Children’s Ministry (Newborn – 5th Grade)
Supporting families as they nurture their kids in faith.
Infant-Pre-K Sunday Mornings
Children, Youth, and Family Ministries (CYF) at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities want to be known in the community as the church that helps families worship together, connect with church friends, and give space to kids and students to grow in their gifts. It is all about helping kids and students to Like, Follow, and Share, who we are – CHURCH.
Like God’s word. CYF work is about connecting kids and students to God so they might know God better. We do this work together in church and in home, modeling a life of faith.
Follow Jesus. Part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus is to be part of the Christian community. We, as the family of God, learn together, play together, serve together, and grow together in Christ.
Share the Holy Spirit. All of us have God-given talents and abilities. As kids and students grow older, they will discover how their greatest passions meet the world’s greatest needs, and the church can help provide a place for them to serve.
Below are some of the ways you and your family can connect with Bethlehem. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Heather.
Sunday Morning Children’s Programming
ECHO Sunday School (MPLS)
Age 3 – 5th grade
9:00 am & 10:30 am, Minneapolis
On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month, ECHO kids start and end with their parents/caregivers in worship. After Storytime, kids follow the leader out of worship to sing songs, learn the Bible story and play games together. They return to sit with their parents at the offertory.
On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, we have Extended ECHO for the kids. The only difference is that kids do not return into the sanctuary at the end of the service. Instead, parents pick up kids in Iverson Hall on the lower level.
Register Here!ENCORE Sunday School (MTKA)
Age 3 – 4th Grade
2nd and 4th Sundays, 10:30-11 am Starting September 14!
Encore! Sunday School meets on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month right after worship. We craft, play, sing and wonder about God’s love. Kids dive into a theme from worship or the liturgical season through stories, songs, crafts, and prayers. We meet in Fellowship Hall or the Library so parents can grab a cup of coffee and mingle nearby.
Register Here!
Children’s Choirs and Handbell Ensemble (MPLS)
Children are guided in their spiritual development through the singing of age-appropriate music to the glory of God while learning to be part of a musical ensemble. They are encouraged to grow in their faith through the sharing of their voices with each other and the congregation.
Kinder Choir (4-5-year-olds) – Sundays, 10:00 am-10:30 am
Cherub Choir (K-2nd Grade) – Wednesdays, 6:15 pm-7:00 pm
Chorister Choir (3rd-5th Grade) – Wednesdays, 6:15 pm-7:00 pm
Choirs sing during the 10:30 am worship service about once a month.
To learn more about the Youth Handbell Ensemble, contact Mindy Mennicke, [email protected]
Register for Choirs
Spark Bible Investigators
For Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Wednesdays, 7:00 pm-7:45 pm, Mpls Campus
(September 10, 2025 – April 29, 2026)
The Spark Story Bible will be our guide for this adventure. As a Wednesday night group, we will explore Bible story mysteries, deepen our relationships with one another, and serve our community with what we learn.
register here!Connect Bible Investigators
For 3rd – 5th grade
Wednesdays, 7:00 pm-7:45 pm, Mpls Campus
(September 10, 2025 – April 29, 2026)
It’s like Pre-Confirmation, but more fun! The Connect Bible will be our guide for this adventure. As a Wednesday night group, we will explore Bible story mysteries, deepen our relationships with one another, and serve our community with what we learn.
register here!Infants-PreK
Sunday Mornings for Infants & Toddlers
Family-friendly spaces or prayer grounds are available at each campus in the back of the sanctuary. At the Minneapolis campus, there is also a family-friendly space in the room adjacent to the sanctuary, and the nursery is staffed year-round. Click the button below to register your child for the nursery.
Nursery RegistrationBaby Book Club
Newborn to Ages 3–5
September to June, All Campuses
Kids learn through repetition and in the laps of someone they love. Books help parents/ caregivers share their faith, and kids love it! Back by popular demand is the Baby Book Club. Each month, we will send you a faith book, an activity, and a spiritual practice for a nominal fee right to your mailbox.
Register for 2025/26
Storytime with Cindy
Newborn to Age 5 with their families
MTKA Campus; Second Wednesday (evenings) 6:00pm
Join Cindy Beltz for a faith storytime with your little ones. This simple gathering will introduce young ones and their caregivers to the basic concepts of faith through story books, crafts, and play. It also provides valuable support and encouragement for parents and caregivers, helping them discover belonging through Christ-centered relationships and radical hospitality while helping them keep the promises they made at the waters of baptism. Early faith education can shape lifelong attitudes toward church involvement and spiritual growth. By engaging our youngest members, our congregation demonstrates its commitment to whole-family ministry and invests in the future of the church.
Registration is required.
register hereItty Bitty Get Togethers
Newborn – 5 years old
September to May, Minneapolis
Last Tuesday of each month: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm, MPLS Campus
Join Pastor Heather on the last Tuesday of each month for a pizza party for families with newborns to age 3. Parents, grandparents, or caregivers will eat together, join in some play fun, and read a book right before bedtime. There is no charge for this event, but free will offering is accepted.
Registration is required.
register here
Baptism
On the day of baptism, promises are made. Parents and sponsors promise to pray for their child and nurture them in faith, teach them the prayer, creed and commandments, bring them to communion and place in their hands the Bible, and live with them among God’s faithful people, so the child will learn to trust God and care for others and the world God made. The congregation, in turn, promises to help the child grow in faith.
Baptism is a communal ritual that welcomes believers to the Christian faith. As Lutherans, we welcome people of all ages, including infants. Prior to a child’s baptism, families attend a baptism class (currently on Zoom) to explore the meaning of baptism and to become familiar with the service.
Learn MoreFirst Communion
Kids of all ages are welcome to receive communion at Bethlehem Twin Cities. Sometimes it’s easiest to respond to an invitation that’s more specific, so when kids are in first grade, we say, let’s do some training. If you haven’t already received communion, start now. If you’re older than first grade, no problem. If you’re already participating, come along, let’s learn about it.
For families that would rather participate from home we do have an independent study online Google Classroom.
register here!