On Monday, January 2, I went to the gym, and it was packed. I said to the front desk clerk, "Why is the parking lot so full for a Monday at noon?" She responded with "Yes! There have been 700 people in the pool and gym before between 5 am and noon!" My jaw dropped … Continue reading 3 New Year’s Resolutions

At Bethlehem this Advent, we will be using from Sanctified Art – What can’t wait? It’s such a fun theme when you think about kids – “What can’t wait?” Many things come to mind like bodily functions, hope, justice, or telling the truth. So to continue with this theme, we have a What Can't Wait Christmas Program. A What … Continue reading A What Can’t Wait Christmas Program

Did you know that the ELCA has an Innovation department? Thanks to a Lilly Foundation Grant, there are congregations around the country involved in the Lead Initiative Project. Churches in the project are invited to get creative and be innovative in ministry. The week, these congregations will gather at my church Bethlehem Lutheran Church - … Continue reading Church Innovation

Last week, I got a phone call from the ELCA Churchwide’s Innovation Department. They have a neat project called the Congregations Lead Initiative. In November, this group of church innovators are coming together, and they will be doing a story swap at my church. The director of the program found this blog and asked that … Continue reading What I have heard?

Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the church. Maybe it is because I love the warmth the candles bring on chilly days? Maybe it is because I love Christmas Eve, and like a kid I wait with anticipation? Maybe it is because I love the family time I get with my own kiddos? … Continue reading Christmas Countdown

Church #48. When I worked at St John's Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN, I had the chance to work with someone who is amazing. Her name is Amanda Boe, and she is Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at St John's. Luckily, I have known her longer than that. She has 4 kids (including … Continue reading There’s a Group for That?

This year, I have been trying to reconnect with our families of littles. We have started the Itty Bitty Book Club, and now have added Itty Bitty Get-Togethers. We have reopened the nursery and have two prayer ground options: one in the sanctuary and one in an adjacent room. Now, we have added celebrating baptismal … Continue reading Celebrating Baptismal Birthdays

Faith Walk started in my first job at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities when I was Director of Children's Ministries. I can't take credit for it nor do I remember how it got started, but my then colleague now friend, Mandy Bond, probably remembers the history. Now as the Family Pastor, I love being … Continue reading Faith Walk

Storytelling works. Kids and adults alike love a good story, and the Bible is the best bundle of stories ever told. I have been a storyteller of the faith for a long time, and what I have seen is that storytelling helps with biblical fluency. In my congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, we … Continue reading Why Storytelling Works

Join Pastor Storytellers - Karen Ware Jackson and Heather Roth Johnson - for our new adventure called “Storytelling the Season” on August 15, 2022 at 12 noon CST. Graphic by KWJ What do you get with “Storytelling the Season?” (Check out the Facebook Page ,too!) + Backpack Blessings: We will share what is a blessing, … Continue reading Storytelling the Season