Youth Day | East Chicago

Youth Day is at 10:45 a.m. July 13 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 3902-06 Alexander Ave. No registration is necessary and transportation is available.

FYI: Call (219) 398-2589.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN | Valparaiso

Reservations are due by 8 p.m. July 6 for the Valparaiso Christian Women's Club luncheon, "Let Freedom Ring," to be held July 10 at Old Town Banquet Center, 711 Calumet Ave. Kathy Baarman, of Holland, Mich., will be the guest speaker. Baarman escaped from communist Hungary. Doors open at 11 a.m., with luncheon at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $11.

FYI: Call Janet at (219) 464-7609 or Martha at (219) 464-4169 or e-mail emassette@verizon.net.

WORSHIP SERVICE | Portage

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 5402 U.S. 6, has added a second worship service at 11:30 a.m. Sundays. Informal and easy to understand, this service is designed for those without a traditional church background or for those who do but never quite understood the meaning behind it. Music will be led by the church's praise team. Visitors are welcome to come early or stay after the service to ask questions, request a prayer or simply to meet the Holy Cross family.

FYI: Call (219) 763-6343.

SUMMER FESTIVAL | E.C.

St. Patrick Parish hosts its 21st annual Summer Festival from 6 to 10 p.m. July 11 and 4 to 11 p.m. July 12 and 13 at 3810 Grand Blvd. Music, ethnic food, cold beverages, a beer garden and games for kids will be offered. A 60-40 bingo will be available July 11. Raffle tickets for seven cash prizes will be drawn July 13. Seating will be provided; lawn chairs are not allowed. Call to buy raffle tickets.

FYI: Call (219) 398-1036.

MUSICAL ANNIVERSARY | Gary

A ninth anniversary celebration for Pastor and First Lady Carlton Barnes Sr. will be held July 12 and 13 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 2019 Connecticut St. A musical celebration will take place at 6 p.m. July 12, with an anniversary appreciation service at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. July 13.

FYI: Call (219) 883-6149.

PUPPET SHOW | Portage

The One Way Street Puppet Ministry Performance Team will perform at 10:45 a.m. July 13 at Grace Church of the Nazarene, 5360 Clem Road. The puppet presentation is titled "Glow In The Dark" and features more than 35 different puppets, including several 6-foot puppets. The performance is for all ages. Admission is free, but an offering will be accepted. The One Way Street Performance Team, based in Centennial, Col., is presenting more than 30 different performances during its 17-state tour.

FYI: Call (219) 762-7179.

COUNTY FAIR | Valparaiso

Families can enjoy the fair at Sonharvest County Fair vacation Bible School from 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 13 through 16 at First Presbyterian Church, 3401 N. Valparaiso St. Children in preschool through grade 5 will discover how to grow in the fruit of the Spirit through lively songs, crafts, games, Bible stories and snacks. New this year is a class for adults. Advance registration is encouraged, or register at 5 p.m. July 13. Everyone is welcome to a free ice cream social July 16 as the children perform songs they learn during the week.

FYI: Call the church office at (219) 464-4985.

MECHANICS-IN-TRAINING | Dyer

Children 3 years old to sixth grade may attend vacation Bible school from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. July 14 to 18 at New Hope Community Church, 14864 101st Ave. This year's theme is Custom Garage: Loving God and Serving Others. The church will resemble a mechanic's garage. Each night features a Bible story, craft, games, signing, snacks at the filling station and surprises. Children learn the "tools" to love God and reach out to others. Prizes will be awarded each night. A musical program at 10:30 a.m. July 20 ends the program. Friends and family are invited to see the children perform and view craft projects. Register.

FYI: Call (219) 365-0529.

RAINFOREST ADVENTURE | Griffith

A popular regional vacation Bible school will be held 9 a.m. to noon July 14 to 18 at Griffith Lutheran Church, 1000 N. Broad St. This year's theme is Rainforest Adventure. Preschoolers through fifth-graders will enjoy crafts, games, music, and Bible stories and complete a mission project. A closing program with refreshments will be at 6 p.m. July 18. The children will perform songs and dances they learned during the week. There is no cost, but registration is requested.

FYI: Call (219) 838-1626.

BE A DETECTIVE | Hobart

Join the action at a free vacation Bible school, "Dino Detectives," from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 14 through 18 at Inland Manor Baptist Church, 630 N. County Line Road. Bible stories, crafts, games, puppets, skits, snacks and prizes for ages 3 through grade 6 each day,

FYI: Call (219) 734-6439.

KIDS CAMP | Portage

Children in preschool to sixth grade are invited to a free Kids' Day Camp from 9 to 11:30 a.m. July 14 to 18 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 5402 U.S. 6. The theme for the vacation Bible school is Friendship Trek. The event includes singing, crafts, recreation, snack and stories about Jesus. The children will participate in an outdoor service with a campfire theme, followed by s'mores and beverages, on July 17.

FYI: Call (219) 763-6343.