Missouri Conference Next Generation Ministries www.moumethodist.org/nextgen-ministries
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Is Lent Here Already?
By Rev. Kate Hanch, First UMC in St. Charles
Holy Week is the Super Bowl for Christians. Like the Super Bowl, it encompasses a range of emotions: joy and sadness, frustration and delight. While the stories of Holy Week remain the same, how we tell the story depends upon children’s comprehension levels. As we prepare for Holy Week, here are a few things to consider when sharing the stories of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Much of this insight comes from my friend Traci Smith’s book [link removed] Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and Resurrection.
Ask children to lead in worship. For Palm Sunday, invite children to carry palm branches (real or homemade) down the aisle at the beginning of the service, singing a joyful song. Last year I invited our youth to lead our Maundy Thursday service, including making the communion bread. Instead of a sermon, they performed a skit. Children can also read parts of the liturgy or scripture for Palm Sunday and Easter. (The CEB translation is youth and child-friendly.)
Be mindful of the violence associated with crucifixion and atonement. [link removed] Traci Smith says that while we can and should speak about difficult topics like grief and death with young people, we should limit our discussion of the violent imagery until middle or high school grades. Likewise, the phrase “Jesus died for your sins” can potentially have negative consequences. Instead, Smith says, let’s focus on the simple facts, embracing the mystery that is the resurrection. The [link removed] UMC Celebrate Wonder Bible tells the story of the crucifixion in a developmentally-appropriate manner.
Prepare to celebrate with and welcome young guests! Whether you have an egg hunt for children or plan a joyful Easter Sunday service, you may be seeing young faces who are learning about Jesus for the first time. For an outreach event, make a handout full of your church’s opportunities for young people, along with worship times and a small gift, like a fidget toy or temporary tattoo. If children worship with you on Sunday, be prepared with allergy-friendly snacks, like Teddy Grahams, along with pipe cleaners, crayons and coloring sheets to help them feel welcome and engaged.
Children and youth aren’t just the future of the Church, they are the Church right now! By welcoming them, we welcome Christ. Please know I am praying for you and with you as we journey through Holy Week!
Faith-Formation Resources
[link removed] Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and the Resurrection by Traci Smith
Illustrated Ministry [link removed] Easter Children’s Bulletin and [link removed] Easter Stickers
[link removed] Lifelong Faith Ministry Resources
[link removed] Easter: A Kid-friendly Explanation
[link removed] Teaching Children About Holy Week - Joe Iovino for umc.org
[link removed] Children and Family Activities for Easter and Holy Week from the Dakotas Conference
[link removed] Little Way Chapel Lent and Holy Week Family Resources
Additional Lenten Resources
[link removed] Depths of Love: Youth Lessons for Lent & Holy Week 2024 – UMC Discipleship Ministries
[link removed] World Changing Message of Jesus – Seven-week youth series from Church of the Resurrection
[link removed] 8 ways to read Scripture together in your youth ministry during Lent – Fuller Youth Institute
[link removed] Coins for Lent 2024 – A creative offering idea from UMC Discipleship Ministries

Announcements


Mental Health Training with Dr. Chinwé Williams
Join us on March 16 for a mental health training designed for NextGen leaders and volunteers. Together we’ll learn to navigate the mental health challenges Gen Z is facing and learn practical strategies for providing support. You’ll leave feeling equipped to face the mental health challenges you encounter in your ministry. Use the code MENTALHEALTH to save $5 on your registration fee. [link removed] Sign up now →



Women in Youth Ministry Conference
There's still time to virtually participant in this awesome event! Use the code MOUMC for $20 off your registration fee. Learn more and register at [link removed] www.womeninyouthministry.com/conference

Attend Orange Conference at a Discount
If you're thinking about attending the [link removed] Orange Conference, April 23-25 in Atlanta, Georgia, we've got a promo code for you! Use the code OC24FRIEND for 20% off your registration fee. mailto:[email protected]?subject=I'm%20going%20to%20Orange! Send us a message if you're planning to attend. We're coordinating some Missouri-NextGen get-togethers during the conference.

Black NextGen Network - BOON
BOON - Born Out of Necessity - is a community of Black children’s and youth ministry faith leaders serving in predominantly Black, faith-based settings. BOON's mission is to equip Black Churches and leaders to cultivate thriving nextgen ministry by providing an inclusive community, culturally responsive ministry strategy and opportunities for amplified influence. [link removed] Learn more and connect →

Job Board
[link removed] Local Church Internships - Do you have a student who's ready to explore how their God-given gifts and interests intersect with ministry? Help them apply for an internship this summer!
[link removed] Part-Time Director of Youth Ministries - Kirkwood UMC
[link removed] Director of Children's Ministry - First UMC (Jefferson City)
For complete job descriptions, application instructions or to post a job opportunity at your Missouri Conference church, go to [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/classifieds.


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Next Generation Ministries
Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202
Phone 573-441-1770 | [link removed] www.moumethodist.org
Facebook and Instagram: @nextgenumc