Planning. Easter Day Palm Sunday (Orthodox) St. George. ANZAC Day (Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand) St. Mark. Holy Friday (Orthodox) April 2019

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1 Planning SAT 27 FRI 26 THUR 25 WED 24 TUES 23 MON 22 SUN 21 Easter Day Palm Sunday (Orthodox) St. George ANZAC Day (Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand) St. Mark Holy Friday (Orthodox) Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead April 2019 Sunday, April 21 Saturday, April S M T W T F S March 2019 S M T W T F S / May 2019 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year C) Acts 10:34 43 or Isaiah 65:17 25 Psalm 118:1 2, Corinthians 15:19 26 or Acts 10:34 43 John 20:1 18 or Luke 24:1 12 Liturgical colour: white or gold If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Djibouti, Somalia As listed in In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. by Hugh McCullum and Terry Mac- Arthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter

2 Lent, Easter 2019 Easter Day John 20:1 18 the focus in the age-level materials or Luke 24:1 12 Acts 10:34 43 or Isaiah 65:17 25 Psalm 118:1 2, Corinthians 15:19 26 or Acts 10:34 43 The Easter story is the axis of the Christian faith. Our lives orbit the mystery of the empty tomb like the Earth around the sun. In the Resurrection, the God of new things transforms reality and offers hope and life to all. John 20:1 18 The critical resurrection turning point for Mary Magdalene is unaccompanied by alleluias or loud claims of victory. It comes only in fidelity to the painful truth that the one she loves and in whom she has placed her faith has been killed by the power of Rome and the complicity of religious leaders. As much as we might fill our Easter celebration with great rejoicing, the model given to us by the gospels is one in which resurrection awareness emerges out of the womb of tears. In John s telling of the story, it is Mary Magdalene who first discovers the empty tomb, revealing the courage of a woman willing to face with utter truthfulness the loss and grief that lies before her. Mary was a disciple of the one who looked at the world s brokenness, injustice, and suffering with disarming honesty. Jesus disruption of the temple was only one of many instances in which the truth-telling aroused the anger and animosity of those in power. Mary remains faithful to this truth-teller by going to the place where death can be faced head-on. Encountering an empty tomb, she concludes that anyone who has experienced the manipulative and coercive power of empire domination would make. Running to Peter and the other disciples she tells them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. Systems of domination thrive in deceit, dishonesty, and lies. Mary s assumption about the empty tomb is in keeping with her experience and all those who found hope in the way of Jesus. Peter and the other disciple seek to recapture their male energy with a mad dash to the tomb, but finding the tomb Biblical Background April 21, 2019 Holy One, renew our wonder and open our hearts. Amen. empty, leave quickly, each with their own private thoughts and, according to the gospel writer, unaware of the potential and transformative power of resurrection that was at work. Upon their departure, Mary lets herself experience the fullness of her grief. With eyes clouded by tears, she is unable to recognize the one whom neither Rome nor any system of domination can defeat. There is no logic, no external evidence that can transform hearts and turn an individual or a nation toward the power of love. When Jesus calls her name, a turning point occurs for Mary with a resurrection awareness that continues reverberating down to this very day. The other readings for Easter Sunday bear witness to the power of God s love as a source of new life. Isaiah 65:17 25 affirms God as one whose love is creating new heavens and a new earth. Psalm 118:1 2, celebrates God s steadfast love that empowers the hope of life and witnesses to God s choice of the stone rejected by others. Why are you looking for the living among the dead? is the question of the two men in dazzling clothes in Luke 24:1 12. It spurs recall of Jesus teaching. Resurrection is not a matter of fear, but of joyful faith. 1 Corinthians 15:19 26 links God s gift of new life with our hope. Acts 10:34 43 tells about a turning point for Peter when he becomes aware that the God revealed in Christ, is a God whose impartiality offers acceptance to all. The joy we experience on Easter Day makes it easier for us to sense that God is creating new ways of being in our world. The message of resurrection joy enables those who know suffering to trust in the mystery of the empty tomb and continue searching for evidence of life. With what words and actions might you witness to the mystery and joy of Jesus resurrection? 98 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter 2019 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2018

