Summer Youth Program transforms lives

Children, youth and families in the urban core were blessed through unique and creative ministries this past summer, thanks in part to generous funding from Minneapolis Area Synod congregations, individuals and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Here is another story about the summer ministries made possible through both mission support and extra mile giving. You can read other stories in the October, November December, and January issues of InterActs.

Intergenerational Vacation Bible School

Calvary Lutheran Church, Minneapolis

On Wednesday nights, during the month of July, 20 children were part of the Intergenerational Vacation Bible School at Calvary Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis. From the outset of each evening, joining in a community potluck with reusable dishware and many locally grown foods, the theme illustrated how all people might care for creation. Scraps of material were used to create a beautiful quilted banner, herbs and vegetables were planted, birds were fed, and Scripture came to life through storytelling and godly play. The children demonstrated how we are stewards and partners in caring for the earth.

As the children addressed the conversation of God’s creation, the adults spent time on creating an expansive vision of church in addressing issues of race, welcoming those who are transgender, and meeting with the ELCA church worker the congregation supports in Chile, Karen Anderson.

To end the VBS, we all joined together in closing songs and worship celebrating the wonders of God’s creation and God’s people.