Section 1546 of the Pennsylvania School Code was amended in 1979. The changes allowed children to be released from public school for religious training of their choice. The Manheim Ministerium responded by organizing Weekday Religious Education (WRE), and about a decade ago, after the organization changed its name to Bible2School, the released time program expanded into the School District of Lancaster (SDoL). Since then, several school districts in Lancaster County have embraced Bible2School, and the program even has affiliates in Johnstown and school districts in Delaware. The program has taught over 7,100 children over the years.
At the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, Bible2School announced that it would offer its program in two Penn Manor School District (PMSD) elementary schools: Conestoga and Ann LeTort. Since then, the program has expanded to serve students from Central Manor Elementary School in addition to the aforementioned schools. More than 125 PMSD students are involved in the program, and more are expected to join next school year if everything goes according to plan and Bible2School can be offered at Pequea Elementary in the fall.
In most school districts where Bible2School programs are offered, children in second, third, and fourth grades can sign up. Second grade covers the Old Testament, third grade learns about the New Testament, and fourth grade studies discipleship. Representatives of the program will meet participating students at their school and walk or bus them to a nearby church or community center, where the program takes place. Most programs are held during the time when children have lunch or recess at school. The Bible2School released time curriculum includes worship, prayer, Bible reading, science experiments, drama skits, storytelling, games, and crafts, along with lots of small group discussion time.
Due to the program's expansion at PMSD, Bible2School is seeking adult volunteers to serve for about two hours per week during the academic year. Volunteers will meet with the same group of children every week with the goal of creating a safe and open place for children to ask questions, think about what they are learning, and consider how to apply principles to their lives.
"This program is definitely meeting a need in the community because we have more than 125 families who want to see Bible2School happen," stated Heather Myer, champion for Bible2School Penn Manor and director of the Ann LeTort program.
Recently, third-graders from Central Manor Elementary gathered inside a 30-foot-long blow-up whale to learn about the prophet Jonah from the Old Testament. Volunteer-led groups took turns entering the mouth of the whale, where they sat for about seven minutes to hear Jonah's story. According to Myer, the blow-up whale - which is shared among elementary schools in PMSD - was put together and donated by the Navigators Club at Millersville University.
To sign up children who attend Central Manor, Conestoga, or Ann LeTort, visit https://pennmanor-pa.bible2school.com/. There is no cost to families and schools because Bible2School is funded entirely through donations and implemented by trained volunteers.
To volunteer or to learn more about Bible2School, call 717-615-2944, email info@bible2school.com, or visit https://bible2school.com.
Leave a Review