Traditions – especially those that children can see, hear, feel, smell and taste — provide vivid memories. This year, there is no better week to capitalize on additional time together, and making memories together isn’t just for Easter Sunday. As you consider the significance of this week leading up to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, take a moment to include your kids. Check out the ideas and resources below to invest spiritually in your family everyday this week:
Sunday: Palm Sunday. Gather with Mill City Online starting at 8:30 a.m. to remember Jesus is King. Use our Countdown to Easter Activity under Kids & Families to stay engaged with the event that changed history every day throughout the week.
Monday: Resurrection Eggs Activity. An egg carton filled with a dozen plastic eggs, each containing a symbol of the Holy Week that tells the story of Jesus. Make them yourself by visiting MCK on Pinterest or purchase a set like this.
Tuesday: Hear the Story. Watch a video for kids by kids. Hand drawn animation for younger audiences, or watch an illustrated retelling for maturing minds (elementary and older).
Wednesday: Easter Eggs. Infuse this classic holiday tradition with a little extra significance when you use the colors to remember Truths about Jesus.
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Purple – Jesus is the King of Kings; He is fully God & rules over all.
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Orange – Jesus was fully man; He understands.
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Pink – Jesus is Savior; His blood brings forgiveness for our sin when we believe & trust in Him
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Green – Jesus gives new life, eternal life.
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Blue – Jesus is always with me through His Holy Spirit.
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Yellow – Jesus is preparing a home for believers in Heaven, and will come back to establish a new Heaven and Earth united once again.
Thursday: Foot Washing + Meal Together. Tradition calls this day ‘Maundy Thursday’ and is for remembering the event that speaks volumes about Jesus’s desire for us to serve. Read John 13. Wrap a towel around your waist, as Jesus did, and wash your children’s feet. Talk about how the most valuable leaders serve well. Ask your kids what they might need to feel love from you. You all might never be the same!
Good Friday: Remember. Join MIll City Online. We have a message crafted just for this night to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us. There will be a video and coloring sheet for younger members of the family linked under Kids & Families. If you’re looking for a resource that may resonate for your older children, try The Gospel Project for Kids.
Saturday: New Life. Seeds offer a clear message to children of the power of new life. If you have seeds at home, sprout them by wrapping a few in a wet paper towel and placing them in a sunny window. Talk about how our hearts without Jesus are like the seed (full of potential but not yet alive). Then with proper care (water, sun, time) new life sprouts from the seed. It is the same with us. God provides His word, prayer and salvation through Jesus to bring life to our hearts. This is why we celebrate Easter.
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Grass and bean seeds provide fastest results.
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Or watch this video for a close up and high speed view of how seeds go from dormant to alive.
Easter Sunday: Celebrate! Join Mill City online starting at 8:30 a.m. Get dressed up. Take that family picture. Greet each other with the traditional, “He is risen!” and answer, “He is risen indeed!” Enjoy a silly retelling of Resurrection Sunday by kids. And try making Resurrection Bread, find the recipe and directions by visiting MCK on Pinterest.
Whatever traditions you choose, remember that for believers Easter is a celebration that really never ends. May you and your family experience the life, love, and freedom that comes as you follow our King. Your Mill City Kids team loves you!