Sara Escobar

Evening Star

Every year, the United Method Church, located at 208 W Cardinal Lane in Harker Heights, holds a vacation bible school as a way to offer children an exciting escape in the summer to learn religious stories, participate in crafts, and other various activities.

This year’s theme for the Church is “Passport to Peru”.

The Communications Coordinator for the church, JoAnn McKinney, says children in kindergarten through the seventh grade will learn about Peru’s culture, foods and other values. “We always try and make the different themes fun,” says McKinney, “last year we did Norway, and the kids seem to react positively to it. We start with feeding everyone before moving on to different crafts and activities.” McKinney has been with the church since 1990, and says each year is different in regards to how many children are signed up.

HHUMC has had Pastor John and Tae Beckling for the last few years, though they are planning to retire later this month. The church plans to welcome its first full-fledged woman pastor, Janette Miller, July 1.

HHUMC is a growing church dedicated to being the ROCK of Harker Heights. ROCK is an acronym for Refueling, Oasis, Clinic, and Kindergarten. The church also offers two Sunday worship services: a traditional worship service at 8:45 a.m. and contemporary worship service at 11:00 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages are held between the services starting at 9:55 a.m.

Communion is the first Sunday of each month. Communion is also served from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. each Sunday in the Prayer Room, except first Sunday.

Childcare is available and for safety of the children, Ministry Safe guidelines are enforced. These include background checks on teachers and childcare providers. A cry room is available for parents with babies. It is equipped with a changing table, extra diapers, private bathroom, and is located at the back right side of the sanctuary.

HHUMC also provides excellent programs for children and youth, and great opportunities to get involved in small groups and as a volunteer.

The vacation bible school will take place July 10 through July 13, from 5:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m each day. To register, visit http://www.vbspro.events/p/hhumc.