To avoid religious persecution, immigrants came to America, and some settled in the eastern Lancaster County area. The Released Time program promotes religious freedom, respects the beliefs of others and provides children with an opportunity to connect with God.

"Our mission is to teach God's word to public school students," said Deb Reimers, who's been the Released Time program coordinator for the New Holland Elementary School for 11 years. "They don't have Bible classes in public schools. We're an alternative for parents. The students enter the program with parents' permission, and they leave the program with parents' permission. State law allows for religious education for one hour each week during the school day. A lot of Lancaster County schools do it."

Here's how it works. The Released Time program is designed for New Holland Elementary School students in second, third, fourth and fifth grades. The students are picked up at 2:15 p.m. on 26 Thursdays throughout the school year by the Released Time mission, then transported to Petra Church, 565 Airport Road, New Holland, for an hour of religious instruction.

After the religious instruction is complete, the mission transports the students back to New Holland Elementary, where the children finish their school days.

The Released Time program is free to attend, and registration forms will be distributed at New Holland Elementary. Representatives of Released Time will offer information and answer questions about the program at 6 p.m. at New Holland's Back-to-School Night, Thursday, Sept. 3, and the program will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 10.

The first day of school in the Eastern Lancaster County School District is Wednesday, Aug. 19.

"We have the opportunity to teach the Bible to public school students," said Reimers. "To me, it's a very valuable ministry that we get to reach kids for the Lord. I hope parents would find value in it."

"The school district is very cooperative and supportive," added Reimers. "We have a wonderful relationship with the school."

At Petra Church, the students are divided into smaller groups by grades. The kids learn weekly Bible verses, sing songs and say prayers.

Each student in the Released Time program receives a free Bible and backpack.

"There's a feeling of excitement; (the students) are feeling good about themselves," said Reimers. "It's exciting for them to leave school. It's a big deal to be with a whole different group of people. It's a different atmosphere than they're used to at school."

Last school year, about 115 students enrolled in the Released Time program at Petra Church. Reimers said about two-thirds of those students had already been in church.

The Released Time program is staffed by more than 50 volunteers who are associated with churches across the New Holland region.

The Released Time program in New Holland was started in 1992.

"What's amazing to me is how we've grown in favor in the community," said Reimers. "We've grown every year. Now, if we don't get over 100 participants, we're a little disappointed. We have people telling us that kids can't wait to be part of the program."

Released Time is currently seeking volunteers for this year's program. For additional information, call or text 717-283-8921 or email drjr145@yahoo.com.