Area churches are reaching out to young families to help sustain their membership for years to come. A 2016 Pew Research study shows kids raised in religious households often carry on with their faith at a time when more millennials are leaving the church every year. Congregations like Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay are increasing their outreach to families to help keep them involved with their faith. With help from the recently hired Director of Youth and Family Ministry Lynda Pietruszka, Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church Pastor Jim Honig says its ministry for young families is important.

Like many churches in Door and Kewaunee Counties, Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran is hosting a family-friendly service as a part of its Christmas celebration as well as activities like its children-led worship this Sunday and a “Happy Birthday Jesus Party” for its Little Lambs group on December 18th.