Every year there are new videos, new skits, new curriculum… all kinds of new ideas to share the Easter story. This year, I wanted to do something that would have our kids sharing the gospel long after the Easter egg hunts. That’s how I came up with the Easter Story String.
God must have been preparing because along came COVID-19 keeping kids and teachers at home. Many states are banning the gathering of 50 people or more. In my county, it’s for eight weeks which goes right through Easter. I’m not sure how my congregation is handling this yet, but whether we are sent home or not, this is what I’ll be doing! I will provide every child with an Easter egg that includes a string and a link to the videos: Story (as seen below) and 5 step-by-step videos teaching the to make a star, mouth, cross, Jesus rising and a heart. (BUY NOW FOR $7)
You are welcome to share this video. If you’d like access to the instructional videos and downloadable story with a link to place in Easter eggs, click here. The cost is only $7 and you can print as many copies as you’d like. For those who do not want to part with $7, you can probably find instructions online for each trick; but, here, everything is in one place with easy to follow video instructions. Plus, you get the downloadable Easter egg inserts that provide a brief overview of the Easter story as well as a link so kids can log in and follow instructions to learn all five string tricks. They will be sharing the gospel for months with string because it’s fun!
Just add string! You can purchase string from Amazon here. My string is 60″ long; however, 40″-60″ is recommended. Kids may do best with 40-45″ since their hands are a bit smaller. Shoestrings may be a perfect fit. Just tie the ends of one shoestring together, pull tight then clip off the ends.
Let the hustle and bustle begin! Thanksgiving week kicks off the holiday season. As our calendars quickly fill up, we strive to keep ourselves from over stressing and remembering the spirit of the season. This week we begin by focusing on all the things we are thankful for, all the ways God has blessed us. Kids are great this! They are thankful for everything from their toys and bed to their great-great-grandma and every cousin too! I’m sure you’ve tucked your kids in and listened to a few prayers like this.
This year, I am trying something a little different. Instead of starting with turkeys this week and then moving into presents, trees and nativity scenes next week, I’m leaping head on into Christmas with a tree. In our foyer I am hanging a large Christmas tree (made from those big rolls of paper tucked away in the workroom). The star on top reads, “Blessed” and the ornaments are pre-cut for all of the kids to use. Parents are encouraged to bring pictures of their kids to hang on the tree together and talk about what a blessing they are. The other ornaments are for the kids to write down blessings and hang on the tree each week so we can look visually at all of the ways God has blessed us. Under the tree are gifts labeled, “Teaching, Singing, Hospitality.” You get the idea. Then, at our elementary holiday party, we will gather around the tree and talk about our blessings from God, making sure to add Christ and grace as we talk more deeply about that. (Our party theme this year is “A Gingerbread Christmas” which ties in perfectly. More on this later.)
By doing this, we direct our children’s focus on goodness and spiritual thoughts. Especially for smaller churches, this is a great way to show your church members and holiday guests that children are a priority at your congregation. Everyone, well almost everyone, wants to know their church is growing, not stagnant. What better way of doing this than by putting children, the future of the church, right at the front of the building so they all see the tree of children every time they enter the building. If you want more children at your church, parents looking for a church home want to know their kids are not going to be the only ones. Make yours appealing with friends for their kids.
What are some ways you keep children thinking about spiritual things throughout the season? And what are ways you showcase your children?
