A prayer for parents...
Working, taking care of the kids, distance learning, no leaving the house, and teaching faith? You parents are super heroes. Its easy to get overwhelmed with everything (am I speaking from experience? Maybe.). We are all in unprecedented territory. Its okay if you can't get to everything-- we give these resources to help you, not to burden you. As I mentioned here, this is a great opportunity for us to realize again God's grace in our lives.
Here is my prayer for you: may God give you moments of rest and peace; strength in your weakest moments; and renewed faith and hope for the future. Gracious God, who brings good from even the worst situations-- be with our families in this challenging time. Give us everything that you know we need. In Jesus' name, amen.
Here is my prayer for you: may God give you moments of rest and peace; strength in your weakest moments; and renewed faith and hope for the future. Gracious God, who brings good from even the worst situations-- be with our families in this challenging time. Give us everything that you know we need. In Jesus' name, amen.
It's Palm Sunday! Let's celebrate!
| Read Mark 11:1-11 in your Bible, online, or in the SPARK Storybook Bible (p.454). Summary: On this first day of Holy Week, we celebrate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. He and his friends were going there to celebrate the Passover, a Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus, when God rescued the people from slavery in Egypt. As Jesus rode into the city, people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the ground. They considered him to be royalty! They sang and shouted "Hosanna!" which means "Save us!" (Fun fact: the name Jesus in Hebrew means "the Lord saves"). On this day, we all celebrate that Jesus is here to rescue us. |  |
Let's have our own celebration!
- You can make palm branches using this printable or using construction paper (or, find some plant outside to wave around?!).
- On your palm (or a post-it) write the words "Hosanna! Save us!" On the back, write your prayer needs: from what do you need saving today?
- You could also lay down coats, making your own red carpet for Jesus to walk on. (We don't call it Coat Sunday, but since we are stuck at home, we have to get creative!)
- How can you act out the procession? In church, we walk into the sanctuary together waving our palm branches and singing. You could go for a walk, march around your living room, or have a dance party! Crank up the worship music!
Let's give...
- Make Easter cards for your loved ones. Be sure to get them in the mail soon!
- Volunteer opportunity! The NACE Food Shelf is in dire need of volunteers. Most of their normal volunteers are in the "high risk" category and have had to step back for the time being. Glen Cary is responsible for a shift on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:30-4:30, but they need help for all shifts. The work is packing food bags (no contact with recipients). If your family (including older children!) is interested, please get in touch with me.
- Although we can't physically collect an offering, you may mail in a check or give online here.
Holy Week Activities
This is considered one of the most important weeks in the church calendar. We typically have worship Thursday, Friday, and Sunday this week! In this document, Carrie has put together activities and prayers for your family to use to focus on Jesus' journey this week. Each day only takes a couple of minutes to complete. Take a look for your Palm Sunday activity and prayer!
Take heart, in these heavy days, as we recall the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. In these moments, we see that Jesus is with us in our pain and loneliness. We see that "no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13). But most importantly, we see that nothing, not even death "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). That, my friends, is the good news.
Go in peace, and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
Take heart, in these heavy days, as we recall the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. In these moments, we see that Jesus is with us in our pain and loneliness. We see that "no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13). But most importantly, we see that nothing, not even death "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). That, my friends, is the good news.
Go in peace, and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
RSS Feed
