Hey friends! Here is another email that I’ve sent to the parents in our ministry. It is filled with ideas parents can use this week as they celebrate Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. I just wanted to share it with you in case you might find some things that will work in your ministry too. I hope this is a meaningful week of reflection and rejoicing as we move toward Easter Sunday.
Your friend,
Mr. Mark
Dear Parents—
With Easter arriving this week, I wanted to remind you the world celebrates differently than believers. This is just a reminder that we are celebrating the Son of God who gave His life to forgive our sins and conquered death so we can have a relationship with Him. I’m not against egg hunts and chocolate candy, I just want to remind parents to take this opportunity to celebrate Jesus and explain the true meaning of Easter. It would be amazing if your child became a believer on Easter when you shared this truth and told about your experience becoming a Christian. Here are a couple of ideas that could become an Easter tradition in your home.
1. WAKE WITH “HE IS RISEN” In some households, a traditional Easter greeting is the first thing said on Easter morning. The head of the household speaks the words “He is Risen” or “Christ is Risen” to which everyone else replies, “He is Risen, Indeed!” This traditional Easter greeting is also commonly used in churches. So don’t be surprised if you hear this Sunday while watching the Easter service.
2. MAKE RESURRECTION ROLLS Make and bake resurrection rolls as a fun way to share the story of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus with your children. I provided the Resurrection Rolls recipe below. I hope you will enjoy talking about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as you make these rolls with your kiddos.
3. EASTER BIBLE STUDY I am recording the Easter Bible study for your children to watch before church on Sunday. Be sure to download the activity sheets if you want to enjoy those together. The link will be available on the same page you find our worship services. I hope you will meet me and bring your Bible for this special lesson.
4. LEADING YOUR CHILD TO CHRIST If the opportunity of leading your child to Christ should happen, I want to resource you with a guide to share with your child as you look in the Bible and discuss it. Please know I am available to talk on the phone, Facetime, or even use Zoom. Just because we are practicing social distancing, these important life decisions do not have to wait. Let me know how I can help you.
Your Friend,
Mr. Mark
Movement: Time for a Scavenger Hunt
Post your pics & videos on Facebook and tag with #quailkids so others can see. Can you do all SEVEN this week?
April 6
- Photo in your favorite house hiding spot
- Photo in your pajamas
- Photo of your three favorite toys
- Photo in a homemade fort
- Photo with your favorite beverage
- Write a poem about Jesus for Easter
- Video of you reading your poem
Art: Make a Salt Dough Tomb
Gather:
- 1 cup salt
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup water
- paint
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
- In a large bowl, mix salt and flour together.
- Gradually stir in water, mixing until it forms the consistency of dough. Use your hands to knead the mixture until it is no longer sticky. Allow your kids to create a tomb from the dough. Leave an opening for the tomb.
- Create a stone for the opening of the tomb.
- Place the tomb and stone on a baking sheet and set in the oven, bake until hard, approximately 2.5 hours, depending on the thickness of the art.
- As a family, paint the tomb while you talk about the excitement the people must have felt when they discovered the tomb was empty.
Fun: Resurrection Rolls
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of crescent rolls
- 16 large marshmallows
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Instructions:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Tell kids the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection as you prepare the rolls together:
- “Jesus is God’s Son who was sent to earth to pay the price for our sins. He never sinned. The white of this marshmallow represents the purity and sin-free nature of Jesus.”
- “After Jesus died, his body was prepared for burial. After He was buried, His friends prepared Him to be buried with oil and spices.” (Dip the marshmallow in butter, then in sugar and cinnamon.)
- “Jesus was wrapped in linen cloth and placed in a tomb with a large stone rolled in front.” (Wrap the marshmallow in a one triangle of dough, covering it completely like a ball or rock.)
3. Complete the process for all 16 triangles and marshmallows as you review the story.
4. Place the pan of rolls in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Allow rolls to cool.
5. “After three days, His friends went to visit the tomb, but the large stone was rolled away. Two angels said, ‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” Reveal that when you cut open a roll or take a bite, the marshmallow has disappeared, leaving an empty “tomb.”
6. Remind your children that the rolls are sweet, just like the love God has for each of us.
7. Follow up by reading the Easter story together from the Bible so that your kids know the true story, and that Jesus died for them and wants to forgive their sins if they are ready to ask Him. Share your salvation testimony with your kids.
8. Finish by praying together and thanking God for sending Jesus who died for our sins and came back to life so we can have life forever.
Printable: Example of Easter Email to Parents
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