Empty Tomb Cookies
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
Good Friday
Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns!
Although they have been a Lenten and Good Friday tradition for centuries, Hot Cross Buns were not always associated with Christianity. Their origins lie in pagan traditions of ancient cultures, with the cross representing the four quarters of the moon. During early missionary efforts, the Christian church adopted the buns and re-interpreted the icing cross. In 1361, a monk named Father Thomas Rockcliffe began a tradition of giving Hot Cross Buns to the poor of St Albans on Good Friday.
In years that followed, many customs, traditions, superstitions, and claims of healing and protection from evil and were associated with the buns. In the 16th century, Roman Catholicism was banned in England, but the popularity of Hot Cross buns continued. Queen Elizabeth I passed a law banning the consumption of Hot Cross Buns except during festivals such as Easter, Christmas and funerals.
Here's a recipe to make your own Hot Cross Buns and begin a Good Friday tradition at your house. They're also a delicious addition to an Easter Brunch or Easter Dinner.
Dough
1/4 cup water - at room temperature or slightly above
1/2 cup lukewarm milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
3-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of allspice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup finely chopped, mixed candied fruit
glaze
2 T. granulated sugar
2 T. water
icing
1/2 cup Confectioners' sugar
2 tsp. water
Preparation - Place all the dough ingredients, except the raisins and fruit, in the bread machine pan. Set on the dough only cycle. Add the raisins and candied fruit at the bread machine's signal for adding extra ingredients. Remove the dough from the bread machine at end of dough cycle. Place it in a bowl, cover with a cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
**Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Shape the pieces into balls and place them 3 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in warm place until almost doubled, about 45 minutes to an hour. Bake in a preheated oven at 375ยบ for 15 to 18 minutes, or until light brown on top. Remove from the oven. Place the baking sheet full of buns on a wire rack to cool. Prepare the glaze, then spread it over the warm buns. Let the buns continue to cool on the baking sheet. When completely cool, fill a cake decorating bag, fitted with a round tip, with icing. Pipe an icing cross on each bun. Or... simply spoon narrow stips of icing, in the shape of a cross, on each bun.
To prepare this recipe without a bread machine, use this mixer method - Mix the yeast, 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and other spices in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and water together. Combine the dry ingredients mixture, the liquid ingredients, and the butter in a large bowl. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes at medium speed. Add the egg and beat 1 more minute. Stir in the raisins, fruit, and enough of the remaining flour to make a firm dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Use additional flour if necessary. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn over to grease the other side of the dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place. After about 15 minutes, test the dough to see if it has risen sufficiently and is ready to be shaped. To test, gently stick two fingers into the risen dough up to the second knuckle... take them out. If the indentations remain, the dough is ready. Continue to follow the preparation directions above, from the **.
Maunday Thursday
Now the light has gone away; God, listen while I pray.
Asking Thee to watch and keep and to send me quiet sleep.
Jesus, wash away All that has been wrong to-day;
Jesus, wash away All that has been wrong to-day;
Help me every day to be Good and gentle, more like Thee.
Let my near and dear ones be Always near and dear to Thee.
Let my near and dear ones be Always near and dear to Thee.
O bring me and all I love To Thy happy home above. Amen.
Palm Sunday Family Eucharist
Washing Our Hands
Children and their Families Worshipping Together!
"Cheese!"
Saying a Blessing Together
Let's Get Real
By Jobi Harrell
Since the beginning of Lent, I have sporadically posted on this Blog a variety of ways for families with young children to incorporate this season into their daily lives.
Well, I’ll come clean: through this year’s Lenten journey I personally have not done any of these “little ideas” that I have cut and pasted on this Blog. By virtue of my position I have made Lenten crafts, I have worn lots of purple, and spent time feeling all sorts of up and down. But, at home –well, that’s another story.
