AGES 6 8 LENT, EASTER. Mar 5 to Jun 4, 2017 (Revised Common Lectionary YEAR A) WEEKLY RESOURCES TO HELP NURTURE ACTIVELY GROWING FAITH

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1 WEEKLY RESOURCES TO HELP NURTURE ACTIVELY GROWING FAITH AGES 6 8 LENT, EASTER Mar 5 to Jun 4, 2017 (Revised Common Lectionary YEAR A) ISBN: Printed in Canada

2 Contents Ages 6 8 About this Lent, Easter... 1 This Lent, Easter for Ages Weekly resources March 5, 2017 And So It Begins...3 March 12, 2017 Glimpses of Grace...9 March 19, 2017 Finding Refreshment...15 March 26, 2017 Seeing with Heart...21 April 2, 2017 Hope Against All Hope...27 April 9, 2017 Passion Amidst the Palms...33 April 16, 2017 Yes!...41 April 23, 2017 It s True...49 April 30, 2017 Followers of the Way...55 May 7, 2017 Glad and Generous Hearts...61 May 14, 2017 Stand Firm...67 May 21, 2017 Called Alongside...73 May 28, 2017 All My Relations...79 June 4, 2017 Pentecost...85 Extra Resources...93 Fasting and Feasting...99 Our Power to Choose Connecting with the Art - Lent, Easter Evaluation form Published by: Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 485 Beaver Lake Road Kelowna, British Columbia Canada V4V 1S5 Phone: Seasons of the Spirit resources are produced collaboratively by teams of writers, editors, and resource persons from Australia, North America, and the United Kingdom. The teams include representation from denominations such as Anglican and Episcopal, Presbyterian, The United Church of Canada, The United Church of Christ, The United Methodists, and The Uniting Church in Australia. A chart that shows the license holder(s) for each song in each of the 9 Seasons of the Spirit Music Volumes can be found at Click on Library; Seasons Music Information. Please contact a license holder for permission to duplicate. From Start to Finish provides suggestions for beginning and ending the year, plus an overview of Seasons of the Spirit. It can be downloaded free from the Library at Ages 6 8 writer and editor team: Cathie Talbot, Sharon Harding, Sandi Marr, Christine Battjes, Ngair Southon, Viv Whimster, Liz Lightfoot, Susan Burt, Michael Schwartzentruber Cover design: Cyrus Gandevia Illustrations: Anna Payne-Krzyzanowski, Katherine Carlisle, Margaret Kyle Seasons of the Spirit resources for Lent, Easter 2017 is a collaborative effort of an international and ecumenical community that includes participation by Seasons writers, editors, resource persons, and members of the Seasons Production, Marketing/ Interpretation, Customer Service, Business Operations, and Publishing Teams. Seasons of the Spirit is based on the Revised Common Lectionary, copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT). All rights reserved. Used by permission. Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. Seasons of the Spirit. Copyright 2016 Wood Lake Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. See Terms of Use on this disk. WLP does not have the right or the means, under any circumstances, to grant you permission to make copies of the art posters or of any of the articles or materials that are not marked with the photocopy symbol. Those rights remain with the creator/copyright holder of each work. The professional artwork may be viewed onscreen. However the Storytelling Resources and Story Props Resources for the Ages 3-5 and 6-8 age levels respectively may be printed for each group of up to 12 participants. For permission information contact permissions@seasonsonline.ca. ISSN: ISBN: Please Note! Everything in this resource marked with this symbol can be photocopied for use in your church during Lent, Easter 2017, from March 5, 2017 to June 4, Everything else is copyright protected unless otherwise stated. At Wood Lake Publishing, we are committed to caring for the environment and all creation. Seasons of the Spirit resources are printed on SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified and chlorine-free papers using vegetable oil inks suitable for children s packaging. Wherever possible, we offer digital options on Seasons products.

3 About Lent and Easter 2017 This resource covers two seasons of the Christian year, Lent and Easter, and takes us on a journey of discovery of God s presence throughout history and in our lives today. Lent is usually a sombre season, denoted by the colour purple often referred to as an I m sorry colour. Certainly, much of the mood of that season is of growing sorrow, and growing awareness of the inevitability of Good Friday. Yet, interestingly, the scripture readings this season evoke a sense of light. There is an increasing sense that people become aware of new ways to see, new ways to understand, and that the light of Christ is growing around them. Consequently, part of this season will involve the growing of light throughout the season; the contrast then becomes all the richer when these lights are extinguished on Palm/Passion Sunday. In the Easter season the light returns as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet there is an odd slowness to this the Sunday after Easter we read of the disciples in hiding out of fear of the religious authorities, and of Thomas coming even more slowly to a realization that Christ is risen. We read of disciples travelling in uncertainty, only recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Yet the light does grow, the faith does grow, and the church does grow. Indeed, throughout this season we begin to capture a sense of the unstoppable nature of the Christian church. While the authorities try to squelch it by killing Stephen, the light only shines brighter. Faith in the risen Christ is contagious! The art images for this season capture some of this sense of duality. Fish Boat with Net depicts a boat in calm waters, surrounded by clouds. Yet there is some light on the shore, offering a place to steer, a place to call home. We may at times feel adrift, individually and as faith communities, and yet there is always something to guide us to shore. The image Stones captures, strongly, the sense of light and shadows that exists in both these seasons. This photograph of stones in the Arizona desert reminds us that God s light shines in the shadows, and the shadows may at times seem strong. But they do not win. Fish Boat with Net by Cim MacDonald. Used by permission. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter

