We love kids, and we are good at it.
Little Lights began in a church basement with six kids and a flannelgraph. Today it fills three classrooms every Sunday morning.
How a small light grew
In 2008, Miss Carol Ames noticed a handful of children wandering the church hallways during service. She brought a box of crayons, a stack of picture books and a promise to come back every week. Six kids came the next Sunday.
Those six became thirty, and then a hundred. We added a nursery, trained teachers and a check-in desk. We also learned what children need most: someone consistent who knows their name and laughs at their jokes.
Today Little Lights serves families across Maple Grove. We still start every Sunday the same way, with a song and a hug at the door.
What we promise
Safe
Background checks, check-in tags and small groups keep every child secure.
Joyful
Laughter, music and play are part of how kids learn.
Biblical
We teach real Bible stories at a level children can grasp.
Partnered
Parents are the main teachers. We come alongside with take-home tools.
How we got here
A few moments that shaped who we are today.
Six kids and a box of crayons
Miss Carol starts a Sunday morning class in the hallway.
First nursery
A dedicated room opens for babies and toddlers.
Explorers launches
Elementary kids get their own space and curriculum.
120 kids on Sundays
Forty-five volunteers serve across three classrooms.
Meet your child's teachers
Founder and Story Time LeadCarol Ames
Has told over 800 stories and still does all the voices.
Director of Children's MinistryJenna Whitaker
Former kindergarten teacher who designs every lesson.
Explorers CoordinatorMateo Rivera
Turns Bible stories into scavenger hunts.
Nursery and Safety LeadNia Thompson, RN
Keeps our littlest ones safe and snuggled.
What we teach
- God made each child and loves them.
- Jesus welcomes children.
- The Bible is true, and its stories are for kids too.
- Prayer is talking to God anytime.
- Church is a family where everyone belongs.
Help us light up more classrooms
We would love to meet your family. Here is what a first visit looks like.