On July 14-18, Community Harvest Church will welcome area children from kindergarten through sixth grade to “Parable Prairie,” the ministry’s summer vacation Bible school program, held in Bethany Park 6:30 to 8:30 each evening.

Parable Prairie is a Western-themed vacation Bible school with four evenings of children’s gospel lessons, crafts, physical activities and scripture utilizing the drama of parables. On Friday, the fifth evening, children will participate in a program for their parents.

One unique feature of this special five-night program is that parents are invited to attend the first four nights with their children if they wish. Community Harvest Church recognizes that some parents may feel more comfortable staying near their children through the event–and hopes parents will enjoy the drama, music and fun that are a part of each night.

Lincoln resident and Community Harvest Church member Greg Weinert designed and wrote the materials for Parable Prairie. “We utilize the cowboy culture for this vacation Bible school for many reasons,” says Weinert. First, Weinert explains, the cowboy theme simulates the historicity of the early church.Weinert believes the Western theme gives well-known stories a new perspective, in the same way that Jesus presented scriptural concepts through dramatic story telling. “We also think that it is just plain fun,” Weinert says. “Serving the Lord should be filled with joy. Kids love to dress up and act out a different culture. They will be happy to join in the fun if the cast and volunteers give themselves over to the joy of serving the Lord.”

Members of the church make up the cast of the lighthearted Western dramas and the band that will be part of each night’s activities. Church members also will serve as teachers, register and greet children, offer snacks and lead recreational activities.

A mission team from Living Water Fellowship in Mount Vernon, Mo., will join the members of Community Harvest Church in providing this program for the children of northeast Lincoln.

Bethany Park is located at 65th and Vine Streets. Parable Prairie will be held inside the indoor shelter. For more information or if you have questions about the vacation Bible school, please call 402-730-8528 or e-mail pastormark@communityharvestlincoln.org.

Community Harvest Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in Meadowlane Elementary School on Vine Street.