WITH UPCOMING HABITAT PROJECT, VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TAKES ON CONSTRUCTION THEME AT FIRST BAPTIST

When First Baptist Church committed to building a home with Habitat for Humanity in Cape Girardeau, even the children wanted to get involved.

They'll get their chance during Vacation Bible School June 22-26. Registration is still available by calling the church at 334-9691. The event begins at 9 a.m. each day and runs until noon.

The theme "Under Construction" takes on several meanings, said Rich McClure, education director at the church.

"First, our children are under construction. That is why parents enroll them in swim lessons, baseball, piano and dance. A child's spiritual development is equally important."

The construction theme is based on the early church. "Those early believers had to discover how they could best serve God within the context of their culture," McClure said. Many committed to serving the needs of others, which helped the church grow.

"Under Construction will carry on this same idea helping children to learn to look beyond their own needs to identifying ways to demonstrate God's love in Cape Girardeau."

Children attending VBS will be issued hard hats and nail aprons as they visit "job sites" in the church.

First Baptist Church will begin construction on a three-bedroom house on Green Acres in July. It will be part of a "building blitz" in the community.

Money collected during VBS offerings will be used to help purchase something for the new homeowners of the Habitat house. The family will work alongside members of First Baptist during construction.