The Empty Tomb and Ascension

Transcription

1 Sunday, April 3, 2016 The Empty Tomb and Ascension Mark 16:1-8; Acts 1:1-14 Mark 16:6 and Acts 1:8-9 Jesus followers hear that he has been raised from the dead. Forty days later, Jesus ascends into heaven. As followers, all Christians are called to be witnesses of this good news. Resurrection and Ascension Worship After completing this lesson, students will be able to: Explain the importance of Jesus resurrection and ascension to our Christian tradition by exploring the Apostles Creed. Illustrate the story of Jesus resurrection and ascension by using colored fabric and a story script. Demonstrate acts of worship by creating a litany using bandannas and words of praise that are both lifted up to God Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 1

2 Activities a la Carte Activities Into the Story The Song that Doesn t End Jesus love is eternal. Supplies 10 min. A computer, table, or phone with an Internet connection (optional) Bible Nuts and Bolts Resurrection and Ascension What we believe. 10 min. Copies of the Apostles Creed Learning the Story Jesus Resurrection and Ascension Color wheel storytelling. Living the Story Risen Savior Worship Raising our colors for God. Additional Activities Orange You Able to Float? An experiment on ups and downs. 10 min. Activity Sheet #2-28.A Bandannas or fabric pieces of various colors 15 min. Activity Sheet #2-28.B Pencils or pens Bandannas or fabric pieces Clothes pins Thin rope 15 min. Oranges Sharpie marker Large bowl or bucket of water Napkins Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 2

3 Activities a la Carte Activities Cloud Gazing Bringing our attention back to earth. Ascension Art What lifts me up. You Shall be my Witnesses A game of telephone. Supplies 15 min. Cotton balls Little Cloud by Eric Carle (optional) 20 min. Paper Paint Paintbrushes Crayons and/or markers Chalk Whiteboard or large sheet of paper (optional) 10 min. Nothing Student Bible Jesus Resurrection and Ascension Students continue their own Bible story book! Closing Prayer 10 min. Each student s binder Copies of Activity Sheet #2-28.C A three-hole punch Pens Markers and/or crayons A sample page 5 min Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 3

4 Background for Teachers Story Connections Mark s Gospel focuses our attention on the cross. Throughout his ministry, Jesus repeatedly told his followers that he would suffer and specifically predicted his own death three times. Yet even the disciples held on to the desire that Jesus would become a powerful king with political clout. Upon his death on the cross, though, we hear the centurion s powerful confession: Truly this man was God s Son. Yet the story takes an unbelievable twist in today s lesson. Jesus is resurrected on Easter morning. Finally, the victory over death is won. Yet, Mark s gospel is one of intrigue. Either it ends following verse eight, with the women in fear and amazement and not telling anyone what they have seen. Or, other scholars believe that it ends in similar fashion to Matthew and Luke, including a commissioning of the disciples and Jesus ascension. The second part of the reading is the beginning of the Book of Acts and includes Jesus promise of the Holy Spirit, his call to all believers to share the message to the ends of the earth and his ascension into heaven. We go from the end of the story of Jesus time on earth and transition into the birth of the Christian church. Story Summary: Jesus Resurrection and Ascension After Jesus brutal death on the cross, we pick up the story with the good news that our Christian faith relies on: Jesus rose from the dead and, thus, has conquered death for all believers. During the next forty days, he spends his time preparing the disciples for the work of sharing the good news of what has happened with the world. Finally, he promises them the Holy Spirit and ascends into heaven. Thus begins the Christian church. been won! Yet, even as Christ ascends into heaven, the Holy Spirit is promised. We have a God who is eternally present and creating faith among people on earth. Story Themes Any passage of Scripture has countless themes and lessons for the student. The following themes are the focus of this lesson. Jesus followers hear that he has been raised from the dead. Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Salome went to the tomb in order to carry out the sad work of anointing his body with spices. As they arrived, their concerns were how they would roll away the stone. But, the following minutes were filled with surprise, alarm, terror and amazement. This was simply unbelievable news! Forty days later, Jesus ascends into heaven. Jesus appeared to the apostles and taught them about the kingdom of God. Then, he promised the Holy Spirit s presence on earth, called followers to action, and ascended into heaven. As followers, all Christians are called to be witnesses to this good news. Before Jesus ascended, his words clearly called all believers to share the good news with the world. This is challenging work, but with the presence of the Holy Spirit, faith continues to be created around the globe. Spiritual Practice: Worship Through Jesus Christ, we have been given everlasting life. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are strengthened to share that news with the world. Worship is our opportunity to express our gratitude and love to God. Today, students will be able to lift up their praises in a colorful activity. Bible Nuts and Bolts: Jesus Resurrection and Ascension Jesus resurrection, the good news of Easter, is the center of our Christian faith. The final victory has Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 4