3 Reflection and Focus April 21, 2019 Reflecting on the Word Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life Why do we keep telling the Easter story over and over, year after year? We do it to remember not old details but new insights and fresh perspectives; so that we can remember what a challenge it is to still look death in the face and trust Jesus is risen. What is it in the Easter narratives that you most remember, and you most trust? Scripture John 20:1 18 Imagine yourself in Mary s place. You are approaching the tomb, lingering there on the cusp of dawn. What words do you want to use to describe what you feel? Place yourself in Mary s shoes again, reaching for words you wish to use having just seen Jesus. How did they speak into the passage for you as you entered Mary s story? On Easter morning, we can be in a rush to shout alleluias and sing our favourite hymns of Easter s glory. Mary does not recognize the gardener, who is in truth Jesus. Recognition only comes when he speaks her name. The familiar voice speaking her name shatters grief, restores relationship, empowers her, I have seen (20:18). Lent, Easter 2019 In John s story, Mary is also the first witness to the Resurrection, the first one to announce the news. In this, Mary is the first apostle. For whom might the promise of new life be most desperately needed in your community and in the world? How might you reach out to tell them? Isaiah 65:17 25 Many scholars view Isaiah as dating to shortly after Israel s return from exile. The glorious visions of return from exile and restoration in chapters met with more subdued realities on the ground. Given this background, what former things might the prophet have been urging the people not to remember? Why? Where do you see Easter-like imagery in this passage? Connecting scripture and life The mystery and glory of Easter astound in ever-new ways and call us to join with Mary and announce that Christ is risen indeed! Where do you see the norms, violence, and hierarchical structures of empire at work in our world today? Where do you see evidence that they are not as powerful as they might imagine? What new meanings in the account of Jesus resurrection have you discovered this week? Where do you see or experience the great turning a conversion of heart and soul that can transform individuals, community, and society toward a just and sustainable future? With what words and actions might you witness to the mystery and joy of Jesus resurrection? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving Each of the gospel accounts of the Easter story is different. In John s version, it is just Mary one woman, alone who heads to the tomb to follow up on burial rites after the harrowing and rushed events of the previous days. When she finds it empty, she does go to Peter and the others to let them know. But she returns to continue her search for what has happened. There is great courage in the portrayal of this version. Mary s willingness to approach death fully, then to stay in a place of mystery and unknowing, then to open her eyes and mind and heart to the resurrected Christ offer the readers and listeners a powerful witness. The story of a solitary woman approaching the tomb of a newly dead body holds vulnerabilities at many levels. There was nothing official or powerful about Mary or the moment. The powers that be had destroyed the hope of Jesus followers. Mary, in her efforts to put a full-stop at the end of Jesus story found, instead, another chapter, with her at its centre. Many of us often feel we are not at the centre of our own stories, nonetheless any larger story. Many of us, in the world of widening economic divides and deepening social and ecological ills, might imagine ourselves insignificant and unimportant. This version of the Easter story asks us to imagine that we are not only in the most important story of our faith, but potentially agents of change, healing, and good news. We are invited to stay with Mary this year and return to the tombs of pain and loss, no matter the stench; remain in wonder at the mystical mystery of resurrection and turn and recognize that Jesus is not only with us but asks us to spread the word! Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter

4 Easter Day Prepare Worship Outline April 21, 2019 NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship: arrange for the organist or other musicians to prepare an Easter fanfare to begin the service. Have them ready with a short phrase to play repeatedly during the call to worship and prayers of the people. Choose an option for hearing John 20:1 18. For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story A Wonderful Message on p Bring items for setting the worship space. Also place pieces of the cocoons previously dangling in the space, around the flowers and plants. Replace larger than life cocoons with three large butterflies. (See page 13 for directions, or create your own.) You might choose to print the art image A Time to Receive, A Time to Let Go on or in your bulletin (in the Images to Project and Print folder). For background to the art and artist, see Connecting with the Art on p. 8. Bring song such as Alleluia (Seasons Songbook, vol. 2, #23 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 2. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Set stations as described on p Music Suggestions All Are Welcome Marty Haugen; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9 All We Long For Trisha Watts; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6 Behold, I Make All Things New John Bell; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Tune: Easter Hymn Halleluia Caribbean traditional Somos pueblo que camina/we Are People on a Journey Manuel Dávilla, Carolyn Jennings Spirit of the Living God David Iverson Halleluia Caribbean Melody Traditional A chart that shows the licence 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 licence holder for permission to duplicate. Easter fanfare Invite either your organist or other musicians to prepare an Easter fanfare to begin the service. Have them be ready with a short phrase to play repeatedly during the call to worship, and prayers of the people. Call to worship adapted from Isaiah 65:17 25 Read responsively with fanfare. One: God has promised: I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. All: Be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. (fanfare) One: I will rejoice in Jerusalem and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. Gather All: No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime. (fanfare) One: They shall build houses and inhabit them. They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. All: They shall not labour in vain, or bear children for calamity They shall not hurt or destroy on my holy mountain. Says God. (fanfare) Come, then, people of God, let us raise an Alleluia for the new thing God is doing in our lives. Alleluia! Praise God. (fanfare) Opening prayer One: Today is a day for praise, Holy Creator! So, we thank you! For the new beginnings you have set before us new opportunities, new adventures, new relationships, and new joys, All: we thank you. 100 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter 2019 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2018

