"I love working with kids," said Pastor Travis Voeltz, pastor of discipleship at First UMC in Jamestown, North Dakota. "It is a great job. It is messy, busy, and not without challenges. I am fortunate to have a connection with families and a good rapport with kids. It is a gift from God." 

Wednesdays can be quiet during the summer as many congregations halt their children's and youth ministries. At First United Methodist Church in Jamestown, North Dakota, children gather at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Children, preschool through first grade, come to the church for "Pew Puppets." At noon, youth in grades two through five meet at a green space near the church for "Play and Praise."

"We were looking for options for interaction with our children and youth during the summer,' said Pastor Travis Voeltz. "I was looking out my office window one morning and saw parents bringing their children to the library next door to the church. I thought maybe we should try something to support these families and kids."

Photo illustrations courtesy of Jamestown First UMC.

Voelz knew there were puppets at the church. He also found a tote full of puppets at the Salvation Army. After engaging in some creative thinking with Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd, the senior pastor, "Pew Puppets" was launched. It is a six-week program that tells the stories in the Bible with two puppeteers—Pastors Travis and Marty.  A lot of the puppets are animals like sheep and camels, 

"Pastor Marty is the co-puppeteer. He is behind the curtain. As the children arrive, he will make noises to get them excited," explained Pastor Travis. "We start with an opening, followed by the story told by the puppets, then we review and do an activity related to the puppet show. We create the voices and script on the fly. It is a lot of fun."

Children who attend Solid Foundations, a daycare program located at First UMC, come each week. Parents in the community are invited to bring their children. Voeltz posted fliers at the library, on the Jamestown, N.D., community Facebook page, and on the screens at the church that display announcements throughout the week. 

At noon on Wednesdays, students in grades 2-5 gather east of First UMC at Jamestown Middle School, where there is a big green space. During "Play and Praise" youth engage in a physical activity or game tied to a Bible lesson. For example, after telling the story about David and Goliath, students were asked to knock down a tower of buckets. 

"One day it was raining, so we went to church to be indoors. We were focusing on the story of the Good Samaritan. We set up an obstacle course that the students had to navigate blindfolded. It was a way for them to experience what it is like to lean on the Holy Spirit and to share God's love," shared Pastor Travis.

There are limited volunteers who assist with the programs that happen during the week. "Volunteers are a bonus. I plan activities around the staff we have available," said Pastor Travis.

Attendance varies each week. "Families are busy," Pastor Travis said. "You have to be flexible and not get things too complicated. Stick with the tried-and-true stories of the Bible. Things won't be perfect. Be patient and go with it. The kids will pick up the main piece of the story." 

In August, First UMC will host a community Vacation Bible School. The three-day event will take place from Wednesday through Friday, from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. Children rotate through three different stations in groups.  VBS concludes with a program attended by parents, grandparents, and community members.

"We have VBS close to fall kick-off and share our fall programs with families," said Pastor Travis. "It doesn't have to cost a lot. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Enjoy it and go with the Holy Spirit!"