CHILDREN & FAMILIES

At Gethsemane, we believe in building strong, loving relationships with children and we partner with parent and adult volunteers to provide safe, fun and faith-filled programs and events. Our mission is to show these young children that they are cared for and loved by Jesus, and to give them opportunities to experience God in a way that will allow their faith to grow throughout their lifetime.

Our Children’s Ministry programs focus on building relationships with our youngest children and their families. We provide caring volunteers who teach children the basic stories of the Bible and help them encounter a loving relationship with Jesus. All children learn that church is a safe place, that everyone is welcome here, and that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate them from the love of Christ.

NINA ZIESKA

Director of Children's Ministry

PASTOR

LYDIA SVENULSKI

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP

Children are always welcome at Gethsemane and we encourage you to worship together as a family. To help your family feel welcome, we offer a number of spaces and activities designed for children to experience worship in a variety of ways. We trust families will find the option(s) that work best for them. If you happen to have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to an usher, pastor or any member of our Children, Youth & Family staff.

ACTIVITY BAGS

Located in the Narthex, these bags contain a wide variety of items to keep little hands occupied. There are busy bags geared for different age levels including toddlers, preschool and elementary ages. Children’s bulletins and coloring pages are also available nearby.

THE PRAYGROUND

At Gethsemane, as Jesus did, we welcome children of all ages – and we welcome the sounds and activity that accompany them! One of these options is the PrayGround. The PrayGround is located in the Narthex across from the ushers' desk. This area is designed for little ones to play and crawl during worship.

NURSERY

If you prefer, or if your little one simply needs a break, there is a nursery available for you and your little one. The nursery is not currently attended, so we as that at least one parent/adult accompany their little ones while in the nursery.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

"but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’" Mark 19:14

Gethsemane Lutheran church strives to partner with parents as they pass along the gift of faith to their children. We believe that children can sense the presence of God’s love even at a very early age. Our programs offer engaging Bible stories, activities, worship, and fellowship. Gethsemane offers Sunday school to children ages 3 through 6th grade.

You do not need to be a member of our congregation to participate in Sunday school or any other activity through Gethsemane. All are welcome here.

REGISTRATION

Registration is open for the 2026-27 school year.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

It's time to start planning for the summer! Join us for a week of VBS "At the Table" where we will explore Bible stories, camp songs, games, crafts, snacks, and more.

Toilet-trained children ages 3 - 5th grade-graduates are invited to join us! The registration fee is $40, with scholarships available. Register early to secure a T-shirt, and feel free to invite family and friends to join! Volunteers for this event are always needed, let us know if you are interested in helping out.

Click here to register or contact Nina Zieska at nzieska@glconline.org for more information.

INFANTS & TODDLERS

"Keep these words that I am commanding to you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

Parents, you are the primary faith teachers for your children. We have great tools for you! Here are some simple steps you can take to nurture your child's faith:

Read Bible Stories at Home. If you are looking for a good picture Bible, we can help.

Bless Your Baby. After saying bedtime prayers, simply take your index finger, make the sign of the cross on your child's forehead while saying, "God loves you, and so do I."

Pray at Mealtime and Bedtime. Spend time each day thanking God for the day, and pray for the people in your life that are in need of support through prayer.

Children are always welcome in worship.

God's Small Sparks

Second Sunday of the Month

September to April

Families of young ones ages 0-3 years are invited to join us in the nursery during the education hour on the 2nd Sunday of each month.

God's Small Sparks is a class for caregivers and their young children to experience Bible stories, singing, and hands-on activities in a setting where play and parent connection are at the forefront.

Come get to know other young families in a laid-back setting! All are welcome, so feel free to invite others too.

Please reach out to Nina Zieska with any questions at (952) 935-1753 or nzieska@glconline.org

FAMILY MINISTRY

WINTER RETREAT

February 12-14, 2027

Spend Valentine’s/President’s weekend with your church family! There are activities for everyone including snow tubing, cross-country skiing, hiking, relaxing by the fire with a book, games, a kids’ movie night, and time to connect and make new friends!

Each family will stay in a hotel-style room with a private bathroom and enjoy home-cooked meals. Families of all ages and configurations are welcome!

Adults: TBD

Kids K-12: TBD

Children 5 and under: Free

MOVIE NIGHT

Friday April 16, 2026 - Movie TBD

Join us throughout the year for Movie Nights on the big screen! These are fun nights to get creative and cozy! Whether we're decorating our own movie boxes or chilling with the family on chairs, couches, or the floor, watching a movie has never been so fun! Popcorn, cotton candy, and drinks are provided. Bring all the blankets, pillows, and stuffies that your heart desires! This are FREE events and all are welcome. Invite family, friends, and neighbors to join us. Contact Pastor Lydia at lsvenulski@glconline.org for more information.

FAMILY CAMP AT CAMP HOUSE

Join us for a long retreat weekend up north. We are headed to Camp House, 45 minutes northwest of Duluth to Brimson MN for July 17-20. Camp House is a retreat camp owned by Waters Edge Ministries. Spend some quality time on the pristine waters of Lake George, where each family will stay in individual, rustic cabins. Enjoy home-cooked meals, campfire worship, a wood-fired sauna, a wood-fired outdoor pizza oven, and waterfront activities such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, a floating dock, and a sandy beach.

The entire GLC community is invited! The confirmation aged youth will also be joining us as a group before they head to the Boundary Waters for their week-long canoe trip. The cost included lodging and all meals. Contact Pr. Lydia for more information.

Adults: TBD

Youth 6-17: TBD

Children 5 and Under: Free

FAMILY CAMP OUT

Join Gethsemane families and friends at our annual campout at Baker Park in Maple Plain. This fun tradition includes a potluck dinner on Saturday night followed by campfire worship. Spend the day at the beach, go fishing, biking, or kayaking (rent/reserve through Three Rivers Park District) or just relax!

We have a group site reserved for Friday and Saturday nights, but feel free to just come for the day on Saturday if you don’t want to camp. Baker Park is just 20 minutes west of Hopkins. We are ALL family and everyone is welcome! This event is free. Sign up on our website or scan the QR Code so we can plan for you!

TRUNK OR TREAT

Join us for our annual Trunk or Treat festivities the Saturday before Halloween. We will have games, treats, a chili cook off, photo booth, bouncy house, and more! This event is free and for the whole family. Click here to host a trunk or volunteer! For more information, please contact Pr. Lydia at lsvenulski@glconline.org or

(952) 935-1753.

FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN

Saturday, November 21 at 9:30 AM

We invite families and individuals to join us in packing food from 9:30 AM to 11:15 AM at Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen. We have 40 spots reserved at FMSC for Gethsemane members who are 5 years of age or older. Please join us in this opportunity to serve and live out Beloved Community as we work to help undernourished children around the world. Contact Pastor Lydia, lsvenulski@glconline.org for more information or with any questions!

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