Their denominations may be different, but their faith in the Bible and desire to spread its messages are fundamentally the same.

Five churches&8212;University Baptist, St. Andrews Episcopal, St. Thomas Catholic, Montevallo First United Methodist and Montevallo Presbyterian&8212;all join together each year to teach local youth about the Bible.

Freda Shivers&8217; daughter attends the Bible school, and she herself volunteers.

&8220;There&8217;s a synergy that comes with everyone coming together,&8221; Shivers said. &8220;The kids enjoy getting to see other friends they don&8217;t normally see at church. I know for my daughter that adds a lot.&8221;

Nancy Simmer, secretary at FUMC, said having the additional help means more activities.

&8220;Everybody helps with snacks, crafts and teaching,&8221; Simmer said, &8220;so we are able to draw a lot of talents from the additional resources.&8221;

Cathy Duam is a member of University Baptist and directs the program. She said more than 140 kids are enrolled this year. The Bible lessons come from a Cokesbury curriculum that centers on teachings that are reflected in all denominations beliefs. This year&8217;s theme is &8220;Lift Off; Soaring to new heights with God.&8221; The idea stems from Psalms 143:8b that reads, &8220;Teach me the way I should go, for you I lift up my soul.&8221;

The program has been held in Montevallo off and on for about 10 years.