April's Songs
The Lent Song
Hosanna Rock
1-2-3-4-5 Jesus is Alive
Peter’s Song
Holy Week Song
Peter
Read: Matthew 26:69-75
Watch: Jesus Forgives Peter
Ask: How do you think Peter felt when we heard the rooster crow and knew that he has made a mistake and hurt his friend? How do you think it feels when someone says “You are not my friend?” How did Peter feel when Jesus forgave him?
Play: Pour some flour, sand or similar material onto a cookie sheet or casserole dish, just enough to cover the bottom. Remind children that when we mess up, Jesus is still our friend and will forgive us. Draw in the sand/flour and then wipe your hands over it to reset your sand and start over. We always have a chance to try again with Jesus.
Serve: Is there someone that needs to hear an apology from you? Is there someone that you can forgive? Pray about these things together as a family. Talk about how to show we are sorry when we make a mistake. Remember that Jesus always forgives us.
Pray: Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us so much. You love us and you forgive us, even when we mess up. You are always my friend. Amen.
Hosanna!
Read: Matthew 21:1-11
Ask: What do you think it would have been like to be part of the crowd welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem?
Play: Make paper palm branches.
Trace your child’s hand 3 or 4 times on green construction paper and help them cut out the hands. Glue the hands to a craft stick or ruler to make a palm branch. Go on a parade and wave your palm branches shouting “Hosanna!”
Serve: Plant a tree or flowers. Or bring flowers to someone who needs encouragement.
Pray: Thank you, God, for Jesus. He is our king, our friend, and our savior. And we love him. Amen.
The Easter Story
Read: Matthew 28:1-10
Watch: Jesus’ Sacrifice by Saddleback Kids (Jesus dies and is risen) and The Full Story of Holy Week by Saddleback Kids (Palm Sunday - Easter)
Ask: Jesus’ friends were sad when Jesus died on the cross. How do you think they felt when they found out that Jesus was alive?
Play: Make Resurrection Rolls!
Serve: Share the surprise and joy of Easter. Fill a neighbor’s yard with Easter eggs. Leave a note on their door saying, “You’ve been egged!” and inviting them to hunt for the eggs.
Pray: Thank you God, for loving us and giving us the gift of Jesus. We know that when sad things happen, you are always working to make things better. We know Jesus lives. Thank you for Easter! Amen.
Breakfast on the Beach
Read: John 21:1-19
Watch: Jesus Forgives Peter
Ask: Jesus asked Peter to say he loved him three times, so that Peter could undo the three times he denied Jesus. Jesus forgave Peter. How do we show someone that we are sorry when we mess up?
Play: Go fishing!
Cut out and decorate fish from colorful paper. Clip a paperclip to each fish. Make a magnetic rod by tying string onto a ruler, dowel or pencil, then tying a magnet to the end of the string. Use the rod to catch your fish.
Serve: Surprise someone you love with breakfast! Make breakfast in bed for someone in your family. Or bring a breakfast casserole or some muffins to a neighbor.
Pray: Thank you God, for Jesus. Help us to show our love for you by caring for others. Thank you for always giving us another chance to make good choices. Amen.