4 This Lent, Easter for Ages 6 8 The Season of Lent, an ancient season of the church, is 40 days long (not counting the Sundays, which are considered mini-easters ). During Lent this year, children will hear some key stories from the gospel of John and begin to explore the themes of making choices, learning about God s Spirit, and times when Jesus showed God s love in unexpected ways. The colour for this season is purple, symbolic of feeling sorry for times not lived in loving or just ways. The opening worship ritual includes creating a pathway of purple footsteps as a sign of travelling through Lent with Jesus. The poster Story Props #1 is a calendar and each week children will use this to follow Jesus journey to Jerusalem through the stories of Lent. During the Easter season, the 50-day season between Easter Sunday and Pentecost, the children will explore more stories from the New Testament. The focus will be on Jesus presence and love for the disciples; in these stories children will have the opportunity to learn more about who Jesus is and his ministry of loving and healing people. The colour for this season is white or yellow, symbolic of new life, and an opening worship includes a ritual with seeds. All age gatherings Special resources are provided for all of the age groups to meet together for Palm/Passion Sunday (April 9), Easter Sunday (April 16), and Pentecost Sunday (June 4). If you are planning to meet in agespecific groups, the session outlines can be customized to suit different age groups. Storytelling The first resource sheet for each week s session includes a story based on the focus passage and retold in an interactive way. Each of these resource sheets includes a Story tip with specific suggestions for that week s story or suggestions for storytelling in general. As you prepare each week, read the focus scripture passage in your Bible and then practice the version on the resource sheet. Telling the story rather than reading it will be more engaging for the children. Posters Art plays a significant role in the education and development of young children. This resource includes two fine art posters. Display the posters at the children s eye level and be prepared to see these images through their eyes. Background information and ideas for how to use these posters is provided in the article Connecting with the Art Lent, Easter 2017 (p ). The poster Story Props #2 includes a travelling Jesus and other figures to accompany the Easter stories. Leadership support At the beginning of Lent distribute the Letter to Families (p. 93), customising it to include special events for Holy Week and Easter that will take place in your congregation. The other extra resource sheets (pp ) offer resources for leaders for both of these seasons. The articles, Fasting and Feasting (p. 99), and Our Power to Choose (p. 100), are included for leader reflection. Music referred to in the sessions can be found in the the Seasons Songbooks and the Seasons Music CDs (Volumes 3, 6, and 9). If you have not already purchased these songbooks or music CDs but would like access to the music, you can purchase downloadable sheet music and MP3 recordings at the Seasons website. The Seasons website ( includes background information about the curriculum resources, Links to other websites, and connections between weekly focus passages and current events or films in the Spirit Sightings section. Basic supply kit Stock a container with clear tape, masking tape, scissors, glue sticks, white glue, washable felt markers, crayons, coloured pencils, pencils, stapler, hole punch, removable adhesive. The Prepare section in each week s session will only list supplies not included in this kit. 2 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter 2017 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

5 And So It Begins Life is full of movement sometimes toward something new, sometimes away from something bad, but always an adventure. The readings for this week could be seen as inviting us into an adventure that will last throughout the Season of Lent. Each of the weekly focus passages primarily from the gospel of John may be familiar to us, but they contain a sense of surprise and adventure for those in the stories themselves, as they find certainty in the midst of uncertainty. Focus scripture: Matthew 4:1 11 This week s reading from the gospel of Matthew tells a story of the beginnings of Jesus ministry. Jesus is led by God s spirit into the wilderness to be tested. Wilderness is a place of seeking, journeying, and struggling with the possibilities. It is a powerful image in the Hebrew scriptures: the people of Israel and the prophets Elijah and Elisha all had wilderness experiences that forced them into choices and decisions. It is as if Jesus is faced with the same tests as the people of Israel when Moses led them out of Egypt. The role of the devil here is much like the role of Satan in the book of Job a tester, rather than an inherently evil being. In fact, Jesus addresses the devil as Satan. The temptations have a strong sense of challenge almost an I dare you quality. It seems to be a war of words, using the Torah as a weapon; but the questions are vital. Satan appeals to self-interest: If [or since ] you are the Son of God you can do what you like. Jesus replies with the principle, It is written. The Torah, the way of living with God, is the touchstone. Each temptation or test Jesus faces increases in complexity, from the physical needs of hunger in the wilderness, to the possibilities of political and religious power in Jerusalem, to the mountaintop where one might meet with God. Should he use his power to feed himself, to draw people to his cause by working miracles, or perhaps use undue influence to bring change? Jesus relies on the grace of God to rebuff Satan and to choose wisely. Often, when we are setting out on a journey or beginning a new project we find ourselves facing choices. How do we respond? How do our choices influence the outcome? Genesis 2:15 17; 3:1 7 is a story about the beginnings of humankind s relationship with God. The lectionary has taken out some major portions of the reading, perhaps most importantly the main point that because of the behaviours of the man, woman, and snake, life is difficult. Woman have pain in childbirth (and in ancient times often died) and men have to toil long and hard hours simply to survive. The story was probably not meant to be as pivotal as later theology made it, but rather was presented to explain some of the harsh realities of life. Psalm 32, a penitential psalm, explores our relationship with a loving God who forgives sin. Happiness is found in forgiveness, and the psalmist encourages us to trust in God for our safety and fulfillment. In Romans 5:12 19, Paul writes of the relationship between sin and grace and of the difference between Adam and Christ. Yet the climax of the passage is not to tell us that sin is rampant, even universal, but rather that grace, offered by Christ, is universal. Jesus allows us to start life anew, to begin again, because the righteous requirements necessary for life are met for everything through the righteous act of one person (5:18 Common English Bible). We may not know where we are going, but we are invited to set out to begin the adventure that is Lent. We do so knowing we can challenge temptations we might face, knowing that despite our mistakes God is still with us, and that grace is greater than sin. How supported do these things make you feel as you embark on this season? March 5, 2017 Focus scripture Matthew 4:1 11 Additional scriptures Genesis 2:15 17; 3:1 7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12 19 Travelling Companion God, journeys and new things can seem daunting, even overwhelming. Yet somewhere in our heart of hearts, no matter what, we know that you are with us as we venture forth. Remind us, throughout the journey, that your grace upholds our every moment. Amen. If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter

