In March, MaryAnn Russ of the Dallas Housing Authority declared a halt to worship services conducted by Lake Highlands United Methodist Church at LH-area apartment complexes. Violation of the separation of church and state, she claimed. But when LH residents squawked, Russ admitted her mistake and permitted services to resume. (Yes, it’s the same MaryAnn Russ who quietly made plans to settle 20 formerly incarcerated and 50 formerly homeless people in LH. Again after protests she’s retreated on the ex-cons but will proceed with installing the formerly homeless at Trinity Palms apartments on Forest Lane.)

Now, LHUMC is making plans for their annual Vacation Bible Camp at multiple apartment locations. LH is home to complexes housing needy folks of various ages and situations (the worship ban was declared for Audelia Manor, home to primarily elderly residents, but many house children and youth of all ages happy for something to do while school is out for the summer).

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This year’s camp will be held August 2-4 from 6:30 to 8 pm in the fellowship rooms at Brookshire and Glen Oaks apartments and at The New Room, a storefront location near Cici’s Pizza at Whitehurst and Skillman. The theme is Summer Jam Praise Party, and church volunteers will be serving snacks, making crafts, playing games and singing songs. If you have an interest in supporting the effort or making a donation, you can email longtime LH resident Jill Goad here.