Our family prays, we read Bible stories, we are trying our best to raise our child with a solid foundation; and we could do more. Our family did read Gail Gibbon's Easter one time. The book yields twenty-some pages about Jesus and one page about the Easter Bunny. Anyone could guess: my two-year-old daughter is madly in love with the Easter Bunny. Her initial response: “No Jesus, Mommy. Just the Easter Bunny.” Several conversations these past few weeks have yielded to some progress. We’ve at the very least determined that Jesus and the Easter Bunny are friends. (I suspect that our tacky spill-proof vinyl tablecloth with Bunnies might have something to do with this fascination…but I’m not so sure that I want to go on a hunt for a spill-proof Jesus tablecloth.)
We do pray as a family. We do read books about Easter, but since February 25th I have no by means become the Poster Mom of Lent. Most of that has to do with the realities of life. This year, my own Lenten journey has yielded so much –as it does every year. Each year I set out with specific goals –areas that I want to work on. For me, the beauty in Lent is that each year I ultimately wind up working on what it is God wants me to work on.
So, I thought I’d put it out there...
Let’s open this Blog up for comments.
What is it that you are working on? What is it that God is working on with you?
Since the beginning of Lent, I have sporadically posted on this Blog a variety of ways for families with young children to incorporate this season into their daily lives.
Well, I’ll come clean: through this year’s Lenten journey I personally have not done any of these “little ideas” that I have cut and pasted on this Blog. By virtue of my position I have made Lenten crafts, I have worn lots of purple, and spent time feeling all sorts of up and down. But, at home –well, that’s another story.
Our family prays, we read Bible stories, we are trying our best to raise our child with a solid foundation; and we could do more. Our family did read Gail Gibbon's Easter one time. The book yields twenty-some pages about Jesus and one page about the Easter Bunny. Anyone could guess: my two-year-old daughter is madly in love with the Easter Bunny. Her initial response: “No Jesus, Mommy. Just the Easter Bunny.” Several conversations these past few weeks have yielded to some progress. We’ve at the very least determined that Jesus and the Easter Bunny are friends. (I suspect that our tacky spill-proof vinyl tablecloth with Bunnies might have something to do with this fascination…but I’m not so sure that I want to go on a hunt for a spill-proof Jesus tablecloth.)
We do pray as a family. We do read books about Easter, but since February 25th I have no by means become the Poster Mom of Lent. Most of that has to do with the realities of life. This year, my own Lenten journey has yielded so much –as it does every year. Each year I set out with specific goals –areas that I want to work on. For me, the beauty in Lent is that each year I ultimately wind up working on what it is God wants me to work on.
So, I thought I’d put it out there...
Let’s open this Blog up for comments.
What is it that you are working on? What is it that God is working on with you?
Planting Seeds
Seeds are a sign of hope, a sign of spring, a sign that something can come from what appears to be nothing with a little love and care.
With your family, plant some seeds in small cups together and talk about how with the appropriate care, these seeds will grow and become beautiful plants just like we grow in God’s love. (Make sure that everyone plants a couple of cups of seeds so that everyone will be successful at this!) Once they have sprouted and taken root, you can then plant them in your garden or give them to others as Easter gifts.
With your family, plant some seeds in small cups together and talk about how with the appropriate care, these seeds will grow and become beautiful plants just like we grow in God’s love. (Make sure that everyone plants a couple of cups of seeds so that everyone will be successful at this!) Once they have sprouted and taken root, you can then plant them in your garden or give them to others as Easter gifts.
AMARYLLIS
Plant an amaryllis bulb during Lent and compare what happens to the bulb with what happens to each one of us as we increase our good deeds, sacrifices and reception of the sacraments. Point out there is much going on under the dirt that the children can’t see. In our souls much is going on during Lent that we cannot see. In about six weeks’ time the bulb is marvelously transformed into a beautiful flower; so too, in each child’s soul the sacrifices, etc., that he has performed during Lent are used by Jesus to transform his soul in holiness.
