About Us
Making Meaning Together seeks to create and support a culture where children are valued, their trust is nurtured, and their full participation in worship and prayer is embraced as vital members of the Body of Christ.
Making Meaning Together is a grant-funded initiative aimed at nurturing children in worship and prayer. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Conference and the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Rooted in connectionalism, and with the support of both conference bishops, we aim to honor the Divine within every child while recognizing their capacities and needs as we all seek to learn and grow together.
Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen and Rev. Kathy Pittenger will lead this initiative, which will equip congregations with tools, strategies, and financial support to design worship that honors and includes children.
The core objectives are to listen to children’s perspectives, develop leaders through training and peer cohorts, and create intergenerational worship experiences that invite children to participate meaningfully.
We are excited about this collaboration between the Rio Texas and Michigan Conferences as we strive to shift worship culture towards greater inclusivity. This initiative aims to create worship spaces where children feel valued, respected, and encouraged to engage, deepening their connection to God and their faith community.
Meet the Team
We’re passionate about our mission and excited to work with you!
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Executive Director
Tanya is an ordained deacon in the Rio Texas Conference and currently serves as Director, Intergenerational Discipleship for the Rio Texas Conference Office.
A native Texan, Tanya was born in Houston and grew up in Midland. She graduated with honors with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Music and Religion from Austin College. Her Masters of Divinity is from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and her doctorate of philosophy in Christian education and congregational studies is from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her research focus is children's spirituality.
Her most recent book, Holy Work with Children: Making Meaning Together, celebrates children as theologians and invites those who journey with children to consider how they support and encourage children as they grow in and develop a life-long faith.
When Tanya isn't working, she cherishes moments with her husband and two children. Running, cycling, and yoga help keep Tanya connected to God as well as personal meditation, prayer, and her time with beloved friends and family.
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Executive Director
Kathy is an ordained deacon, and currently serves as an Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Kathy earned a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Bachelor in Arts in Educational Ministries from Malone University. She has served in local churches in both unpaid and paid roles for over 25 years.
Kathy and her husband, Rich, have two sons. They enjoy spending time in nature, hunting cool rocks around Lake Michigan and Superior, building LEGO, and playing video games. The Pittenger family lives near Lansing, MI.
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Project Coordinator
Laura is living into her call to serve families and children as they explore their faith. She earned her Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts from California State University at Fullerton and was certified in Multi-Subject Teaching.
She holds her Masters of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and has served in the local church for 20 years as Director of Children and Family Ministries in several local church settings. She is also the co-creator of Bread for our Journey, an online curated weekly collection of resources that uses the lectionary and seasonal texts to deepen faith and expand understanding.
She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two daughters, and she enjoys family road trips, Texas Longhorn football, and watching her kids uncover their own passions of swimming and dance.
