Category Archives: Easter

Family God Time Holy Week 2021

This year during Holy Week, I am in the odd position of being a full time parent while my husband is serving as a full-time transitional minister in a congregation.  Our roles are reversed!  This gives me the opportunity to spend a lot more time with my children, and we thought that we would take advantage of this with some special plans for Holy Week.  I am totally aware that most families will not want to take part in all of these activities, but I am hoping that our celebrations will inspire your own.

Wednesday of Holy Week:  Passover

Holy Week is a great time to review the story of the Passover, since that is the holiday which Jesus was celebrating with his disciples on Maundy Thursday.  Over the years, we have celebrated Passover in many ways, from a whole congregational celebration to a simple meal at home.  This year, we are planning a modified Passover meal and activities.

  1. Story:  We will read the story of the Passover from the DK Children’s Illustrated Bible.  They are the stories titled “The Tenth Plague” and “The Crossing of the Red Sea.”  Our family knows the story of the Exodus quite well; if yours is less familiar, you might want to start earlier in the story with “Moses is Called by God,” “Moses Warns Pharaoh,” and “The Plagues of Egypt.”
  • Meal:  There are specific elements to the Passover meal which we will have on a plate in the center of the table, on good dishes, with candles.  We will also eat them as our main meal for the evening.  Our menu includes roasted chicken (zaroah), veggie tray (karpas), Romaine lettuce salad with Honey Mustard Dressing (maror), hard-boiled eggs (beitzah), Apple Crisp (haroset), pita bread (matzah), and sparkling grape juice.  I learned more about what goes on a seder plate and why here:  http://haaretz.com/israel-news/what-is-a-seder-plate-1.5244183  
  • Song:  Our family knows the song “Pharoah, Pharoah” from camp, and it works great for telling the story of the Exodus, so I am sure we will sing a few verses.  You can find it here:  https://youtu.be/Oh_YlkgowHQ
  • Movie:  Our favorite movie about the Exodus is the 1998 animated film “The Prince of Egypt.”  We own it on DVD, but you can also rent it on various streaming platforms.  It will be a great way to end our evening.

Maundy Thursday

On Maundy Thursday, we will attend the livestream of our church’s worship service.  To make the evening more interactive for our children, I will print out this coloring page on cardstock:  https://marydeandraws.com/2016/03/the-mandatum-novum-love-one-another-coloring-page.html

We will also plan to wash one another’s feet, which is a custom we have had for many years.  Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and asks us to show our love to one another in this same way.  Depending on how the evening goes, there might also be time for pre-Easter pedicures!

Good Friday

On Good Friday, we will attend the livestream of our church’s worship service.  To make the evening more interactive, for our children, I will print our this coloring page on cardstock:  https://marydeandraws.com/2017/03/come-luke-2342-43-bible-coloring-page-english-spanish.html

Mary Dean Draws has a ton of free coloring pages for Good Friday, but this is my favorite one.

Our church does a Tenebrae service for Good Friday.  One of the main actions is to extinguish each of 7 candles during the course of the service.  I plan to round up 7 candles for our children to take turns extinguishing as we participate in the service from home.

Easter Sunday

On Easter, we will attend the livestream of our church’s worship service.  Our Sunday coloring pages are from Illustrated Ministry this season:  https://store.illustratedministry.com/collections/lent-2021/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-spring-2021?variant=32093422157922

I don’t usually pay for coloring pages; I am used to making them for myself.  These are totally worth it, and give you a whole season in one file.

To make this service a bit more interactive for our children, I plan to dig out some noisemakers for the occasion.  We are at home, so there is no one to disturb, right?  Every time we hear the word “Alleluia!” we are going to make some noise!  We will round out the celebration with Easter baskets and a holiday feast!  Dessert will definitely be the empty tomb rolls that we always make for Easter.  You can find the recipe here:  http://pleasegivepeasachance.blogspot.com/2010/04/empty-tombsresurrection-buns.html

A blessed Holy Week to you and yours.  I pray that our plans spark some ideas for your own celebrations.

Daily Devos: Ascension Sunday 2020

Bible Story: Acts 1:1-11

Luke Writes Another Book

1 Dear Theophilus,

The first book I wrote was about everything Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2 until the day he was carried up into heaven. Before he went, he talked to the apostles he had chosen. With the help of the Holy Spirit, he told them what they should do. 3 This was after his death, but he showed them that he was alive, proving it to them in many ways. The apostles saw Jesus many times during the 40 days after he was raised from death. He spoke to them about God’s kingdom. 4 One time when Jesus was eating with them, he told them not to leave Jerusalem. He said, “Wait here until you receive what the Father promised to send. Remember, I told you about it before. 5 John baptized people with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus Is Carried Up Into Heaven

6 The apostles were all together. They asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time for you to give the people of Israel their kingdom again?”

7 Jesus said to them, “The Father is the only one who has the authority to decide dates and times. They are not for you to know. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”

9 After Jesus said this, he was lifted up into the sky. While they were watching, he went into a cloud, and they could not see him. 10 They were staring into the sky where he had gone. Suddenly two men wearing white clothes were standing beside them. 11 They said, “Men from Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? You saw Jesus carried away from you into heaven. He will come back in the same way you saw him go.”

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) Copyright © 2006 by Bible League International, retrieved from biblegateway.com

Questions: ELCA Book of Faith Devotional Questions

What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this story? What do I have questions about?

What delights me about this story? What is my favorite part, and why?

