Children and Lent

Children and Lent - Ash Wednesday

Lent is a liturgical season beginning with Ash Wednesday. This is a day to remember WHO and WHOSE we are. Ashes are often smudged onto our foreheads in the shape of a cross. This is to remind us that Jesus taught we are held in love always, God is with us always. God is with us as we grow from tiny to big. God is with us as we become old. God is with us when our bodies no longer serve our spirits. You will hear words like “ashes to ashes and dust to dust” which refers to our bodies being formed from nothing and returning to nourish the ground once we do not need them.

The adults of the church have been reading a book together called Love Wins, by Rob Bell.

The Sunday School children have been learning the concepts presented in Bell’s book, in age-appropriate lessons. The bible tells us that children are special and precious to Jesus. Matthew 19:14 records Jesus words as, “Let the children come to me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. "

Self-portrait:

The children began with the outline of a child’s head with the words “I am Loved” written on the forehead. Self-portraits were created using markers, crayons, construction paper, and scissors. Each child posted their own image beside a portrait of Jesus.

The children were invited to recall the fruit of the spirit from Galatians 5:22-23: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We are all growing in these traits our whole lives with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for showing us love, teaching us that God loves us just as we are. Help us to grow in our ability to love the people we share life with each day.