5 Background for Teachers Teacher Note: Today s lesson covers the Narrative Lectionary readings for both Easter Sunday as well as the Second Sunday of Easter. If you have class both weeks, there is plenty of material here to cover two sessions. Here are two options for how to structure your time: Option One: Week One: Do the Into the Story and Learning the Story activities followed by a Resurrection Celebration that includes refreshments and Easter music. You may also choose to include the You Shall be my Witnesses game. Week Two: Review the Learning the Story activity and complete the session with other activities from the lesson plan. Option Two: Week One: Do the Into the Story, Learning the Story, Bible Nuts and Bolts, and one or two of the activities the first week. Week Two: Review the story contents and include the Living the Story activity and a few of the additional activities. If you have class on only one of the weeks, select a few of the additional activities to include with the regular lesson components Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 5

6 Lesson #2-28 (3rd-6th) April 3, 2016 Lesson Plan Into the Story (10 minutes) The Song that Doesn t End Jesus love is eternal. You will need: A computer, tablet, or phone with an internet connection (optional) During class: 1. I m glad to see you all today! I wanted to start out by asking you to think of things that seem to go on and on. Share an example from your own life to get them started. This may include a story of a long car ride, a day at work or school, or even time spent with someone that you struggle to get along with. 2. Encourage students to share an example from their own life of something that feels like it goes on forever. 3. If you have a device with Internet access, search YouTube for song that never ends Lamp Chop. Show the video to the class. 4. That might drive us crazy if we watched it for too long just like some of the things you have shared with us. When we describe some things as neverending it makes us feel exhausted, frustrated and cranky. 5. Yet, there is one thing that truly never ends. It doesn t have a pause button or a power switch. There is nothing we can do to ever stop it. That is Jesus love for us. 6. Our lesson last week ended with Jesus death on the cross. When his friends went to put spices on his body three days later, they thought that the story was over and done with. They thought it was the END. 7. Today, we get the good news, though, that Jesus story doesn t end EVER! Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 6

7 Bible Nuts and Bolts (10 minutes) Resurrection and Ascension What we believe. You will need: Copies of the Apostles Creed Note: Different churches and denominations use the Apostles Creed in different ways and, due to these variations, your students may or may not be familiar with the words. Please adapt the following activity as needed to make it suitable. During class: 1. Pass out copies of the Apostles Creed. 2. The Apostle s Creed is divided into three sections. The first section states what we, as Christians, believe about God, the Creator. The second section states our beliefs about Jesus, the Savior. The third section states our beliefs about the Holy Spirit. These are the three persons of God called the Trinity. 3. Let s read together the middle section and see what it tells us about Jesus. 4. Read together starting with I believe in Jesus Christ and ending with and he will come to judge the living and the dead. 5. Last week, we talked about Jesus death in our story together. It says in the creed that, after he died, he was buried and descended to the dead. Then what happened? [He rose again. He ascended into heaven.] 6. Rising again is called resurrection. It means that Jesus was completely dead and then he became completely alive again his mind, body, and spirit. Through resurrection, God won final victory over death for all of us. 7. Do you know what ascended into heaven means? [Jesus body rose from the ground up to the sky and into the clouds. It was physically lifted up.] I would guess the disciples would have been surprised and amazed when that happened. It s important that we know that Jesus didn t ever die again he continues to live with God in heaven Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 7

8 Learning the Story (10 minutes) Jesus Resurrection and Ascension Color wheel storytelling. You will need: Activity Sheet #2-28.A Bandannas or fabric pieces of various colors During class: 1. Spread bandannas or fabric pieces on the table and distribute copies of Activity Sheet #2-28.A to students. 2. Divide students into eight groups. If there are fewer than eight students in your class, decide how to divide the eight readings among participants. 3. Take a minute to read through the passage that you have been assigned. Think about a color that might go with the sentences that you read. Some might be easy because a color is actually mentioned, but others will take more creativity. Remember that there are no wrong answers since this is a creative process. 4. As students read their sections, offer encouragement. If any students are struggling, you could ask questions or offer suggestions. Colors could be associated with: 1. The sunrise, tomb or walk. 2. The stone, the tomb or the dark feelings they were experiencing. 3. The tomb, the robe, or the feeling of being surprised. 4. The crucifixion or the feelings of being afraid or amazed. 5. The waters of baptism or the feelings the disciples experienced upon seeing Jesus alive again. 6. Kings, the Holy Spirit or the earth. 7. Clouds, the clothing of the men, or the sky. 8. The disciples or prayer. 5. Have students read the passages in order, picking a bandanna or fabric piece and holding it up as they read. (If another group selects the same color, have them pass it along as needed.) 6. After the story has been told, go around the room and have each student or group explain why they selected the color that they selected. Or, if you have a talkative group, have them try to guess why other groups selected what they did Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 8