5 Worship Outline April 21, 2019 One: For the delight you have returned to each of us in our time healing our hearts, our bodies, and Earth, All: we thank you. One: For the tears you have wiped from our eyes the comfort you have sent to us through your beauty, your creatures, and your people, All: we thank you. One: And for coming to be among us as Jesus, the Christ, even when we did not and do not deserve such love, All: we thank you! One: We raise our Alleluias in thanksgiving, today, and give praise to you, Loving God! All: Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen. Opening the word Psalm 118:1 2, This psalm of praise is full of images of fulfillment and joy. It is easy to put pressure on the Easter story being one only of the physical resurrection of Jesus body. But the people of God have all experienced deliverance and new life. The psalmist proclaims this powerfully: I thank you that you have answered me and become my salvation. To an extent, Easter is about remembering in profound ways the times that God has answered our prayers. Easter is about the renewal of the spirit of hope, and this psalm offers words to express this experience, from a people all too familiar with struggle and suffering. Engage Prayer of confession In unison We confess, Eternal Creator, that even 2000 years later, we expect to find the tomb closed and full of the death we experience all around us. We do not expect new life today. We do not expect anything but the same burdens of sadness and despair to which we have become all too accustomed. We have arrived on this morning, like Mary, ready to be weighed down by the realities of our world. We confess that part of our spirit remains unable to comprehend you right here, with us, risen. Forgive us, we pray. Amen. Words of affirmation There is only one assurance we need today: Christ is risen! Christ is risen. With open hearts, eyes, and minds, we believe the risen Christ is with us. Christ has risen! Alleluia. Amen. journeyed with his people through great challenges, now offers not only consolation, but a great vision of healing and wholeness, and new life! People in our own faith communities also know suffering. It may not be exactly like that of Isaiah s folks, but there certainly are people who do not get to reap the benefits of their own work; or who suffer under the oppressive laws and structures of societies built to benefit the 1%, while the 99% see little reward. What is the vision they need cast in order to gain strength for the journey? On this Easter Day, what is the new life that needs to be held up? Luke 9:28 36, (37 43) The focus for age-level materials in ENCORE 1 Corinthians 15:19 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Paul s words speak of a profound hope for people who follow Christ that we will share in his resurrection. We have the call and ability to do this all the time, even before our deaths. Any time we are willing to allow love and hope to be the reigning motivations in our lives, rather than greed, self-satisfaction, or even willful ignorance, we are participating in destroying the aspects of death that live in human community. And these carry our spirits beyond this life, into life after life. We are, indeed, to be pitied if we focus only on what is happening here and now and imagine that the suffering of this time is the end of the story. For Paul, the end of the story is glory in eternal life with Christ. This is ours, very simply, through our participation in love. Isaiah 65: Isaiah s people had suffered great losses and frustrations. Owning land, harvesting one s own crop, living without the calamities of infant mortality and suffering in old age, were not taken for granted. The prophet, having Choose from the following. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story A Wonderful Message (p. 104). Reflection for after the reading. Mary is central to the Easter story in John, seizing all the good news that is set before her. While Peter and the other disciple run back and continue to hide in fear at the sight of the empty tomb, Mary stays at the scene, allows her grief to be expressed, opens her eyes to what is happening around her, and responds in fullness to both the comfort and the call. Mary didn t expect to be the first to witness the empty tomb and evidence of Christ s resurrection; become the first evangelist the one to call others to take note and believe; find Jesus standing next to her in that garden, speaking her name in the same intimacy of compassion she had experienced before; Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter

