When my kids were little, we were big into summer reading programs. The libraries here in St Paul, MN had a summer reading program, and the prize was a ticket to the MN State Fair (that's a big thing here!) But they also participated in the summer reading program with Barnes and Nobles (got a … Continue reading Story in a Bottle

Good Shepherd Sunday, or maybe it is just "Sheep" Sunday is May 8, 2022 in the Revised Common Lectionary. I love the verse that says, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27) How might you make this "Sheep" Sunday memorable? Here are 4 simple ways to do something … Continue reading Sheep Sunday

Need some Holy Week inspiration for your families? Here are a couple of ideas:Cooking is a great way to engage families at home or at church. Check out this blog about "Eating Your Way Through Holy Week!" Time an issue for your families? Consider giving preschoolers a Bible with a bookmark of Holy Week stories. … Continue reading Holy Week Swag

In Bethlehem's Itty Bitty Book Club for February, we read the book "Jesus is With Me!" by Debby Anderson. What I love about this little board book is recognizing the fact that wherever we go, Jesus goes with us! (Plush baby Jesus helps to visualize Jesus going with us!) But to expand on that topic, … Continue reading Faith Lingo

Ash Wednesday is right around the corner! For the families who can make it to Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, we have a 5:45 pm Ash Wednesday Family Blessing service. It's sweet as families come forward to put ashes on each other, hear the words they are dust, and then snuggle up together to … Continue reading Lent: Building with Jesus

Lent is around the corner starting on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022. People observe lent by fasting, worshiping, Bible studying, giving up something, and prayer. Kids love to pray! So Children's Ministries at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities has put together 40 Days to Pray! It is as simple as 1-2-3! Starting Ash Wednesday, … Continue reading 40 Days to Pray!

So I did some digging with families of infants and toddlers at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, where I serve as the family pastor. Of everyone I have talked to, most are happy little families, BUT they are tired. With interrupted sleep, working from home during a pandemic, and no vaccines for kiddos under … Continue reading Baby Book Club

As I was walking through the airport last week, Christmas music was playing. It was one of my favorite songs: "The Twelve Days of Christmas!" Immediately, I started to sing along! The tune is so catchy, and the words are absurd. So that got me thinking on how I might weave this delightful song into … Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas

It's true. I can say that I have been to the SPAM museum in Austin, MN. There are tours about the history of SPAM, even virtual tours, a gift shop, and cookbooks and recipes on how to prepare SPAM at home. I'm not sure though if SPAM ever thought they would be involved in art … Continue reading Spam Nativity Art

In 2020, it was a Covid Christmas where kid ministry was all online. Christmas program? Online. Christmas Eve family service? Online. Infant/ Toddler Christmas? You guessed it, online. Well, now it is 2021, and it is still a Covid Christmas. People are all over the map when it comes to kids, gatherings and inside programming. … Continue reading Another Covid Christmas