Children’s Ministry (Newborn – 5th Grade)
Supporting families as they nurture their kids in faith.
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.
Sunday Morning Programming
Minneapolis Campus
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. Registration required.
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. Registration required.
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 required.
Minnetonka Campus
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.
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.
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!