here 

ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Where: St. Paul activity building, 525 Beech St.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 1-4
Theme: Road Trip: On the Go with God
Registration: Click here