6 or to be sent by Jesus, himself, to share the good news. The message of Christ risen is one that invites us all to respond like Mary not to run away and worry and wonder (though this is a very natural response). Rather, we are invited to look again remain in place listen to the voices around us and look up in hopeful joy to recognize the risen one with us all along. Worship Outline April 21, 2019 In the world in which we live, it is easy to want to run away and hide and sometimes this is embodied in maintaining our privilege. As Easter people, we pay attention to the fact that Jesus didn t rise in order to placate people to continue the ways of oppression and dis-equality but to continue in the ways of love and compassion he had established throughout his ministry. The powers of empire the powers of death do not have the last word. Jesus resurrection and the call to us who follow is to proclaim and embody this truth. Invite children, young people, and all who wish to move to the stations. Others will remain seated for proclaiming the word. After proclaiming the word, you might invite those who have not already done so to move to and around the stations, taking ten minutes or so with a chosen practice. Sing or listen to a song such as Alleluia as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 2, #23 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 2. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Prayers of the people One: Loving One, you have been with us throughout our Lenten journey. You have accompanied us through the deserts of hopelessness and sin. All: You have been with us as we have passed through the valleys of struggle and the declines of despair. One: You called us to wave palms and rejoice with you as you entered Jerusalem on a colt and challenged the image of king. All: You offered us a place at your table, sharing the bread of our brokenness and offering the cup of your healing forgiveness. One: Then, we witnessed your trial and death and heard your last words. Christ has risen to be among us in love and communion. Let us now rise up to be in loving communion with God s family and God s creation. Respond Bless All: And we wondered, again, as we so often do, what we would find at the tombs of our humanity. One: And what we discovered was your amazing love, your eternal spirit, your gracious compassion, and your presence as the risen Christ! (fanfare) All: You have arisen among us again. Alleluia! (fanfare) One: Our hearts are full of joy. Our spirits rise up with yours. All: We thank you, Risen Saviour, for the journey, the challenge, the compassion of your eternal presence, and for your love. For it is in the spirit of your love itself that we too rise and give thanks this day. Amen. Prayer of dedication or offering prayer On this day of celebration, we bring not only our offerings but also our lives. We dedicate ourselves anew today to be the love that rises after death. We dedicate our hearts to continuing to break and continuing to respond to a broken world with compassion and hope. We dedicate our very souls to fulfilling your resurrection in the world. Bless all these offerings, we pray. Amen. Let us lift the wings of our joy and be a people of God celebrating God s grace and goodness forever. Amen. 102 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter 2019 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2018

7 Special Days Commentary April 21, 2019 April 21 Ridvan begins (Baha i) This day begins the commemoration of the declaration of Baha ullah to his followers in Work is suspended on the first, ninth, and twelfth days of the commemoration. April 22 Earth Day First observed in the United States in 1970, today Earth Day is celebrated worldwide as a time to focus on conservation and preservation of the world s resources. Earth Day celebrations often feature educational programs and community activities such as cleaning up public parks and roadsides, and participation in public recycling efforts. As stewards of God s gifts, we are called to take care of God s creation. Plan some Earth Day activities for your congregation, or partner with activities going on in your community. April 23 St. George George is believed to have been a soldier who was martyred in Lydda, Palestine, during the Diocletian persecution about 304 CE. While legend says that George slew a dragon, some authorities believe he was confused with St. Michael, who was usually depicted wearing armour in religious icons, or was mistakenly identified with Perseus, a mythological character from the area of Lydda who is said to have slain a sea monster. George replaced Edward the Confessor as the patron saint of England following the Crusades when returning soldiers brought back with them a renewed devotion to St. George. April 24 Armenian Martyrs Day On April 24 of each year, people remember the series of massacres on Armenian Christians that took place in Turkey between 1894 and Over one and one-half million people were killed, more than 6000 of whom were clergy. April 25 St. Mark According to Acts 12, Mark (or John Mark) accompanied his cousin Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey to Perga. Later, he went to Cyprus with Barnabas and to Rome with first Paul and then Peter, thus earning his title Evangelist. The gospel attributed to Mark is generally recognized as the earliest and is the shortest of the accounts of Jesus life. It is thought to have been written while Mark was in Rome and may have been based as much on Peter s preaching as on Mark s own memory of the events. April 25 ANZAC Day (Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia) The anniversary of the World War I landing of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps on Gallipoli in 1915 serves as an opportunity to honour the past and to recommit ourselves to working for peace and justice in the present and future. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter

