During this Lenten season, the children in the after school program were led in a weekly devotion by our Outreach Coordinator, Rev. Anna Troy. Each week for the six weeks of Lent, the children heard a story from the Gospel of Mark followed by a short devotion and a coloring activity. The coloring sheets, based upon the day’s scripture reading, contained a continuous thread that connects all sheets together, mirroring the journey we take through Lent as Jesus journeyed towards Jerusalem and the cross.
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- Welcome, Mark 9: 30-37
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- Risk, Mark 14: 3-9
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- Welcome, Mark 9: 30-37
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- Listen, Mark 12: 13-17
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- Love, Mark 12: 28-44
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- Risk, Mark 14: 3-9
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- Take. Eat. Mark 14: 22-42, and Forsaken, Mark 15: 16-39
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- Go and Tell! Mark 16: 1-8
As the weeks went by, more questions were asked. The children delved into the scriptures as only children can, picking up on the connections to their life and how the stories still hold meaning two thousand years later. And during the scripture telling, the room of 100 children, grades 3-6, was silent as each one listened, taking in the story and its message.
The culmination of the devotions was a service on Maundy Thursday that was almost entirely led by the children! Using the same scriptures they had experienced in the devotions, the children followed each scripture with artistic responses, including gospel choir, hymns, dance, mime, and storytelling. It was a wonderful experience and we are so very proud and thankful for the gifts and talents of our children!
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- Student reading “The Giving Tree”
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- Student reading scripture
Thank you to everyone who helped with the devotions and the service!
