When children attend a Bible2School class, they get to experience not only lessons from the Bible, but also focused attention from volunteers who care, said Carol Rabold, program coordinator.

"This is a safe space where kids can know somebody is listening," she said. "There's a lot of time for us to have conversations. They can ask questions and talk about what's on their mind."

Bible2School classes are now forming for the upcoming school year. They will kick off the week of Monday, Sept. 26, at districts throughout Lancaster County, including Manheim Central. The Manheim-based Bible2School program is offered at Doe Run and Baron elementary schools for second-, third- and fourth-graders. Classes meet one day a week for an hour over the students' lunch and recess time.

"The kids eat their lunch with us, and we teach them a Bible lesson," Rabold explained. "We also love to add in science experiments and other activities to make it fun for them." After a whole-group session, students are broken up into small groups. "They meet with the same adult every week, talking about the lesson they learned, sometimes playing a game or doing a craft," she stated. "The small groups allow them to develop a safe relationship with an adult who loves them and who loves Jesus. There are some really neat conversations that happen during that small-group time."

Bible2School classes are a mix of students who regularly attend church and those who do not, Rabold said, adding that this mix helps to spark some great discussions. "It's an opportunity for the kids who go to church regularly to share what they believe and the kids who don't have a home church to be introduced to this belief system," she remarked.

She believes that Bible2School classes play an important role in a child's day, even more so post-pandemic. "These kids were really going through a formative time during the height of COVID," she said. "Last year, the questions we had were deeper. The kids had a lot more concerns about safety and welfare of their families. They had bigger concerns and a lot more fears. This gives them a safe place to talk about what's worrying them."

She also noted that Bible2School classes promote values that complement what children are learning in public school. "Our goal is to come alongside the school when we're teaching our kids," Rabold said. "We're teaching them about honesty, trustworthiness, valuing other people. Our message is about honoring others and loving others."

While classes are forming, volunteer adults are also needed to run the classes, Rabold commented. "It's great for people who have flexible schedules, because we meet in the middle of the day," she said. "We ask volunteers to commit to two hours a week." She noted that training and an easy-to-follow curriculum are provided for volunteers. "This is a great opportunity for people who love kids and love to have fun with kids and who love Jesus," she stated.

To sign up for classes or to volunteer, visit http://www.bible2school.com.