Clanton First United Methodist Church (CFUMC) is once again hosting its summer children’s program, “God’s World,” beginning June 29 at 6:30 p.m.

God’s World has been a tradition at CFUMC for many years. Long before “being green” was a popular idea, the late Helen E. Parrish taught children how to see God in nature and to be responsible stewards of His creation.

“It’s a children’s guide to seeing God through nature,” said Children’s Minister Chanel Bingham.

Bingham shows children “how much God loves and cares for them through the love and study of nature.” This program was the highlight of the year for her, she said.

Each week the children will learn something about “God’s world.” The first week the children will learn about ponds and fish, the second week trees and recycling, the third week the planets and the solar system and the fourth week the stars.

“We will tie it all in from a biblical aspect,” said Bingham. “I think it will be a wonderful event as well as educational.”

During the program, the children take two trips. They visited the Alabama Wildlife Federation, and on July 19 they will visit the Planetarium in Montgomery.

They will also learn memory verses and interesting facts, she said.

“Miss Helen” led many now-mature Chilton County citizens through gardens, creeks and fields to look at the wonders of nature. From a rock cliff to a blade of grass, from an army of ants to a herd of cattle, there was no natural wonder that she couldn’t draw a lesson from ­– even her treasured dinosaur bones.

Each Wednesday until July 20, Bingham will lead this adventure, and all children in the community are invited to take part.

Registration forms are available at Clanton First United Methodist Church during regular business hours and on Sunday morning.

For more information, call 755-0490 or visit children@clantonfumc.org.