Simple Meals
Prepare a simple meal of soup and bread once a week with your family and figure out what you have saved in expenses. Then, put that money into a jar and at Easter, give it to a feeding ministry, to a local food bank, or to a homeless shelter. You can also encourage your kids to eat simple lunches and to do the same.
PRETZELS
Pretzels
Pretzels are made from a simple mixture of flour, salt and water and are thus an ideal “Lenten” food because they do not contain fat. They are said to have first been made by monks who twisted them into the shape that we know today, because they thought that they looked like “praying arms”.
You can do a few things with pretzels and your family:
-At each meal, you can place a pretzel on each person’s plate and before they eat, they have to name the things they want to pray for and at the end of all the prayers, you can eat the pretzels.
-You can make homemade pretzels with your family and as you are rolling dough and waiting for them to bake, you can talk about and then write down all the things that you think need our prayers. If you write each persons prayer on construction paper, you can use that paper as a place mat on your table or as a centerpiece to remind you of the prayers that you offer.
-If you pack a lunch for your child, put a pretzel in the lunch with a prayer inserted into the bag as well.
Pretzel recipe:
1½ cups warm water
1 package active dry yeast
½ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
4 ½ to 5 cups flour
1 egg beaten for glazing (optional)
coarse salt
Place warm water into a bowl. Sprinkle yeast, sugar and salt into the water to dissolve. Mix flour into the water mixture to form a soft ball. Take dough, place it on floured board and knead it for a few minutes. Let dough rest for one hour.
Roll dough into rectangle about ½ inch thick and about 6 inches long. Cut dough into ¼ inch strips. Twist them into a pretzel shape. Place on cookie sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
Pretzels are made from a simple mixture of flour, salt and water and are thus an ideal “Lenten” food because they do not contain fat. They are said to have first been made by monks who twisted them into the shape that we know today, because they thought that they looked like “praying arms”.
You can do a few things with pretzels and your family:
-At each meal, you can place a pretzel on each person’s plate and before they eat, they have to name the things they want to pray for and at the end of all the prayers, you can eat the pretzels.
-You can make homemade pretzels with your family and as you are rolling dough and waiting for them to bake, you can talk about and then write down all the things that you think need our prayers. If you write each persons prayer on construction paper, you can use that paper as a place mat on your table or as a centerpiece to remind you of the prayers that you offer.
-If you pack a lunch for your child, put a pretzel in the lunch with a prayer inserted into the bag as well.
Pretzel recipe:
1½ cups warm water
1 package active dry yeast
½ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
4 ½ to 5 cups flour
1 egg beaten for glazing (optional)
coarse salt
Place warm water into a bowl. Sprinkle yeast, sugar and salt into the water to dissolve. Mix flour into the water mixture to form a soft ball. Take dough, place it on floured board and knead it for a few minutes. Let dough rest for one hour.
Roll dough into rectangle about ½ inch thick and about 6 inches long. Cut dough into ¼ inch strips. Twist them into a pretzel shape. Place on cookie sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
Grace Before Meals
Here is a small sampling of mealtime prayers:
May the Lord bless us with Sabbath joy.
May the Lord bless us with Sabbath holiness.
May the Lord bless us with Sabbath peace.
- Traditional Jewish Sabbath Blessing
Let us in peace eat the food that God has provided for us.
Praise be to God for all our gifts. Amen.
- Ancient Armenian Grace
God, Bless this food we are about to receive.
Give bread to those who hunger, and hunger for charity and justice to us who have bread. Amen.
Dear God, bless those who bear the hardship of famine and those who share their plenty with others.
Wrap your love around those who come to use in trust and take care of those who wander far from us in anger. Amen.
- Early Hawaiian food prayer
To the tune of the Addams Family:
Do-do-do-do (snap fingers twice),
do-do-do-do (snap, snap)
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do (snap, snap)
We thank You for our food, Lord,
And all the things You do, Lord.
We thank You for our food, Lord, and all our family.
Do-do-do-do (snap, snap),
do do do do (snap, snap)
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do -- A-MEN!
