Help for the Hard Questions
An evening for parents and grandparents. You don’t need all the answers.
Save the Date
Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 6:30 to 8:00 PM · Fellowship Hall
Free. Dessert served. Nursery and kids’ activities provided (check-in opens at 6:10).
Help for the Hard Questions is a free parenting class in Joplin, Missouri for moms, dads and grandparents. Kids ask the biggest questions at the most ordinary moments: in the backyard, at bedtime, on the car ride home. You don’t need a degree or a verse ready. Jason Glaskey and Principal Mollie Ramstad of Martin Luther School will share a few honest things to say, and you’ll practice them with other parents over dessert.
A Parenting Class in Joplin Missouri: What You’ll Go Home With
Three simple moves
A pattern for answering any hard question, even one you’ve never heard before.
Words ready
Honest, simple answers for the questions kids ask most, about God, prayer and why hard things happen.
A free book for home
Luther’s Small Catechism, written for moms and dads, with bedtime and mealtime prayers built in.
Practice, not a lecture
You’ll try it out at your table with other parents, so the words come easier at home.
A Sneak Peek: The Three Moves
You don’t have to explain God to anybody. You just need a way to start.
Ask back
Find out what your child is really asking, and buy yourself ten seconds. “What made you think of that?”
Say one true thing
One promise God has actually made. Short is better, because kids come back for more. “God always hears you.”
Find out together
“I don’t know” is an honest answer when it comes with an invitation. “Let’s look it up together.”
These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (ESV)
The Evening at a Glance
- 6:10 PM · Kids’ check-in opens: nursery for the little ones, the gym for everyone else
- 6:30 PM · Dessert and welcome in the Fellowship Hall
- 6:45 PM · The three moves: a short, practical how-to
- 7:00 PM · Real questions, real answers, then practice at the tables
- 7:35 PM · Your questions, the ones parents sent in ahead of time
- 7:45 PM · Your take-home book and how to use it tonight at bedtime
- 8:00 PM · Pick up your kids from the gym and nursery
Bring the Kids
Nursery
Toddlers and younger, with caring adult volunteers in the church nursery.
The Gym
Preschool and up: bounce houses, games, a snack and a movie in the Martin Luther School gym, led by our high school youth and adult volunteers.
Kids are signed in and signed out by a parent. Check-in opens at 6:10.
A Free Book for Every Family
Every family goes home with Luther’s Small Catechism. Martin Luther wrote it in 1529 so moms and dads could teach the faith at home, in plain words, a few minutes at a time. It covers the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, Confession and the Lord’s Supper, with simple prayers for morning, evening and mealtimes. You don’t have to be Lutheran to use it. Learn more at lcms.org.
Your Hosts
Jason Glaskey
Director of Christian Education, Youth & Family Ministry
Mollie Ramstad
Principal, Martin Luther School
Save Your Family’s Seat
Tell us who’s coming so we have enough dessert, volunteers and room in the gym and nursery. It takes 30 seconds, and you’ll get a confirmation email. Rather call? The church office is at (417) 624-0333.
Ask a Question Ahead of Time
What has your child asked that stopped you cold? Send it here, anonymously if you like. We’ll build the evening around the questions parents send in. Add your email and we’ll answer yours personally, even if you can’t come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this parenting class for?
Any parent or grandparent raising kids, from toddlers to teens: Martin Luther School families, Immanuel members and neighbors from around Joplin. No church background needed. If you’re new to us, here’s what to expect at Immanuel.
Does it cost anything?
No. Dessert, drinks, the kids’ activities and the take-home book are all free.
Do I have to register?
No, but it helps. Knowing how many kids are coming is how we staff the nursery and the gym. Walk-ins are welcome.
What ages are the kids’ activities for?
All ages. Toddlers and younger go to the church nursery. Preschoolers and older go to the Martin Luther School gym. See a map of our campus.
What if I can’t make it?
Send a question anyway, with your email, and we’ll answer it. You can also call the church office at (417) 624-0333 for a free copy of the Small Catechism, or read what Lutherans believe.
See You Thursday, October 15
6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Dessert’s on us, and the kids will have a blast. Bring a friend who’s raising kids too.
More at Immanuel Lutheran
- Kids & Families at Immanuel
- Youth Ministry
- Martin Luther School
- Sunday Worship Services
- What We Believe
- What to Expect at Immanuel
- Meet Our Staff
- All Upcoming Events
Help for the Hard Questions is a Youth & Family Ministry evening of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther School. Immanuel Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804 | (417) 624-0333