8 A Wonderful Message Based on John 20:1 18 Mary Magdalene had been one of Jesus friends. She had stood and watched on that terrible day as Jesus was killed on the cross. Now Jesus was dead, and Mary felt as if she would never smile again. Early on Sunday morning, Mary went to the place where they had put Jesus body. By the time Mary reached the tomb, the sun was just starting to come up. The sunrise turned the sky into a jumble of orange, yellow, and purple. Mary looked at the tomb and saw at once that the stone had been rolled away and Jesus body was gone. What a horrible shock. Bible Story April 21, 2019 Why are you crying? the figure asked. Who are you looking for? Mary thought she was talking to the gardener. Sir, Mary sobbed, if you have taken Jesus away, please tell me where his body is. Mary, the figure said. As soon as Mary heard her name she knew who the figure was. It wasn t the gardener; it was Jesus! Mary was very upset. She ran to call some of Jesus disciples. They came running to the tomb as fast as they could. They, too, saw that the tomb was empty. Where was Jesus? The disciples didn t know what to do, so they went back home. Everyone was very puzzled. But Mary didn t want to go home. Mary stayed by the tomb to see if she could find out what had happened to Jesus. Mary was feeling sad. First Jesus had died, and now Jesus body had gone. Could things get any worse? Mary cried and cried. Then Mary turned around and saw someone standing there. Mary was crying so hard that the tears made it difficult to see. Mary couldn t believe her eyes. Jesus had been dead, but now he was alive! Mary s tears disappeared in a flash and in their place was the biggest smile you have ever seen. Go and tell the other disciples what has happened, said Jesus. Tell them that I am going to be with God. Mary ran as fast as she could to tell the disciples. She was laughing, and jumping, and dancing with joy. Mary had a wonderful message to deliver. I have seen Jesus. Jesus is alive. A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the Audio Stories folder. Bible story Materials recording of today s story A Wonderful Message, player, paper, crayons, pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see; alternatively, arrange for a storyteller to present the story The practice of storytelling Directions 1. Listen to the story A Wonderful Message. 2. Wonder about how Mary felt when she heard Jesus speak her name. 3. Use the art supplies to draw and write your response to the story. 104 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter 2019 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2018

9 Stations April 21, 2019 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your space and numbers. Display the directions. For your convenience, instructions are formatted for printing and available in the Stations folder. The article Connecting with the Art on page 8 provides some background to the two posters for Lent, Easter and some art engagement ideas for individuals and groups. You might choose to add an Art Engagement station each week and choose one of the art engagement ideas. Stained glass cross Materials tissue paper in a variety of colours, wax paper, construction paper, white glue, craft sticks, scissors, craft knife, cross template made from cardboard (approximately 15 cm/6 in high), paper towels, newspaper, copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of creativity Directions 1. Cut or tear tissue paper into small pieces. 2. Tear a piece of wax paper that is twice the width of your cross. Spread glue on half the wax paper using a craft stick. 3. Next, cover the glue with the small pieces of tissue paper. Overlap the pieces so that the entire surface is covered. 4. Spread glue on the other half of the wax paper, then fold it over to cover the tissue paper. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles and let the glue dry. 5. Use the template to trace a cross on the wax paper or draw your own. Cut out the cross using a craft knife or scissors. 6. Cut a border or frame for your cross out of construction paper. Trace a cross on the construction paper or use your stained-glass cross as a guide. Cut out the centre of the construction paper cross, leaving a 1.25 cm/ ½ in border. Glue the border to the stainedglass cross. Sensing the Resurrection Materials table and chairs; copies of the focus scripture (John 20:1 18) or Bibles; a white tablecloth; dazzling fabrics pieces of shiny gold or silver, yellow; a few stones or larger rocks; a bowl with dirt; an aloe plant; paper; pens and pencils; copy of the directions displayed where all can see; invite people to bring their personal journals with them to this space Suitable for all ages working together The practice of awareness Directions 1. Read John 20: Connect with the Resurrection using your senses. Take a few moments to think about how that morning might have engaged your senses of smell, sight, taste, touch, and hearing. Use some of the items on the table to help you. 3. Respond to these questions on the paper provided or in your journal. What sounds might you have heard that morning? What scents and aromas would have been in the air? What taste might have been in your mouth? What might you have touched that morning? What sights would you have seen at the tomb? 4. If you have time, share with another person or the entire group some of your reflections. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter

