(Editor's Note: The following article is the second installment in a series on Hicksville's Vacation Bible School programs.)

For decades, Trinity Lutheran Church in Hicksville has offered a Vacation Bible School program to the community. It has been a regular feature of summer in the community and has drawn hundreds of children through its doors over the years.

Although it naturally provides children with opportunities to partake in crafts and entertaining activities, the program also emphasizes and perpetuates the spirit of sharing, understanding and love in an open, diverse and compassionate environment.

This year, Trinity Lutheran's Vacation Bible School program ran from July 26 through Aug. 6. Now in its 31st year, Trinity's program is one of the few programs that still runs for two weeks and is available to children 4 years old through the sixth grade. About 200 children, from various religious denominations, participated in this year's program.

Trinity's Vacation Bible School uses materials from the Standard Publishing Company. This year's theme was "Jesus Helps You Power Up." Everyone involved in the program is a volunteer, with about 50 volunteers who make the program work. Children who were in the program can become volunteer helpers after the seventh grade.

The Vacation Bible School Program at Hicksville's United Methodist Church, which was run this year by Annette Eichenauer, took place from July 26 through July 30. The program is offered free each year and is open to children age 4 to fifth grade.

This year, United Methodist's Vacation Bible School program theme was "Lava Lava Island: Where Jesus' Love Flows." Forty-five children from various religious backgrounds attended the program and 11 adult instructors and 20 young volunteers gave their time and talents to make the program possible. The Rev. Fredric O. Jackson, pastor of United Methodist Church, also contributed a great deal of his personal time and energy to the success of the program.

Carol Finz, co-coordinator of the program, said, "The kids had such fun that they didn't want it to end. It was a wonderful way for the children to spend a week and to get to know about Jesus."

Eichenauer, who is also coordinator of Children's Ministries, remarked earlier this summer that children who participate in the church's Vacation Bible School program "Learn of God's Love for Us, through stories, music, crafts, recreation and snack time."

The Hicksville United Methodist Church is at 130 West Old Country Road and can be reached at 931-2626. Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 40 West Nicholai Street and can be reached at 931-2225.