Equip, Encourage & Empower families to live out vibrant faith in Christ for expanding the next generation of believers!
upcoming events
ongoing events
Get to Know the
children’s ministry Team!
Bethany Dillon
Director of Children’s Ministry
What do you love about NextGen ministry?
Seeing children boldly share their joy for Jesus to their families, friends, and to me! The Lord uses little Christians in mighty ways!
What’s your favorite skit character to use in Children’s Ministry?
Brenda Sue, the flannel and baseball cap wearing fisher girl with a Southern accent. Brenda Sue doesn’t catch fish. She catches people!
Tell us about your family!
My husband, Erik, and I have two spunky daughters, Joy and Hannah. We love being outside together! We fish, kayak, explore beaches, swim, hike, and roast marshmallows any chance we get!
Kelly Liefer
Children’s Ministry Associate
What do you love about NextGen ministry?
Being with kids and watching them grow in their faith is my passion! I love sharing Jesus with kids and their families in fun and creative ways.
We hear you love baking! What is the coolest thing you ever baked?
I love to bake and decorate cakes! I hardly ever bake the exact same thing twice. I once made a 3-tiered Super Mario Birthday cake for my son’s 6th Birthday.
Tell us about your family!
I am married to Pastor Todd. We have three fun kids, Jack, Lucy, and Grant. We love to play board games, go on family adventures, and explore anything outside.
Julie Crowe
Children’s Ministry Administrative Assistant
What do you love about NextGen ministry?
I serve in a variety of different roles at HCL and ultimately love supporting ministry that brings people together to grow their faith and to know Jesus!
We’re curious… do you collect anything???
You’ll never find me without 2-3 lipsticks, and some consider me a collector.
Tell us about your family!
I grew up in Wisconsin and have lived in Hales Corners for 27 years with my husband, two children and cat, Mickey! We’re recently empty nesters so I cherish spending time with and cooking for my family! This is inspired by my hobby of watching cooking shows, recipe reading, and love of cooking. You’ll often find me enjoying time outside on our patio or gardening.
Pastor Leon
Associate Pastor, NextGen Ministries
What do you love about NextGen ministry?
I love to use experiences from twenty-five years of ministry with young people (and not-so-young people), to design, and share creative, authentic, and practical ideas and programs that inspire and influence families, children, youth, and adults to impact their world for Jesus.
Got any good Dad jokes?!
Dad Jokes flow in the Jameson family!
What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh.
What should you do if you meet a giant? Use big words.
What do you call a cow with two legs? Lean beef.
What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot.
Tell us about your family!
I love going on walks with my wife, Gretchen; watching superhero movies together; watching senselessly funny animal Tiktok videos with my oldest daughter, Sydney; and consuming bowls of Fruity Pebbles with my youngest daughter, Rielle.
Christa Bauer
Childcare Coordinator - Toddler Nursery
What do you love about NextGen ministry?
We get to share the love of Christ with kids of all ages! Seeing them grow in faith at such a young age is such a blessing.
Are you a bookworm?
Totally!! I love reading! My husband calls me a speed reader. . . but I think I read at a normal pace. I have kept a log of how many pages I have read since my junior year of college!
Tell us about your family.
My family is the coolest (I am not biased at all😉). My husband, Noah, is the Director of Youth Ministry here at HCL. We met while working at a summer camp, and the rest is history. We have three cute kiddos named Eleanor, Teller, and Howell, and an energetic dog named Rosie. We love hiking and spending as much time outside as possible, so that is where you can find us!
Emma Heimerl
Childcare Coordinator - Toddler Nursery
What do you love about NextGen ministry?
I love the palpable feeling of Christ’s love in each and every staff member and throughout the ministry. I know my children will learn and grow in a safe nurturing place!
Would you say you're the most in-shape member of the team?
I love to run. I ran long-distance cross country/track in high school and in college and now just love doing it for fun. I run long distances but I don’t do road races. It is my time alone with the Lord!
Tell us about your family.
Family is everything! My husband, Steve, and I have two beautiful daughters, Scarlett and Abby. We are blessed to have my parents close by and Steve’s entire family within 5 minutes of us. Safe to say we spend a lot of time with family!
Rebecca Buscher
Childcare Coordinator - Toddler Nursery
What do you love about NextGen ministry?
I love that I can be part of the journey of sharing God's Word and the stories of Jesus with children. It brings me pure joy to be able to be a part of their knowledge in Christ.
Tell us about your family.
My husband Daniel and I have two children, Stephanie who is 15 and Kimberly who is 14. We love to adventure to different zoos and experience going to musicals, plays, and Broadway shows.
Have you ever been on a treasure hunt?
I'm always on the lookout at thrift stores, garage sales, and antique stores for one of a kind things. I've been known to have a pretty good eye for finding unique treasures!
calendar
volunteer opportunities
We have many FUN and extremely helpful ways you can get involved! We’d love your help!
Please email Bethany Dillon at bdillon@hcl.org for more information.
At-home prepwork
Sunday School
Nursery
Events
CONNECT WITH US!
Check out Hales Corners Lutheran Children’s Ministry Facebook Group for resources and pictures of our fun together! Click here!