Dear St. John’s parents,
Our Lenten pretzel activity was a hit! The kids really enjoyed making them and folks at coffee hour really enjoyed eating them! We learned about how pretzels came to be a popular snack during Lent hundreds of years ago. No butter or eggs were allowed and the shape reminds us of the way children folded their arms in prayer. We also talked about what Lent is all about. Such a fun and low-key way to incorporate learning!
This week, we continue to move toward the Mystery of Easter by hearing the stories of Christ’s journey toward the cross and resurrection. This week’s Godly Play presentation focuses on Jesus as the One who was lost then found.
In our Upper Elementary classroom, we learn the story of foot washing before the Last Supper. This was Jesus’ way of dramatizing the importance of being a servant to others. He told his disciples that they were right to call him Teacher and Lord. But he wanted to set an example of serving with humility. We are called to be like Jesus, willing to perform servant-like tasks of hospitality and courtesy to other people.
During Lent, we focus on three main tenets: prayer, giving, and fasting (or taking something on). To illustrate the importance of giving, we are encouraging Sunday School children to bring an item to our Food Pantry drive. We have a special box in the Sunday School where we are collecting items. Please see here for details.
Faith at Home!
Fr. Ed has put together a small book for the children in our Sunday School and their families, Praying Through Lent, following the Godly Play Faces of Easter series. Please use this resource each week in Lent for scripture readings and prayers. It can be found here.
Warm regards,
Alexis
Alexis MacElhiney
Sunday School Director & Youth Coordinator