6 March 5, 2017 The Focus for Ages 6 8 Most children aged six to eight years have been through the experience of getting ready to do something new. Whether they are getting ready to start a new school, go somewhere by themselves for the first time, or walk into a new church after a move, children know that doing something new involves both physical and emotional preparation. Children in this age group also know what it is like to be pressured and to have to make choices. They are starting to feel the influences of commercial advertising, peer pressure, and ideas about what is considered socially acceptable or cool. This session will help them explore making choices about the ways we live. At this age children have started to struggle with their own sense of what is right and what is wrong. After the story, the children will play a game in which they will talk about some choices they might have to make. As you prepare for this game, take some time to recall your own childhood experiences and imagine the kinds of choices facing the children in your group today. If possible, use these examples in the game. Pray that the children will know God s guidance in the choices they make. Prepare Before the session q Read and prayerfully reflect on this week s focus scripture, Matthew 4:1 11, and biblical background material (p. 3). q Review About this Lent and Easter (p. 1) and This Lent, Easter for Ages 6 8 (p. 2). q Set a worship space with purple cloth, candle, and Bible with bookmark placed in focus passage. q Bring basic supply kit (p. 2) and, if possible, Seasons Songbook (Volume 3) and Seasons Music CD (Volume 3), and CD or MP3 player; downloadable sheet music and MP3 recordings are available at Gather q Bring construction paper, and the Lent song (on resource sheet Songs and Games, p. 94). Engage q Bring resource sheet Jesus Is Tempted. q Bring poster Story Props #1 and flatbottomed glass pebbles (or other counters); glue poster onto cardboard or poster board and cover the six illustrations with rectangles cut from purple construction paper. q Bring Choices game from resource sheet Songs and Games (p. 94). Respond Choose from the options provided. Prepare and bring the materials. q Lent calendar: copies of this week s resource sheet Lenten Calendar, resource sheet Lenten Calendar Figures (p. 95), purple construction paper, envelopes q Coin banks: glass or plastic containers, self-adhesive decorations and craft foam shapes, ribbons, other craft materials, information about a local or denominational outreach project q Footprint plaques: card stock or construction paper, tempera paints, brushes, container of dry sand, spoons Bless q Bring, if possible, the song, I Thank You, Jesus (p. 16 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 3; #25 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 3). q Bring copies of resource sheet Letter to Families (p. 93). 4 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter 2017 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

7 And So It Begins March 5, 2017 Scripture Matthew 4:1 11 FOCUS To prepare for the Season of Lent by hearing a story about Jesus as he gets ready to do God s work. Welcome the children and explain that today we begin a new season in the church year called Lent. Invite them to trace around one of their feet on construction paper, cut out their footprints, and print their names in the middle of these. As they work, explain that Lent is a time to think about God and learn more about what it means to follow in God s ways. Opening ritual Gather in the worship space and point out the purple cloth, explaining that it is the colour for Lent. Purple is a colour that reminds people in the church to be sorry when they forget to follow in God s ways and keep trying to follow Jesus example. Light the candle. Invite the children to place their footprints around the worship space. Explain that these footprints are a sign that we are ready to travel with Jesus through Lent. Sing Lead the children in singing the Lent song (on p. 94). Pray (Invite children to repeat each line after you.) Loving God, thank you for the special Season of Lent. We are glad that you are always with us. Help us to grow strong in your love. Amen. Receive the offering. Extinguish the candle to signal that the opening ritual has ended. Connecting life and theme Invite children to think about what it means to get ready by responding to the following questions: n What did you do to get ready to come to church today? n What do you do to get ready to go to your friend s house? Invite the children to share other stories about getting ready to do something new, such as starting a new school. Comment that today we will hear how Jesus got ready to start doing God s work. Before the story Invite a child to bring the Bible from the worship area and use the bookmark to open it to the gospel of Matthew. Explain that today s story takes place in the wilderness. Ask the children to share what they know about wilderness places. Explain that the wilderness is a place where there are very few people. Bible story The wilderness in our story today was hot and dry like a desert. Use the resource sheet Jesus Is Tempted to present the story based on Matthew 4:1 11, inviting children to participate as indicated. Wondering about the story Use the resource sheet to help children explore the story. n What were some of the choices that Jesus made in this story? n What do you think are some of the things that God wants us to do? After the story Game Remind the children that in the story Jesus faced three different choices. Explain that every day we face situations that can distract us from God s way. Just like Jesus, we have to choose what we will do. Invite children to play a game about choices. Use masking tape to make a line on the floor. Start the game by chanting the refrain in the story: Every day we have to choose. What does God want us to do? Read the scenarios posed in the Choices game (on p. 94) and invite children to jump to one side if Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter

