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In Croswell this week, no fewer than six churches join to provide an ecumenical Vacation Bible School for the community's children.

And three churches in the Sandusky area found that putting on a combined Vacation Bible School program last year worked so well it's being repeated in a program that started on Monday and runs through this Thursday.

Area churches, irrespective of denomination, are learning that there is strength in numbers.

"It broadens the pool of volunteers, and funds, and our ability to reach the children and families," notes the Rev. Betty Blair, pastor of Lexington United Methodist Church. "We're also pooling creativity of sharing the message. It becomes much more fun. It's a joy to participate in that."

Gina Burton, Director of Children's Ministries for Croswell Wesleyan Church, agrees that uniting forces makes for a stronger and more enjoyable summer program.

"Some churches may have better storytellers, or they may have women who are really good with snacks, or men that are good with games. That way, you can make it a strong program in all areas, rather than rely on just your own resources," she said.

"All I know is, it's working."

The three Lexington churches Ð St. Denis Catholic, Trinity Episcopal and Lexington United Methodist Ð are simply returning to tradition, Blair said.

"Years ago the churches worked together successfully and it was a community vacation bible school," she said. "Then, for whatever reason, we got away from that. Now, we're returning to it again."

Taking advantage of Lake Huron as a backdrop, the ecumenical group recreated the time of Jesus on the shores of Gallilee.

During the weeklong program, children and adults join one of the 12 tribes of Israel and delved into traditional family life, going to temple, playing authentic games, learning songs and becoming carpenters and crafters.

The Croswell churches that joined forces are Croswell Presbyterian, Croswell United Methodist, Croswell Wesleyan, St. Patrick's Roman Catholic, Valiant Ministries and Croswell Community Church of Christ.

The theme in Croswell is "Avalanche Ranch." Children travel to different centers either for snacks, a movie, a Bible story, a craft, game or other activity. More than 100 children are participating.

"Every year the location rotates between the different churches," said the Rev. Ken Hetzel of Croswell Presbyterian. "This year it's at the Wesleyan Church. Last year it was at Valiant Ministries and before that at St. Patrick's. Plus, adult bible study goes with it."

Each church provides a committee member, which the designated lead church chairs. All contribute staff, materials and snacks.

"Since it's community, it is Christian basic," Hetzel said. "It is not denominational and is not canted in any one preference. Rather, straightforward Christian material is used and kids get basic Christian witness.

"It sends a message of unity, perhaps acceptance. It certainly sends a message of community. We are all Croswell folk and we're together in this, sharing a common faith."

St. Joseph Catholic in Sandusky, Sandusky Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist of Sandusky also joined together this summer, said Denise Ball, Vacation Bible School Director for First United Methodist.

The Sandusky program includes dinner. The theme is also "Avalanche Ranch," using guidelines from Group Publishing out of Loveland, Colo., a company that provides Vacation Bible School materials as well as other Christian based programs.

Leaders of local congregations say the benefits of uniting for special events are both practical and ideological.

Ball notes that the economy seems to be contributing to increased enrollment as well.

"In talking to people, some have mentioned that so many of the church camps that cost money are down this year, and bible schools are free," she said.

As part of the Sandusky church's program, the children make fleece blankets for the Sanilac Medical Care Facility.

"We like to try to do a mission. Rather than collecting money, we like to do something they can visually see benefit someone in the community," Ball said.

The Croswell-Lexington family of churches has for many years had an active ministerial association that meets regularly throughout the year for support and prayer.

Like the 12 tribes of Israel, the churches recognize that they all share the same root Ð and the same goal.

"It expands our outreach to community," Blair said. "Those not connected with the Methodist or Episcopal may have some connection with the Catholic Church, or vice versa, so we have a broader ability to share in outreach attempts.

"If you go back, we share common history. People have to remember we have more in common than we are different. When we are able to do things together, it sends the message that we care about each other as a community of believers and as neighbors."

Father Richard Schark, pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lexington, said, "We're all from the same family, we just wear a different uniform. Just like the ancient Hebrews."

Members of the Croswell-Lexington ministerial group try to gather on a monthly basis and talk about how to support the community, Schark said.

"We raise funds, organize community activities, such as Coats for Kids, Project Blessing.

We put aside our differences and dwell upon the main thing that the gospel tells us to do," he said.

The churches also do combined Good Friday and Thanksgiving services that are very popular with their congregations.

"We may very well do our own, but we try to do a combined periodically," Blair said. "It's refreshing to hear the pastor of the Presbyterian Church preach, the pastor of another church expound on scripture and someone else doing the prayer. When we do that, we all get closer to God."

Hetzel said, "At Sunday worship, we can celebrate our Ôdistinctives,' but this way we can celebrate what we all have in common."