What stories or memories does this text stir up in me? It might be a time when I had to say goodbye to someone, for example.

What is God up to in this story? What is God calling me to do or to be because of this story?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, we thank you for coming to earth to save us, and for returning to heaven to prepare a place for us. Send us your Holy Spirit, so that we may always follow where you lead. In your name we pray, Amen.

Activity: Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

When we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, it is a great time to tell the whole story of Jesus; to remember where he has been and where he is going. A great way to do that is through the song “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” by Rick Founds.

First, download the file with all the symbols you will need to tell the story. You can find the file here: https://familygodtime.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ascension-sunday-2020-lord-i-lift-your-name-on-high.pdf

Next, color the symbols and cut them out. You can mount them to popsicle sticks with double-sided tape or glue, if desired.

Then, look up the lyrics to the song. See if you can use your symbols and the words to tell the whole story of Jesus saving the world! You can find a copy of the lyrics here: http://www.divinehymns.com/lyrics/lord-i-lift-your-name-on-high-song-lyrics/

If you want to get your whole body moving, sing and dance along with this video:

A blessed Ascension Sunday to you and yours! If you would like more great ideas on how to celebrate the Ascension at Home, check out this post by buildfaith.org: https://buildfaith.org/celebrating-ascension-day-at-home/

Holy Week Box 2020 Assembly Instructions

Because we cannot gather for Holy Week in person, we are sending Holy Week to you! Take some time to assemble this 2 sheet resource, and you will be ready to tell the story of Holy Week at home!

Materials Needed:

1 copy of the Holy Week Box Resource, preferably on cardstock or heavy paper (https://familygodtime.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/holy-week-box-1-sheet-2020.pdf)

1 copy of the Palm Sunday 3D resource by drawn2bcreative, also on heavy paper (http://www.drawn2bcreative.com/40-days-of-free-lenten-printables-palm-sunday-3-d-craft/)

colored pencils or other drawing utensils

scissors

transparent tape

Instructions:

  1. Print out and color both sheets:

2. Cut out all of the pieces, as shown:

3. Crease the box along the lines, as indicated by the arrows:

4. Fold the box, as shown in the video:

5. Tape the triangles to the inside of the box, and add tape around the outside of each corner:

6. Assemble or crease the rest of the pieces, as shown:

Now that you have your box and other resources assembled, you are ready to tell the story of Holy Week! We will include the story using these pieces in another post, coming soon!

Daily Devos: Come, Holy Spirit

PENTECOST:  ACTS 2:1-4 (NRSV)

When the day of Pentecost had come, [the apostles] were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 

  • Why do you think that the Holy Spirit comes in wind, fire, and language?  How do you experience the Holy Spirit?  What is the Spirit stirring up in you?

Holy Spirit, Breath of Life, breathe the fire of your love into us.  Shape us, give us life, make us whole.  Help us to spread the love of Christ to the ends of the earth.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Find a pdf of this devotion here: https://familygodtime.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/daily-devos-19-come-holy-spirit.pdf

Daily Devos: Jesus Ascends to Heaven

ASCENSION:  ACTS 1:8-11

[Jesus said] “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 

  • Why do you think that Jesus ascends to heaven, instead of staying on earth? 
  • Why send the Holy Spirit? 
  • What are you looking forward to?

Risen Christ, thank you for making a place for us in heaven.  Send your Holy Spirit among us, that we may be your risen people.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Find a PDF of this devotion here: https://familygodtime.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/daily-devos-18-jesus-ascends.pdf

Daily Devos: Jesus Makes a Home with Us

HOME:  JOHN 14:23-26

Jesus answered [Judas (not Iscariot),] “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
  25“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 

  • Where is the place that you call home? 
  • What difference does it make to know that God is at home with you there, as well? 
  • What do you think of the Holy Spirit? 
  • Where does the Spirit show up in your life?

Risen Christ, thank you for making your home with us, and for sending your Holy Spirit to teach us and remind us of your presence.  Fill us with your abiding love.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Download this devotion as a pdf here: https://familygodtime.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/daily-devos-jesus-makes-a-home-with-us-19.pdf

Daily Devos: Love One Another

LOVE:  JOHN 13:31-35 NRSV

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

  • What are some ways that God shows love for you? What are some ways that others show you they love you?  How do you show your love for others?

Risen Christ, thank you for loving us enough to go to the cross for us.  Help us to obey your commandment, to love another as you first loved us.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

daily-devos-love-one-another-2019Download

Daily Devos: Jesus the Good Shepherd

THE GOOD SHEPHERD: JOHN 10:25-30 NRSV

25Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30The Father and I are one.”

  •     What are some ways that you listen for God?  What does it mean to you to know that no one can snatch you out of God’s hands?

Risen Christ, thank you for making us your sheep.  Open our ears to hear your voice, that we may learn to follow you.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

daily-devos-good-shepherd-19Download

DAILY DEVOS: Jesus on the Beach

PRAYER OF THE WEEK:

Risen Christ, we thank you for appearing to the disciples after Easter.  Help us to know that you are with us, and that you care for us.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

COLORING PAGE:

https://sundayschoolzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MPete09_Fish_in_the_Net_Coloring_Page.pdf

-or- https://familygodtime.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ichthus-coloring-for-window-19.pdf

BIBLE STORY:  John 21:3-14 NRSV

3Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
  4Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
  9When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK:

Why do you think that Peter decides to go fishing?  Why do you think that Jesus provided so many fish?  Tell about a time when you had an amazing breakfast.  What made it memorable?