Children's Ministry at Bethel Lutheran church believes that parents are the first teacher of the Word and this belief is reflected in our mission statement:

"We are committed to empowering families as partners to nurture children in a Christ-centered faith."

We strive to teach the word throughout our Sunday school program, Vacation Bible School program, Milestone Ministry program, and other activities throughout the year (Family Movie Night, Birthday Party for Jesus, GEV Day Camp at Bethel, etc.).

Children of Bethel begin Sunday School at the age of three (3 years old by Sept 1st). We offer a traditional Sunday School setting for ages 3 years (Beginners) to Fifth grade. We offer a Middle School Forum for 6th through 9th grades and Peer Ministry at the 10:30 hour for 10th Graders. Sunday school is in session from September through May. Our average Sunday school enrollment is 375 children led by 80+ teachers and classroom shepherds.

VBS occurs in the month of June. VBS runs for four days (9:00 to noon) for one week. Children who have completed Beginners Sunday School - 4th Grade are eligible. Grades 5 and up are able to volunteer to help. Registration begins in April and continues until 150 children are registered. This is a very popular offering.

GEV Day Camp at Bethel occurs later in the summer. This year, it will be July 30 - August 3. The camp meets from 9:00 - 3:00 Monday - Thursday and 9:00 - 12:00 Friday. Contact the office for registration information.


Our Milestone Ministry Program offers events through the Sunday school year marking significant steps in our children's faith. We strive to make these events meaningful for the children and their families.

• 3-year-old Sunday School Orientation and Bible Bag Event.
• 4-year-old children receive their Beginner's Bible.
• 3rd grade students receive their Adventure Bible. This Bible is used through their Sunday school and Confirmation years.
• 5th grade students receive first communion instruction.

Other special events/activities include the following (this list may change or be added to):

• Kindergarten's Someone Special Event
• 2nd Grade Stewardship Event
• Sunday School Christmas Program in December
• Family Movie Nights in the winter
• Family Sock Hop in November
• Birthday Party for Jesus in December
• Good Earth Village Day Camp at Bethel in late summer

Bethel has a wonderful Children's Ministry Team consisting of several lay members who have children in our program. This intensifies our efforts to strive for a dynamic program. New members are always welcomed on this team. Bethel employs a full-time Christian Education Director and a part-time Children's Ministry assistant.

For more information regarding Children's Ministry please call or email Daryl Jans (288-6430)

Sunday School Registration Form