Children’s Ministry (Newborn – 5th Grade)

Supporting families as they nurture their kids in faith.

Sunday Mornings Wendesdays Choirs Life Events

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.

Sunday Morning Programming

Minneapolis

Nursery
6 months–4 years | 8:45–11:45 am
Our staffed nursery is available year-round during worship. Families are also welcome to use the Prayer Grounds in the sanctuary or the family-friendly space nearby.

NEW! ECHO Jr.
3–6 years | 9:00 & 10:30 am
September 27, 2026–May 16, 2027
A bridge between the Nursery and ECHO for children who are ready for more. Kids enjoy Bible stories, a small lesson, and playtime with middle and high school leaders. Families choose either ECHO Jr. or ECHO.

ECHO Sunday School
3 years–5th Grade | 9:00 & 10:30 am
Begins September 20
Children begin worship with their families and then gather for songs, Bible stories, and games. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, Extended ECHO gives kids extra time together after worship with pickup in Iverson Hall.

Registration Here

Minnetonka

Encore Jr.
Newborn–3 years (with caregivers)
November 1, January 31 & May 2 | 10:35–11:05 am
A special gathering for our youngest worshipers and their caregivers featuring stories, music, movement, play, and connection with other families. Click link below to register.

Encore
3 years–2nd Grade
2nd & 4th Sundays | 10:35–11:05 am
Encore helps kids connect worship with daily life through Bible stories, prayer, art, creative activities, and snacks with friends.

NEW! Prelude (Beginning Fall 2026)
3rd–5th Grade
4th Sundays | 9:00–9:28 am
A monthly gathering before worship where students build confidence using their Bibles, ask questions, and explore real-life faith connections—with snacks included.

Register Here

Children’s Choirs

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.

 

Minneapolis

KinderChoir
4–5 years old (Pre-K) | Sundays, 10:00–10:30 am
Registration Required. 
Cantate Choir
(K-5th Grade) | Wednesdays, 6:00-6:45 pm
Choirs sing during the 10:30 am worship service about once a month.
Registration Required.

 

Minnetonka – NEW!

Mustard Seed Singers Kids Choir (3 yrs-5th Grade)
First Sundays | 10:45-11:15 am
Choir will sing during some First Sunday services throughout the year.
Registration required.

Wednesday Evening Programming

Itty Bitty Get-Togethers

Newborn–5 years
with parents, grandparents, or caregivers
Last Wednesday of each month | 6:00–7:00 pm (September–May)

Join Pastor Heather for an evening of play, singing, stories, and connection with other families. Looking for dinner first? Wednesday Night Dinner is available from 5:00–6:00 pm in Iverson Hall. Registration required.

Register Here

Baby 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 spiritual practice for a nominal fee right to your mailbox. Registration required.

Register Here

Spark Class

Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Wednesdays | 6:45–7:30 pm

The Spark Story Bible will be our guide for this adventure. As a Wednesday night group, we will investigate Bible story mysteries, deepen our relationships with our peers, and serve our community with what we find out. Registration required.

Register Here

Connect Class

Grades 3–5
Wednesdays | 6:45–7:30 pm

It’s like Pre-Confirmation, but more fun! The Connect Bible will be our guide as we investigate Bible story mysteries, deepen relationships with our peers, and serve our community with what we discover. Registration 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 More

First 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
First Communion at Bethlehem

Children’s Ministry Staff

Minnetonka Family Ministry Coordinator

Jen Gruendler

Children, Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator

Ann Masica

Phone: 612-312-3407
Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry

Melissa Ramshead

(she/her)
Pastor of Faith Formation

Heather Roth Johnson

(she/her)
Phone: 612-312-3367