As a new school year kicks off, so does a new season of Bible2School, a program that provides Christian education for elementary school students in the Manheim Central School District.

Bible2School will start for second-, third- and fourth-graders from Doe Run Elementary School the week of Monday, Sept. 21. Programs for second-, third- and fourth-graders from Baron Elementary School will begin the week of Monday, Sept. 28.

Classes will be held for Doe Run students on the following days: Mondays for second-graders, Tuesdays for third-graders, and Wednesdays for fourth-graders. Classes will run for Baron students as follows: Tuesdays for second-graders, Wednesdays for third-graders, and Thursdays for fourth-graders.

Sessions are held during students' lunch and recess time. Children are bused to the host site, Manheim BIC Church, 54 N. Penryn Road.

"Bible2school is a safe and Christ-centered environment led by caring adults who have a heart for children to hear about the love of Jesus," explained Marie Good, area coordinator for the Manheim Central Bible2School program. "Our program is age-appropriate and relevant to the child's world, engaging them in fun and hands-on activities."

Trained volunteers lead the programs, which include time for students to eat their lunches, followed by faith-based lessons and activities.

"Bible2School is a great place to make new friends, learn about God, develop a love for reading the Bible and have healthy mentoring relationships with Bible2School small group leaders," Good shared.

Bible2School has been sharing the Gospel for more than 45 years. It began in 1979, when a group of pastors known as the Manheim Ministerium held the first classes for more than 100 fifth-graders from all seven Manheim Central School District elementary schools. Today, the nonprofit provides weekly Bible classes for elementary students throughout the country. It has also expanded its services to include Bible2School Memberships, a franchise model designed to bring a Bible2School program to public schools nationwide.

Bible2School classes reach children attending public school who may not otherwise have access to church, providing an easy way for families to incorporate faith into the busy school week.

"My heart is that every child leaves Bible2School hearing the message that there is a God who sees them, loves them and delights in them," Good said.

She emphasized that the program is looking for volunteers who have a relationship with Jesus and enjoy working with children. To learn more about volunteering, contact mariegood@bible2school.com or carolrabold@bible2school.com or visit http://www.bible2school.com.

To register a child for a Bible2School program, visit the aforementioned website. Registration forms are also available in the office at Doe Run and Baron elementary schools.