8 March 5, 2017 they choose the first option and the other side if they would choose the second. Ask if anyone can think of another way to handle that situation. Say the chant again and pose another situation. After you have played a few times, invite the children to create some situations and responses. Poster ritual Invite children to gather around the walking calendar created from the poster Story Props #1. Encourage the children to talk about what they see. Recall that during Lent we will be following in Jesus footsteps as he travels to Jerusalem. Explain that each footprint on the poster represents one day of Lent. Explain that Lent actually began four days ago, on Ash Wednesday. Ask volunteers to place glass beads (or other counters) on the first four footprints and remove the cover from the first story picture. Recall today s story of Jesus time in the wilderness as he got ready to do God s work. Invite the children to repeat, God was with Jesus in the wilderness. God is with us. Choose from the following activities: q Lent calendar God is with us as we follow Jesus during this special Season of Lent. Invite children to make calendars to help them count the days to Easter. Distribute copies of the resource sheets Lenten Calendar and Lenten Calendar Figures (p. 95). Have them cut out calendars and story pictures, decorate with crayons, mount their calendars on purple construction paper, and use markers to draw a pattern around the border. Have them colour in the first four footprints and glue the story picture for Week 1 in the first square. Place the remaining pictures in an envelope to take home and encourage them to colour in a footprint each day and add a picture each Sunday. q Coin banks Lent is a time when many churches raise funds for special projects that show God s love in the world. Briefly talk about the chosen outreach project. Invite children to make coin banks for collecting coins at home throughout Lent. Distribute jars and invite children to decorate these. As they work, talk about some of the ways they could collect coins, such as contributing part of their allowance, doing extra chores for family and friends. The coins will be brought to church on Palm Sunday, April 9. q Footprint plaques God guided Jesus in the wilderness and helped him to be strong. Invite children to make footprint plaques as reminders that God is with them too. Demonstrate how to create footprints by making a fist and painting the side of your hand using a brush dipped in tempera paint. Press the painted side on paper to make a footprint shape, and add toes using the tip of a finger dipped in paint. Help them make footprint designs across their pages and print the words God guides me as I follow Jesus at the bottom. Spread glue around footprints and sprinkle sand over glued areas. Shake off excess sand to reveal the wilderness footpaths. Gather around the worship area and light the candle again. Pray (Invite children to repeat each line after you.) O God, we thank you for your love that surrounds us every day. Help us share your love with others. Amen. Sing if possible, the song I Thank You, Jesus (p. 16 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 3; #25 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 3). Send the children out with the following blessing: (Child s name), God was with Jesus in the wilderness. God is with you. Distribute copies of the resource sheet Letter to Families (p. 93). How did the children respond to the story of Jesus in the wilderness? What kinds of examples did the children suggest for the choices game? How can you encourage the children as they choose to follow Jesus example? 6 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter 2017 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

9 Resource Sheet March 5, 2017 Story Tip Jesus Is Tempted (based on Matthew 4:1 11) The refrain in a story will work best if the children say it together. Arrange a signal, such as raising your hand, to cue the children that it s time to say the refrain. Practice a few times before reading the story. Fine! said the voice. Go to the top of the highest building and jump off. If God really loves you, God will save you. You won t get hurt. When people see you do this, then they will want to follow you. (Have the children practice chanting the refrain. Slap thighs in time to the rhythm.) Jesus went into the wilderness to get ready to share God s love with the people. Jesus stayed in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. That s a very long time. (Have the children clap their hands and join you as you count to 40 days.) In the wilderness it was very quiet and very still. Jesus had time to think and pray about the work God had called him to do. It was a special place of learning and testing. Jesus needed to grow strong in order to do God s work. It was very hot in the wilderness and Jesus became tired and hungry. Sometimes Jesus wondered if it was possible to keep going. Deep inside a voice started talking, Why don t you turn the wilderness stones into bread? teased the voice. You could eat some and give the rest away. If you give the people bread to eat they will want to follow you. Refrain: Every day we have to choose. What does God want us to do? Jesus knew that God said, Bread is very important, but people need more than bread to stay alive. People need God s love. Jesus had to make a choice. No! said Jesus. I will not turn the stones into bread to make the people follow me. Jesus chose to follow God s way. Refrain: Every day we have to choose. What does God want us to do? Jesus knew that God said, Don t put God to the test. Jesus had to make a choice. No! said Jesus. I will not jump off a high building. I will not put God to the test. Jesus chose to follow God s way. Okay, said the voice. Let s go to the top of a mountain. I will show you the whole world. You can be the boss of everything if you worship me instead of God. When you are the boss of everything, the people will follow you. Refrain: Every day we have to choose. What does God want us to do? But Jesus knew that God said, You must only worship God. Don t serve anyone else. Jesus had to make a choice. No! said Jesus. I will never worship you. I will only worship and serve God. Jesus chose to follow God s way. Bah! exclaimed the voice. Have it your way. I m out of here! Then the voice left Jesus alone. Jesus stayed in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus knew that he would have to be strong to do God s work. The time in the wilderness had been difficult, but it had helped Jesus become strong inside. Now Jesus was ready to teach everyone about God s love. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter

