This is it -- the most challenging and celebratory week of the church year. We follow Jesus into the final days of his life on earth. We bear witness to the depth of grief and the joy of new life. Where does this story find you this year?
Holy Week Nature Walk
Take advantage of the warmer weather! Go outside and go for a walk. Use all your senses to find the items listed on this handout. Once you get home, look up the verses that go with each thing you found!
Holy Week Nature Walk
Take advantage of the warmer weather! Go outside and go for a walk. Use all your senses to find the items listed on this handout. Once you get home, look up the verses that go with each thing you found!
Palm Sunday, March 28
Jesus enters with Jerusalem! Everyone is excited to see him. They shout "Hosanna" and cheer! Read about this story in Luke 19:29-44 or in SPARK p.454.
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Make Your Own Palm
Get a piece of green construction paper (or a white paper you can color green!). Fold it in half. Starting at the folded edge, cut out a half football shape. When you open it up, it will look like a palm! Cut fringes into the edge. Then you can act out the story! Wave your palm during Palm Sunday Worship.
Get a piece of green construction paper (or a white paper you can color green!). Fold it in half. Starting at the folded edge, cut out a half football shape. When you open it up, it will look like a palm! Cut fringes into the edge. Then you can act out the story! Wave your palm during Palm Sunday Worship.
Maundy Thursday, April 1
On Maundy Thursday we remember the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. The word "maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, which means commandment. Jesus commands his disciples to love one another after he is gone. This important meal forms the basis of our sacrament of Holy Communion. As you read the story, see if you recognize the words we hear and the food we eat each Sunday in church! This story is found in Luke 22:1-27 or SPARK p.462. |
- Before they eat, Jesus washes the disciples' dirty feet! Imagine Jesus doing this for you. How would you respond?
- Why do you think Jesus wants us to love and serve one another?
- Jesus says that he is in the bread and the wine we eat and drink in communion, and that our sins are forgiven. What do you think about that? How does forgiveness feel?
Foot-washing
Act out this part of the story by washing your family members' feet. Kind of weird, right? Back then, this was the servant's job! Even though Jesus was their teacher, he was making himself a servant by washing his disciples' feet! As you practice foot washing, think of other ways you can serve members of your family today. Jesus says that the greatest among us are the servants!
Good Friday, April 2
On Good Friday, we remember with heavy hearts the trials Jesus endured at the end of his life. You can read this story in Luke 23:32-47 or in SPARK on page 476. Depending on the age of your children, you may choose to omit parts of the story. Use this document to help you navigate this difficult conversation.
- What is something tough or sad going on in your life right now? Jesus understands. Jesus also had to face tough and sad things in his life. Pray together to ask God for help with what you're facing.
- Has anyone ever been mean to you? Talk about how you felt. What did you do next?
Cross Art / Bible Journaling This is a heavy story and it may give you some big feelings. Sit down with some art supplies and put to paper what is going on in your mind and heart. Use words, colors, and pictures. What sort of colors match what you are feeling? You can also use Bible verses that help and inspire you. Somewhere on your art, draw a cross to remind you that Jesus also faced hard things, and he is with you no matter what. |
Easter Sunday, April 4
He is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia! Today we get to celebrate Jesus' resurrection, when he came back to life. When he rose, he won against all the bad things in the world, including death. That is why we say that Jesus was victorious or triumphant. God wins! Read about this story in Luke 24:1-12 or in SPARK on p.482.
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- As Holy Week comes to an end, reflect on Jesus' journey and what you learned. What is the most important thing you learned this Holy Week?
Share the Good News
JESUS IS RISEN! God wins over death! Share the good news with someone you know, whether your family, friends, or church community, by making an Easter card for them. Share about God's love, your favorite part of the story, or a bit about your favorite family tradition. Then mail or deliver your card!
Easter Activities
A craft, a coloring sheet, mazes, a crossword puzzle, and a word find-- all fun things to remind you that JESUS IS RISEN! Click here to download and print.