Press release

Area children are invited to “Spirit Wars: The Soul Awakens” Vacation Bible School Sunday, July 31 through Thursday, August 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. sponsored by Your Bucyrus Neighborhood Churches, and held at the Bucyrus UMC Outreach Center, 216 Hopley Ave.

“Spirit Wars: The Soul Awakens,” for children aged 3-11 years and youth aged 12-14 years, is a Star Wars spoof where kids learn to think of the Bible as an epic saga in which they are players. Kids attend J-Di Academy where they learn to be “J-Di’s” (Jesus disciples) and train to walk in the ways of God’s force.  Focus is placed on helping the kids become familiar with the overall message of the Bible, helping them to see how it all connects and encouraging them to be disciples of Jesus.

Squadrons of J-Di’s begin in J-Di Headquarters and travel through various training facilities as they learn a Bible story, make a craft, share a snack, participate in games and sing their praises to God.

The Pre-school squadron has its own Training Facility with special age-appropriate care.  Youth join Training Squadrons, where they assist instructors and children.

A daily offering will be collected to purchase a wagon for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, used to transport children within the hospital system. Any remaining funds will go to the Bucyrus School’s Backpack program, providing food to children when school is not in session. Boys and girls will compete to bring in the most money, with the winners crowned on the last day.

On Tuesday, August 2, the VBS moves outside to join neighbors and families for the National Night Out block party on Woodlawn Ave. between Walnut and Lane streets.

The nine Bucyrus Neighborhood Churches sponsoring this VBS include: Bucyrus UMC, Father’s Heart Healing Center, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Good Hope Lutheran Church, New Day Ministries, Salvation Army, St. Paul Lutheran Church and St. John’s UCC.

To register, call any of the church offices or come early the first night.  Those registering in advance will receive a free gift.  The BUMC Outreach Center is air conditioned and handicap accessible.

For more information, call the Outreach Center office at 419-562-5061.