10 Resource Sheet March 5, 2017 Lenten Calendar 8 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter 2017 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

11 Glimpses of Grace A man in Hawaii was lost at sea, alone, in a boat. When he made it back to shore after several days afloat, he exclaimed that he found his way back by watching at night the sky was filled with stars, but the pure darkness ahead he knew was land, and he moved towards it. Too often we reject the dark as a place where life can be revealed and yet, for Nicodemus, it is a meeting with Jesus at night that offers him the chance of transformation. Focus scripture: John 3:1 17 Most of the focus passages through the Seasons of Lent and Easter this year are from the gospel of John. It is an interesting gospel, for it is written to be quite metaphorical. This does not at all mean that the stories are not historically factual, but only that the writer was far less concerned with that than with making a point. For example, in today s story about Nicodemus visiting Jesus at night the night is hardly incidental, but undoubtedly is full of meaning. Nicodemus, a learned scholar, a man who studied and thought he knew the Jewish law, goes under cover of night to visit Jesus. We know you are a teacher who has come from God, Nicodemus declares. Yet the fact that he has visited at night can suggest he is unsure. Jesus challenges him with several new images: one must be born again (or anew, or from above the Greek is enticingly ambiguous). Does this mean only once? The text does not imply that, and so we are left wondering if Jesus rather means we can start over (the meaning of repent ) many times, that rebirth is something that happens frequently with God. Secondly, Jesus points out that God s spirit/ wind/breath (again, the Greek is ambiguous) blows where it will we cannot stop it, nor can we see it, but we certainly see and know what it does. Lastly, Jesus points out that he must be lifted up, just as Moses lifted up a snake in the wilderness. In that story, the people of Israel were told to look at the image of a snake, the thing they feared and which was destroying them, as a means of overpowering it. Perhaps, Jesus is suggesting that by facing even his persecution and death, we can overcome death and find new life. If we looked at symbolic crosses on churches and in other places as being representations of a method of torture and execution, this story perhaps comes home in a new way. The closing verses are almost too wellknown in our culture, and are sometimes used in a contradictory way to what would seem to be their intent. The statement that whoever believes will have eternal life does not imply that those who do not believe will not have eternal life. This wonderful statement of inclusion of all who follow Christ must never be seen as condemning those who do not. The idea of being something more comes through in Genesis 12:1 4a wherein Abram and Sarai (later identified as Abraham and Sarah) are blessed by God, and in turn are a source of blessing for all the Earth s families. Psalm 121 suggests we need not look elsewhere for strength and protection, but rather look to God s spirit which is within us. In verse 7, the word sometimes translated life is understood more as soul as if the writer is saying, they can hurt my body, but they cannot have my soul. In Romans 4:1 5, Paul points out that it is through the mystery of grace and faith that we receive God s blessing; it is almost as if it comes to us in the dark of night. Or, to look at it another way, when we dare to empty ourselves, we can become filled. Sometimes it is in those moments when we are most timid that God reveals new insights to us. It is when we dare to open ourselves to uncertainty that God provides answers. What does it feel like to admit that you do not have all the answers? What does it feel like to step out into the dark, wondering what God might have in store for you? March 12, 2017 Focus scripture John 3:1 17 Additional scriptures Genesis 12:1 4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1 5, Loving God, sometimes we are scared to trust. We know we should, and we want to, but our world s obsession with certainty and appearing to be in control can get in the way. Open us, God. Make us vulnerable. Teach us not to be afraid, but to trust in your goodness and grace. Amen. If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter

