Childrens Sermon Service

Lent is coming to an end. Sometimes it seems to last
forever, especially to a child. When children hear that Lent is
when we get ready for Easter, it's easy for them to jump straight
to Easter and wonder why it's taking so long! It is important,
though (especially on Palm Sunday), to take time to tell the
whole story of Easter.

For this week's activity, show the children different
pictures that display the themes of Holy Week (Jesus on Palm
Sunday, the Last Supper, Jesus praying in the Garden of
Gesthemene, the trial before Pilate, Jesus carrying the cross,
Jesus being crucified, Jesus in the tomb, and so on.)

The Gospel reading is a long one, and it's easy for children
to miss some of what's read in the lesson. Lay out the pictures
on a table and let the children identify which part of the story
each picture represents. If a child missed one part of the story,
another child is sure to remember and help fill in the missing
pieces. Try seeing if they can put the pictures in order -- fill
in the information or rearrange the pictures as is necessary.

Be careful not to spend too much time dealing with Easter
Day -- we'll get to that next week! For now, spend time working
on the themes of Holy Week.