Children’s Ministry
Operation Restoration VBS
Vacation Bible School (preschool – 5th grade)
Jump into VBS and learn all the ways that we as God’s people are called to be menders in God’s world. Together, participants will make connections between Bible stories and mending actions. We will discover simple ways to live out faith in daily life and help mend God’s creation.
- Restoration theme that inspires everyone to be menders of God’s world
- Daily themes kids understand: feed, heal, forgive, pray, and rest
- Multisensory activity centers: music, science and nature, service learning, and storytelling
MINNEAPOLIS: June 19-22, 2023, 9-12 noon OR 6-7:30 pm (family style). Click for more information.
MINNETONKA: Sundays, June 11, July 9, & August 13 – 10:30-12:00 pm with lunch. Click for more information.
Consider volunteering! VBS is a success because of volunteers. Students who have completed 6th grade and older can be crew leaders, crew leader assistants, station leaders, musicians, and large group helpers. Use the participant registration to sign up to volunteer, or contact Pastor Heather or Ann Masica with any questions.
Family Scrappy Art with Pastor Heather
Join Pastor Heather outside on the lawn with your family at the Minneapolis Campus to do some scrappy art. There will be fun art projects, probably something you would not do at home (think messy), to get your hands on and heart into. Open to all ages. Please register parent and child(ren). This is not a drop off event.
Register Here
Green Lake Bible Camp
Camp is a pivotal part of a kid’s faith as they learn about Jesus through song, silliness, and campy stuff.
If you are wanting to send your kiddo to camp, please consider Green Lake Bible Camp. They have different options and different weeks to attend.
Any questions? Just ask Pastor Heather, [email protected]
Middle School Ministries
Friday Hangouts
Fridays, June 30-August 25, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm (*No Hangout July 21*)
All students, entering 6th-8th grade in fall 2023, are invited to spend their Friday evenings at Bethlehem. We’ll have pizza plus a variety of activities, service projects, time together, and maybe a field trip or two. During Friday Hangouts, youth may choose to participate in trainings preparing them as helpers for the school-year ECHO Sunday School.
Registering for the Friday Hangouts will put you in a Realm group where you’ll receive regular notifications of each week’s activity. Once you know the activity, and your family’s schedule, you can indicate “going” or “not going” for that upcoming Friday. Most evenings are free of charge although field trips may require payment.The Friday Hangouts are open to all 6th-8th graders regardless of religious affiliation.
Register for FUN FRIDAYS
Middle School Brunch Bunch
All students, entering 6th-8th grade in fall 2023, are invited to gather on Sunday mornings for muffins, juice, and time together.
- Sundays, June 4-August 27. No Brunch Bunch on June 25 or July 2.
- Between services ≈9:50-10:25 am.
- In the Viking Room (third floor).
The Summer Brunch Bunch is open to all 6th-8th graders regardless of religious affiliation. To register you will create a Bethlehem Realm account. This does not make you a Bethlehem member. If you have a Realm account with another church, you can have Bethlehem added as an option when you log into Realm.
Youth Ministries
Youth Experiences
SALT LAKE CITY SERVICE TRIP
July 15 – July 23, Salt Lake City, Utah
Bethlehem Youth Group is going to Salt Lake City in July for a Service Learning Trip! We are glad to be partnering with Service Learning Camps to craft a service learning experience tailored to our group’s unique interests. While in SLC, we will learn about a variety of community organizations, do lots of fun service projects, and spend time exploring and doing fun outings! Registration is required; the initial deposit is due by March 1.
BOUNDARY WATERS CAMPING TRIP
August 6 – 12, Boundary Waters, MN
Bethlehem Youth Group is going on a camping trip to the Boundary Waters! The trip will be a group adventure led by experienced guides, and will include hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities! Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up ASAP!
Vacation Bible School Volunteer- June 19-22 at the Minneapolis campus & June 11, July 9, and August 13 at the Minnetonka campus
VBS is a success because of volunteers! In “Operation Restoration” VBS, kids will learn all the ways that we as God’s people are called to be menders in God’s world. Students who have completed 6th grade and older can be crew leaders, crew leader assistants, station leaders, musicians, and large group helpers.
Register here to be a volunteer in Minneapolis and here for Minnetonka!
Summer Events
See AllCES Food Shelf Volunteer Opportunity
A group of people from Bethlehem volunteer at CES Food Shelf on the second Saturday of each month. The role volunteers play at CES is vital to their success. If you’d like to learn more about joining this group, email [email protected]
Learn MoreAcross Generations: Dine N’ Discuss
We know that it can be tricky crossing the generational divide to have deep conversations, which is why we are inviting youth and congregational members to bring someone they care about from a different generation to practice doing just that at these round-table lunch events. Come to laugh, converse, and connect across generations. Events are free, and include pizza. Registration recommended.
Learn MoreFaith IRL: Earth Day Fair
Faith IRL is a series of adventures for middle schoolers that connect biblical themes to stuff we do in real life. In April, invite your friends and family members to the Wood Lake Nature Center where we’ll clean up litter, participate in a prairie restoration project, and visit booths at the Earth Day Fair. Register in advance and contact Pastor Meta or Pastor Holly for more details.
Learn MoreSummer Kick-Off Party
Bethlehem High School Youth Group is kicking off the summer with a huge outdoor party! We’ll have hotdogs and s’mores, water games like water balloons and water guns (so bring a towel!), corn hole, and other fun lawn games.
Learn MoreOperation Restoration Vacation Bible School (MTKA)
Jump into VBS Family Camp Style and learn all the ways that we as God’s people are called to be menders in God’s world. Together, participants will make connections between Bible stories and mending actions. We will discover simple ways to live out faith in daily life and help mend God’s creation.
Learn MoreOperation Restoration Vacation Bible School (MPLS)
Jump into VBS and learn all the ways that we as God’s people are called to be menders in God’s world. Together, participants will make connections between Bible stories and mending actions. We will discover simple ways to live out faith in daily life and help mend God’s creation.
Learn More