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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 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. 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 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
Additional Lenten Resources
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. 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 www.womeninyouthministry.com/conference
Attend Orange Conference at a Discount
If you're thinking about attending the 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. 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. Learn more and connect →
Job Board
For complete job descriptions, application instructions or to post a job opportunity at your Missouri Conference church, go to www.moumethodist.org/classifieds.