10 Shape poetry Materials sheets of plain paper with some cut into the shape of a cross, markers in primary colours, pens, scissors, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for ages 7 adult Stations April 21, 2019 The practice of telling the good news Directions 1. Bright hues and words of joy combine to make poetry. 2. Think about the joy of discovering that Jesus is alive in a new way. What shades of markers look like that joy to you? 3. Select two or three markers and write a poem about the joy of Easter, especially that first Easter Day. 4. You might write your poem in lines, the usual way, or write it in the shape of a cross, following the outline of the paper. Meditation Materials computer or tablet with access to watch?v=gjwlo5uxjyu, comfortable place to sit such as pillows or carpet, meditative instrumental music, personal journals (optional) Suitable for ages 11 adult or an activity for worship The practice of contemplation Directions 1. Joy was not what Mary experienced in her discovering the empty tomb. It was grief and disbelief. Not only was Jesus dead, but his body was also gone. Close your eyes and imagine what Mary may have been feeling and thinking. 2. The Lenten journey is over. Easter morning begins in darkness. 3. Watch the video featuring Emmylou Harris singing Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn The lyrics will roll across the screen. 4. Move to a quiet and comfortable place alone. Ponder the meanings of deep night preceding light. What is God saying in this experience of fear or cold being met with assurance and warmth? We are an Easter people. What does this mean? Write down your thoughts and questions. 5. Close with either watching the video again or a prayer. 106 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Lent Easter 2019 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2018

11 44 warm hard-boiled eggs shells on crayon shavings small paper bag spoon an adult helper Instructions 1. Place warm hard-boiled egg in a paper bag of crayon shavings. 2. Gently shake the bag. 3. Tip the egg out of the bag, revealing the beautiful colours. 4. Use paper towel to wipe excess shavings from the eggs. 5. Cool on a rack. Seasons Seasons of of the the Spirit Spirit SeasonsFUSION SeasonsFUSION Lent Lent Easter Easter Copyright Copyright Wood Wood Lake Lake Publishing Publishing Inc. Inc Eggs remind us of the empty tomb and life in a new way. What you need create Colouring Easter Eggs 11 All at once I knew. Jesus was standing beside me! I was so happy I could hardly speak! What a happy surprise! Jesus was alive again! Alleluia! Then I turned around and saw someone standing close by and calling my name. And I said, Because someone has taken Jesus body and I don t know where he is. But I didn t go away. I was crying. I bent over to look in the tomb, and what do you think I saw? I saw two angels in the tomb. Why are you crying? the angels asked. The friends ran to the tomb, and they could see I was right. Jesus body was not there! So they went away. Come as fast as you can! I said. Jesus is not in the tomb! Someone must have taken his body away! Quickly, I ran to find Jesus friends. story time Seasonsof ofthe thespirit Spirit SeasonsFUSION SeasonsFUSION Lent Seasons Lent Easter Easter Copyright Copyright Wood Wood Lake Lake Publishing Publishing Inc. Inc Soon I arrived at the garden. Jesus body had been placed in a grey stone tomb in that garden. I walked over to the tomb and I couldn t believe what I saw! The huge rock that had been rolled across the doorway of the tomb was moved away! As I walked on the dusty path, I remembered the times when I followed Jesus around the countryside. I remembered Jesus teaching the people as they sat on the green, green hillside. But now Jesus was gone. All I wanted to do was cry. It all began very early Sunday morning. It was so early the sun was not yet up in the sky, so it was still quite dark. Only one little bird was singing. But I didn t feel like singing. I was very, very sad, because my good friend Jesus had died. Hello. My name is Mary Magdalene. I have such wonderful news to tell you! I can hardly believe it myself, but it s true. Based on John 20:1 18 A Happy Surprise Children'sActivity ActivityLeaflet Leaflet March April 21, Children's 27,

12 Seasonsofofthe thespirit Spirit SeasonsFUSION SeasonsFUSIONLent Lent Easter Easter Seasons Copyright Wood WoodLake LakePublishing PublishingInc. Inc Copyright 33 For older children. If Mary had told you that Jesus was alive in a new way, what questions might you have asked her? What would have convinced you that what she said was true? Mary was sad as she walked the dusty path, but when she arrived at the tomb, it was empty! When Mary told Jesus' friends, they ran down the path to see. When they found the tomb empty they left, but Mary stayed. Draw Mary in the garden and then her happy surprise. Decorate your picture with butterflies and flowers. Jesus Is Alive! activity Seasonsof ofthe thespirit Spirit SeasonsFUSION SeasonsFUSION Lent Seasons Lent Easter Easter Copyright Wood WoodLake LakePublishing PublishingInc. Inc Copyright 23 22