An excited boy, John Hinderscheit, 12, was the winner of the bicycle drawing that was held at the Calvary Baptist and First Baptist Church fair booth during the Freeborn County Fair in August. The bike give-away is sponsored by the AWANA program that is held at Calvary Baptist Church.

For 35 years children age 4 years old through 12th grade have entered the doors of the Calvary Baptist Church for this Bible-based, nondenominational Christian program.

The AWANA program is divided into five major groups:

• Cubbies: 4 to 6 years olds

• Sparks: Kindergarten through second grade

• TnT, or Truth in Training: third through sixth grade

• Trek: seventh through ninth grade

• Journey: 10th through 12th grade

In each group children learn through age appropriate curriculum.

Caring and committed volunteer leaders, listeners and helpers nurture children spiritually. Each weekly meeting exposes children to the gospel message, Scripture memory, Bible study, awards, team-oriented games and much fun with games and activities.

AWANA meets each Wednesday evening at Calvary Baptist Church, 2016 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. September through April. You can call 373-4306 to register your child or for more information.

AWANA is the acronym of the words Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. These words are derived from verse 15 in 2 Timothy 2: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”