12 March 12, 2017 The Focus for Ages 6 8 School-aged children are constantly asking questions. With a natural curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, young children want to know the why and how of everything. Although the children in this age group generally accept most of what they are told about God, they are starting to ask deep questions about God and God s ways. Questioning is a vital part of our faith journey and our faith is shaped by the freedom we have to ask questions. As you prepare for this session, consider how you might create a safe place for the children to ask questions, express doubts, and follow their wonderings. Do not feel that you need to have all the answers. It is not the answers but the questions that will lead to new discoveries, creative imagining, and transformed lives. If a child has a question to which there is no easy answer you might say something along the lines of, I don t know the answer to that, but your question has given me something to think about. You might also invite the group to try talking through each other s questions; young children often have profound insights to share. The concept of being born again will not be explored in this session as children in this age group are still concrete thinkers. Pray that the children will experience the freedom to ask questions as they grow in their understanding of God s love for them. Prepare Before the session q Read and prayerfully reflect on this week s focus scripture, John 3:1 17, and biblical background material (p. 9). q Set a worship space with purple cloth, candle, and Bible with bookmark placed in focus passage. q Bring basic supply kit (p. 2) and, if possible, Seasons Songbook (Volume 3) and Seasons Music CD (Volume 3), and CD or MP3 player; downloadable sheet music and MP3 recordings are available at Gather q Bring construction paper, and the Lent song (on resource sheet Songs and Games, p. 94). q Bring bottle with a long neck and large poster board circle divided into six pieshaped wedges; on each wedge print one of the following: What? Where? How? When? Who? Why? Engage q Bring resource sheet Nicodemus Asks Some Questions ; make a copy of resource sheet Shadow Picture and follow instructions for preparing; bring flashlight/torch. q Bring song God s Never-ending Love (on resource sheet Songs and Games, p. 94). q Bring prepared poster Story Props #1 from last week and flat-bottomed glass pebbles (or other counters). Respond Choose from the options provided. Prepare and bring the materials. q Shadow pictures: copies of resource sheet Shadow Picture, yellow tissue paper; option: star-shaped hole punch q Heart pillows: large paper heart shapes (two per child), tissue paper or shredded paper, craft supplies (self-adhesive stickers, lace, glitter) q Pencil reminders: new pencils, narrow ribbon (cut into 30 cm/12 in lengths), small heart-shaped beads, construction paper cut into heart shapes Bless q Bring, if possible, the song, I Thank You, Jesus (p. 16 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 3; #25 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 3). q Bring copies of resource sheet Letter to Families (p. 93) for newcomers. 10 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter 2017 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

13 Glimpses of Grace March 12, 2017 Scripture John 3:1 17 FOCUS To hear Nicodemus questions to Jesus and learn about God s love. Welcome the children and remind them that we are in the Season of Lent. Invite newcomers to trace around one of their feet on construction paper, cut out their footprints, and print their names in the middle of these. As they work, explain that Lent is a time to think about God and learn more about what it means to follow in God s ways. Opening ritual Gather in the worship space and remind the children that purple is a colour that reminds people in the church to be sorry when they forget to follow in God s ways and keep trying to follow Jesus example. Light the candle. Invite the children to place their footprints around the worship space as a sign that they are ready to travel with Jesus through Lent. Sing Lead the children in singing the Lent song (on p. 94). Pray (Invite children to repeat each line after you.) Loving God, thank you for the special Season of Lent. We are glad that you are always with us. Help us to grow strong in your love. Amen. Receive the offering. Extinguish the candle to signal that the opening ritual has ended. Connecting life and theme Gather around the poster board circle, place the bottle in the middle of the circle and invite children to take turns spinning it. When the bottle stops spinning, read aloud the question word that the neck of the bottle is pointing to. Invite the group to think of a question that begins with that word. n What are some things that you wonder about? n Who helps you answer your questions? Comment that asking, thinking about, and exploring questions is a really good way to learn and in today s story we hear about someone who asked Jesus some questions. Before the story Invite a child to bring the Bible from the worship area and use the bookmark to open it to the gospel of John. Explain that the gospel of John is a collection of stories about Jesus and the people Jesus met. Bible story Use the resource sheet Nicodemus Asks Some Questions to present the story based on John 3:1 17, using the flashlight/torch and shadow picture as indicated. Wondering about the story Use the resource sheet to help children explore the story. n What do you think Nicodemus did after he had spoken to Jesus? n If you could ask Jesus a question, what would you ask? After the story Sing God s Never-ending Love (p. 94). Jesus told Nicodemus about God s love. We can do the same. n Who would you like to tell about God s love? Poster ritual Invite children to gather around the walking calendar created from the poster Story Props #1. Recall that during Lent we will be following in Jesus footsteps as he travels to Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter

14 March 12, 2017 Jerusalem and each footprint on the poster represents one day of Lent. Ask volunteers to place glass beads (or other counters) on the next set of footprints and remove the cover from the second story picture. Recall today s story of Jesus time with Nicodemus. Invite the children to repeat, God loved Nicodemus. God loves us. Choose from the following activities: q Shadow pictures Invite children to make their own shadow pictures to remember this week s story of Nicodemus visit to Jesus. Distribute copies of the resource sheet Shadow Picture and supplies. Help children to follow the instructions for making their pictures, and have them take turns shining the light and retelling the story. q Heart pillows The story of Nicodemus and Jesus reminds us of God s never-ending love. Give each child two paper heart shapes; have them print God s love is forever on one of their hearts and use crayons and craft supplies to decorate both hearts. Demonstrate how to staple around the edges leaving one side open for stuffing with tissue paper or shredded paper. Staple opening closed. Encourage chil- dren to keep their heart pillows in their bedrooms as a reminder of God s love, or give these to others as a way of sharing God s love. q Pencil reminders Nicodemus asked Jesus some questions and learned about God s never-ending love. Invite children to decorate pencils with heart stickers as reminders of God s love. Have them then tie ribbons tightly around tops of pencils and thread three or four beads onto one end of ribbon, securing with a knot. Have them print God s love is forever on a construction paper heart shape and glue the other end of the ribbon between this and another construction paper heart shape. If time permits, encourage children to decorate pencils to give to family and friends. God s love is forever. Gather around the worship area and light the candle again. Pray (Invite children to repeat each line after you.) O God, we thank you for your love that surrounds us every day. Help us share your love with others. Amen. Sing if possible, the song I Thank You, Jesus (p. 16 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 3; #25 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 3). Send the children out with the following blessing: (Child s name), God loved Nicodemus and God loves you. Distribute copies of the resource sheet Letter to Families (p. 93) to newcomers. How did today s session help the children understand more about God s love? What have you learned from the children as they engaged with the story of Nicodemus and Jesus? 12 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter 2017 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