May the Lord bless us with Sabbath joy.
May the Lord bless us with Sabbath holiness.
May the Lord bless us with Sabbath peace.
- Traditional Jewish Sabbath Blessing
Let us in peace eat the food that God has provided for us.
Praise be to God for all our gifts. Amen.
- Ancient Armenian Grace
God, Bless this food we are about to receive.
Give bread to those who hunger, and hunger for charity and justice to us who have bread. Amen.
Dear God, bless those who bear the hardship of famine and those who share their plenty with others.
Wrap your love around those who come to use in trust and take care of those who wander far from us in anger. Amen.
- Early Hawaiian food prayer
To the tune of the Addams Family:
Do-do-do-do (snap fingers twice),
do-do-do-do (snap, snap)
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do (snap, snap)
We thank You for our food, Lord,
And all the things You do, Lord.
We thank You for our food, Lord, and all our family.
Do-do-do-do (snap, snap),
do do do do (snap, snap)
Do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do-do -- A-MEN!
This Little Light
Candles
Each week in Children's Chapel we begin with this Candle Lighting prayer :
We light this Candle to reminds us,
That Christ is the Light of the World,
And we are Christ's light in the world.
Bringing light into darkness is a major theme for Lent,
so a candle is a natural symbol for that.
Candles also help your family create a wonderful family ritual.
Find a candle and light it before each meal.
Ask individuals to name something that they pray for and something for which they are thankful.
-Get a glass candleholder and have each person decorate part of the candleholder with sharpie markers. Then place your family candle inside that holder.
-Get plain candles at the craft store along with some flattened wax sheets. The flattened sheets will stick to the plain candles, so you can cut out shapes, decorations, etc. and then decorate your candle that way.
-Unleash your creativity and have fun!
TIME TO PRAY!!!
Drawing by: Alberto from the archives of:In early childhood rituals are an important piece within the stages of development.
Examine your daily routine(s) and see what makes a realistic fit into your life…set yourself and your family up for success!
Common Times Families Pray Together:
Mealtimes, Bedtimes & Times of Crisis
Common Family Experiences: (AKA: Opportunities to pray)
Morning & Evening Grooming Routine, School Drop-off & Pick-Up, Extra-Curricular Activities, School Events, Play Dates, etc.
Don’t feel your family has any schedule?
THEN EXTEMPORANEOUS PRAYER MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU!
Any regular occurrence or special situation can merit a prayer!
Don’t feel your family has any schedule?
THEN EXTEMPORANEOUS PRAYER MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU!
Any regular occurrence or special situation can merit a prayer!
The Lord's Prayer
Lent does not have to be all about giving things up.
Lent can also include adding good things to our lives or to others' lives -
- the kind of good things that follow on what Jesus asks of us.
This year, try the CYF Challenge:
SAY THE LORD'S PRAYER ONCE EACH DAY
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday
This is the day that Lent begins. A day of reflection and pause for all of us to stop and think about the things that we want to change and the places we want to transform our lives. The ashes that we use are made from the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday services. The ashes symbolize the death and burial of old things, the thing we want to be rid of, and the beginnings of our journey toward Easter and our Baptismal renewal.
This is the day that Lent begins. A day of reflection and pause for all of us to stop and think about the things that we want to change and the places we want to transform our lives. The ashes that we use are made from the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday services. The ashes symbolize the death and burial of old things, the thing we want to be rid of, and the beginnings of our journey toward Easter and our Baptismal renewal.
Family Ash Wednesday Ritual
Have your family gather together and give them pieces of paper. Have them each write or draw something that they would like to change, something they would like to do differently, or something that they would like to take on in their Lenten journey. After each person has had the chance to finish, fold the papers up and burn them together in a safe place. As they are burning, read the following prayer:
Gracious God, as we light this fire we offer ourselves to you.
Be with us this season of Lent as we journey toward you.
Help us to release things that get in the way or things we want to change.
Help us also to see new things that will draw us closer to you. Amen.
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