Building Faith, One Brick at a Time
Volunteer Beverly Bennett helps a student with his LEGO build
Epworth UMC’s LEGO Club Provides Hands-On Spiritual Development
On Wednesday nights in July, Epworth UMC in Arlington looked a little different. Instead of filling pews with worshippers, tables are covered in colorful bricks, and the sound of laughter and creativity fills the room. Welcome to LEGO Club—a unique ministry that has captured the hearts of children and parents alike.
Rev. Brandie Spletzer, Epworth’s senior pastor, launched LEGO Club in 2024 as an alternative to traditional Vacation Bible School. “We wanted to try something different,” she said. “Last year we had about 13 kids. This year, more than 30 signed up. It’s been amazing to see the growth.”
The evening begins with a simple meal—think mac and cheese, hot dogs, grapes and popsicles—before kids dive into a warm-up challenge like “build something yellow.” Then comes a short Bible video featuring LEGO animation and lively discussion, followed by a building challenge tied to the story. When the lesson was about Jesus calling the disciples, for example, students built boats designed to float and hold as many weighted “fish” as possible. Another night, students made race cars to capture the speed with which the father raced to embrace his prodigal son. And in their final session of the summer, the story of David and Goliath inspired LEGO catapults capable of launching mini marshmallows.
“It’s about more than building with LEGO bricks,” Spletzer explained. “When their hands are busy, kids open up. They talk about school, life, and sometimes the Bible story. It’s a great way to get them talking and build relationships.”
Parents have noticed the difference. “My kids asked about LEGO Club all year,” said Evangeline Rosales, whose three children attended for the second time this summer. “They love the challenges, but what stands out for them is how kind the leaders are. They sit with the kids, get to know them, and speak life into them.”
For Epworth, a church that has few school-aged children, LEGO Club has been a blessing. “We’re meeting kids where they are,” Spletzer said. “The goal has been to create a thriving Wednesday night community and to fill a need for the families around us.”
Families are already asking for more. “I wish they did this year-round,” Rosales said. “It’s fun, affordable, and faith-filled. Plus, my kids have made great friends.”
As for advice to other churches? “Take a chance on something new,” Spletzer urged. “Families need community. Sometimes that means thinking outside the box—or in this case, thinking in bricks.”