15 Resource Sheet March 12, 2017 Nicodemus Asks Some Questions (based on John 3:1 17) Story Tip When telling a story, don t speak too quickly. Slow down. Speak clearly. If possible, darken the room. Turn on the flashlight/ torch. Nicodemus was an important leader. One night when it was very late, Nicodemus came to see Jesus. Nicodemus had come to ask Jesus some questions. (Shine flashlight/torch through the shadow picture.) Teacher, Nicodemus said, we know that God has sent you. No one could do the amazing things you have done unless God was with them. Jesus looked at Nicodemus, smiled, and said, Nicodemus, you have lots of questions. Listen to what I say. If you want to understand and grow in God s way you will need God s help. Nicodemus was quite puzzled. What do you mean? he said. When God s Spirit comes, you will start to change deep down inside, said Jesus. Nicodemus was still puzzled. How can this happen? he said. God s Spirit is like the wind, replied Jesus. You can t see the wind, but you can see what the wind does. In the same way, you can t see the Spirit, but you can see what the Spirit does. When the Spirit comes you will want to care for other people. You will start to understand God better. You will start to feel God s love all around and deep inside. Wow! cried Nicodemus. God s Spirit will change me into a brand-new person! There s another thing I have to tell you, said Jesus. Remember that God loves you. How do you know? whispered Nicodemus. I feel God s wonderful strength and love deep inside, replied Jesus, and I know that God wants me to tell everyone. That s pretty amazing! said Nicodemus. It sure is, agreed Jesus. Nicodemus and Jesus talked for a long, long time. Nicodemus still had lots of questions to ask. And Jesus was happy to talk about God and God s love all night long! Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter

16 Resource Sheet March 12, 2017 Shadow Picture Instructions Cut out the shape along the outside lines. Carefully cut out the space around the figures along the inside lines. Option: use a star-shaped hole punch to create some stars in the arch. Glue a piece of yellow tissue paper over the back of the whole shape. Shine a flashlight/torch behind the picture to light up the silhouettes of the figures. 14 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter 2017 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

17 Finding Refreshment Some psychologists believe that our natural attraction to bling to jewellery and other shiny objects comes from our primal search for sources of water. In a broad landscape, they appear to be small, shimmering and shining sites, not unlike the shimmering of a piece of jewellery. Water is necessary for human life; within the faith community we readily make the connection as did Jesus that our God is a similar necessity in our daily living. Today s readings call us to remember that. Focus scripture: John 4:5 42 Samaria was a region south of Galilee and north of Judah. The hatred between Samaritans and Jews went back to when the northern kingdom of Israel was overrun by Assyria. The Assyrians resettled Samaria with foreigners loyal to them, along with Israelites not taken captive. While Samaritans continued some Jewish practices and beliefs, they were viewed as outsiders to Judaism. This separation grew over the centuries. By the time of Jesus, the enmity between Jews and Samaritans was severe. The gospel of John includes several long narratives, of which this is the first. Verse 4 is revealing: But he had to go through Samaria. Other routes were available for Jews to bypass Samaria. So for John to say Jesus had to go through Samaria suggests other reasons. At the head of that list would be Jesus ministry among those considered to be outsiders. Jesus enters Samaria, initiates conversation with a Samaritan woman, and accepts hospitality from the Samaritan community. Such reversals continue through the story. In the synagogues of that day, men and women were seated in separate locations. Here at the well, Jesus and this woman sit and speak together about the things of God. Jesus asks this woman for water. In Psalm 95, God provides water; in Samaria this woman is placed in the role of providing water to Jesus. Even more surprising is the way in which Jesus and this woman engage together in theological discussion. She knows her traditions. She awaits the coming Messiah. Wordplay occurs around the meaning of water. The woman misunderstands Jesus. She confuses Jesus offer of living water with running water. There are no streams here, only a well. Jesus turns the discussion from literal meanings to deeper ones. Living water is Jesus way of speaking about the gift of eternal life. As in John 3:16, eternal life has to do with the gracious possibility of life lived in the presence of God. Such life begins now in the recognition that Jesus is the gift of God (verse 10), who offers such life-giving water to our spirits. The passage ends on the theme of witness. There is first the woman s witness to her community. Her expression of both doubt and hope ( He cannot be the Messiah, can he? ) leaves room for the community to respond. And respond it does. Their confession of Jesus as the Saviour of the World offers one of the clearest statements of faith in the entire gospel. Water and word interplay in our other lections. Exodus 17:1 7 begins with a need of water that finds answer in the promise of water. Psalm 95 offers a warning word a caution against repeating the error of those Israelites who tested God in the wilderness. In Romans 5:1 11, the word of salvation takes form in God s pouring love into our hearts. Life is full of reversals: the Israelites complain that there is no water, and God provides it to them, in abundance. The woman at the well comes simply to fetch a bucket of water for her household, and yet Jesus offers her new life. Paul points out that, if we were brought close to God by the death of Jesus, how much closer will we be brought through his life? When have you been surprised by the reversals of life? When have you found reversals happening to widen the circle and include others? March 19, 2017 Focus scripture John 4:5 42 Additional scriptures Exodus 17:1 7 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1 11 Life-giving God, sometimes we complain; sometimes we come timidly and dare not ask; sometimes we forget the amazing ways you are with us. And yet, still you offer us grace upon grace, new life in abundant measure. Thank you. Amen. If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter

