Another death happened today. My friend's dad died. Not by cancer, not by old age, not by overdose. Just life happened, and death is a part of life. But what is so hard about death is that it comes when you are not expecting it. Death can sneak up out of nowhere. Now, I am … Continue reading Unexpected Death
Uncategorized
Inside Out Jesus
Have you seen the new Inside Out 2 movie, where Riley turns into a teenager? I loved it so much that I was inspired to write Inside Out Jesus, a confirmation curriculum. But just like Riley's emotions realized it's better to work together. other pastors and youth directors have joined me in writing. The curriculum … Continue reading Inside Out Jesus
Children’s Ministry Offerings 2024-2025
As Family Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, I am always cultivating new programming or revising it. We have traditions like 3rd Grade Bibles or First Communion classes, but I also like to try new things to see what works. We are a multisite church, and ministry does not look the same at … Continue reading Children’s Ministry Offerings 2024-2025
What I have learned my first year in a DMIN?
According to Rev. Dr. Len Sweet, my paper resonated with what we are studying in semiotics, church, and culture. Check out what I have learned: Introduction A couple of years ago, I had a semiotic experience in Target with this woman, Ilene. I did not know Ilene, but we shared niceties in the line. Once … Continue reading What I have learned my first year in a DMIN?
Church Family in the Park
People long to belong. (Check out this article.) Parents at church are no different. They want to know other church people! Church is one place that all ages can make friends. Community is one of the reasons a person, or couple, or families join a congregation. Church friends are important to children and youth. By … Continue reading Church Family in the Park
Lemonade Stand Fundraisers
Are you looking for a way for your church kids can have fun serving this summer? Last year at my church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, we started providing Lemonade Stand kits for families to host their own lemonade stand in their community and raise money for My Very Own Bed. (This organization provides … Continue reading Lemonade Stand Fundraisers
VBS: Water Works
Hello Everyone! Vacation Bible School is one of my favorite weeks of the year! I love the messy and gooey fun, the singing of camp songs, and silly skits. VBS is a great tool to reach out to the community, to grow faith, and build friendships. This year, Water Works VBS is all about that: … Continue reading VBS: Water Works
Water Works: Summer Devotional
This summer at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, we are all about water! Vacation Bible School is called "Water Works" at the Minneapolis and Minnetonka campuses. (VBS Water Works will soon be a blog post!) VBS stories will cover Creation, Noah's Ark, Jonah, and Naaman. To go deeper into the water stories of the … Continue reading Water Works: Summer Devotional
The Generosity Project
In 2019, there was a great resource put together under the direction of Linda States called the "The Generosity Project." My role as a contributor allowed me to write and share storytellings and curriculum around the idea of money, family, and stewardship. Once the download was ready, the pandemic of 2020 hit and people had … Continue reading The Generosity Project
Ash Wednesday – Family Blessing Service
This year, Ash Wednesday is on February 14, Valentine's Day. We have the typical 7 pm service with all the trimmings. People love the service with Holy Communion, ashes, dimmed lights, and departing in silence. It's traditional, lovely, and we remember we are dust. But I also lead an Ash Wednesday - Family Blessing service … Continue reading Ash Wednesday – Family Blessing Service
StoryBoard 