18 March 19, 2017 The Focus for Ages 6 8 School-aged children are aware of the differences between themselves and others. Younger children tend to be accepting of others no matter how different they are but by the age of 8, some children may begin to exclude others on the basis of differences. During this time of transition, this age group often looks to older children and adults to learn what being different means. It is possible that there may be children in your group who, for some reason or other, feel different and have been excluded by others in numerous ways. Such experiences can make it difficult for children to grasp that they are loved and welcomed by God. Think about the children in your group. Are there any who tend to hang back and rarely participate? Or some who isolate themselves by disrupting the group or being mean to others? As you prepare for this session, consider how you might create an environment where every child feels welcomed. How might you include those who feel as if they don t belong anywhere? Pray that the children will grow in their understanding of the promise that they are welcomed and loved by God, just as they are. Prepare Before the session q Read and prayerfully reflect on this week s focus scripture, John 4:5 42, and biblical background material (p. 15). q Set a worship space with purple cloth, candle, and Bible with bookmark placed in focus passage. q Bring basic supply kit (p. 2) and, if possible, Seasons Songbook (Volume 3) and Seasons Music CD (Volume 3), and CD or MP3 player; downloadable sheet music and MP3 recordings are available at Gather q Bring construction paper, and the Lent song (on resource sheet Songs and Games, p. 94). q Review instructions for the game Simon Says on resource sheet Songs and Games (p. 94). Engage q Bring resource sheet At the Well, two pieces of paper (print Jews on one and Samaritans on the other), building blocks, paper cup, and two toy play figures. q Bring song God s Never-ending Love (on p. 94). q Bring prepared poster Story Props #1 from last week and flat-bottomed glass pebbles (or other counters). Respond Choose from the options provided. Prepare and bring the materials. q Word puzzle: copies of resource sheet Well Words q Service project: information about projects providing clean water and sanitation in developing countries (go to and click on Links; Lent-Easer 2017; March 19; Ages 6 8), tablecloth, glasses, jugs, ice-cubes, lemon/lime slices, donation basket q Bracelets: strips of craft foam (2.5 cm/ 1 in width), narrow ribbon, self-adhesive stickers and craft foam shapes Bless q Bring, if possible, the song, I Thank You, Jesus (p. 16 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 3; #25 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 3). 16 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter 2017 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

19 Finding Refreshment March 19, 2017 Scripture John 4:5 42 FOCUS To hear a story about God s love for all people from Jesus meeting with the woman at the well. Welcome the children and remind them that we are in the Season of Lent. Invite newcomers to trace around one of their feet on construction paper, cut out their footprints, and print their names in the middle of these. As they work, explain that Lent is a time to think about God and learn more about what it means to follow in God s ways. Opening ritual Gather in the worship space and remind the children that purple is a colour that reminds people in the church to be sorry when they forget to follow in God s ways and keep trying to follow Jesus example. Light the candle. Invite the children to place their footprints around the worship space as a sign that they are ready to travel with Jesus through Lent. Sing Lead the children in singing the Lent song (on p. 94). Pray (Invite children to repeat each line after you.) Loving God, thank you for the special Season of Lent. We are glad that you are always with us. Help us to grow strong in your love. Amen. Receive the offering. Extinguish the candle to signal that the opening ritual has ended. Connecting life and theme Lead the group in playing the game Simon Says (see instructions on p. 94). First, play the game competitively with one child being excluded each turn. Then play the game cooperatively so that no one is excluded. After the game, discuss how it felt to remain in the game when others were excluded. How was the game different when it was played cooperatively? Invite the children to share stories of times when someone was left out of an activity or group. Mention that today s story is about a woman who was surprised when Jesus wanted to include her as a disciple. Before the story Invite a child to bring the Bible from the worship area and use the bookmark to open it to the gospel of John. Recall that the gospel of John is a collection of stories about Jesus and the people Jesus met. Bible story Explain that in today s Bible story Jesus and the disciples are feeling hot and thirsty. Use the resource sheet At the Well to present the story based on John 4:5 42, using the props as indicated. Wondering about the story Use the resource sheet to help children explore the story. n What do you think the woman said about Jesus after she had talked with him? n If you could ask Jesus a question about God s love, what would you ask? After the story Sing God s Never-ending Love (p. 94). The woman discovered God s refreshing love when Jesus helped her feel welcomed and included. n How could we help others feel welcomed and included at our church? n How could you help others feel welcomed and included at your house? n At your school? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Lent Easter