9 7. If time allows after the activity, ask: There are still some fabric pieces in the middle of the table. Can you find creative ways to relate any of them to the story we just read? [Answers will vary.] 8. Thank you for telling the story to one another and, especially, for your creativity in choosing. Living the Story (15 minutes) Risen Savior Worship Raising our colors for God. You will need: Activity Sheet #2-28.B Pencils or pens Bandannas or fabric pieces from Learning the Story activity Clothes pins Thin rope During class: 1. Today s Bible story is full of good news, namely Jesus resurrection, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus ascension into heaven. We thank God for the joy this news brings to us and we share the good news with other people around the world 2. One way that we show our appreciation to God is through worship. Worship is our opportunity to show God our love. 3. Together we are going to write a worship litany. A litany is a scripted conversation or prayer with God that is used during worship. 4. Pass out a copy of Activity Sheet #2-28.B to each student. Spend a few minutes allowing students to fill in the sheet with words of praise and thanks as well as their requests, each in the appropriate area. They can do this individually or you can do it together as a group. Make sure there are as many phrases as total students. 5. Each student should select at least one petition they will say at the appropriate time in the litany some words of praise or thanks or a request for God. 6. Have each student select a bandanna or fabric piece that goes with the words they will say. If time allows, have them share why they chose the color they did. Each student also will need a clothespin for each bandanna. 7. Ask for two volunteers to each hold one end of the rope, pulling it tight between them. They will start out holding it at knee level Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 9

10 8. As these two students hold the rope, we are going to say our litany together. Whenever you say words of praise, thanks or request, you can immediately take your fabric to the rope and fasten it on with the clothespin. 9. Then, whenever we say together Hear our words, the students holding the rope will lift it up a little bit higher. By the end of our litany, our colorful words for God will be lifted up high. 10. Enter into a worshipful mood, make sure everyone understands the directions, and engage in the worship together. 11. Afterwards, notice how beautiful the many colors are on the rope. Remind students that worship can happen together, but it can also be a personal experience when they are alone with God as well. Encourage them to take their activity sheets home and use them when they pray or worship with their families. Additional Activities Orange You Able to Float? (15 minutes) An experiment on ups and downs. You will need: Oranges Sharpie marker Large bowl or bucket of water Napkins Note: You will only need two oranges in order to do the science experiment. If you would like to eat oranges as a snack as well, please plan accordingly. Before class: 1. Fill the large bowl or bucket with water, nearly to the top. 2. Peel one of the oranges. During class: 1. Hold up the two oranges one peeled and one unpeeled. 2. What are these? [Oranges.] But, then, what is the other one? Act confused. After all, they don t really look the same. They don t look like the same thing to me. How can they both be oranges? [One has the peeling on and the other has the peeling removed.] Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 10

11 3. Why do you think oranges have peelings on them? [To protect them.] While an orange is growing the peeling is mostly there to protect the fruit from pests and fungus that might destroy it. 4. Let s go crazy for a few minutes and pretend that these oranges are US! Just like an orange has a peel to protect it, we have skin that protects our bodies. But, we also have God s love to protect us, don t we? When Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised that the Holy Spirit would be with us. 5. Write the words God s Love on the peeling of the orange with the sharpie. 6. Hold both oranges, one in each hand, above the bowl or bucket of water. 7. Do you think our oranges will sink or float in the water? Allow students to each make a hypothesis of what will happen. 8. First, drop in the orange with NO peel. It should sink to the bottom. 9. The first orange sunk to the bottom. I m guessing most of you are good swimmers so, if you jump in and sink to the bottom of the pool, you know how to kick your legs and move your arms to get back to the surface. But, it s very frightening for people who don t know how to swim. They are stuck under the water. They need HELP to get out. 10. Hold up the second orange. This orange has some protection and help at least it says it does. It says God s love on the peeling. God s love can help us when we feel scared. Share a story about a time that God s love has provided comfort or strength for you personally. 11. Drop the second orange into the bowl or bucket. It will float to the top. 12. In our lesson for this week, we heard of Jesus rising up two times: He rose out of the grave at his resurrection and he rose up to the sky at his ascension. His body actually went UP. 13. We have also been given a promise by God to be raised up to live with him after our death. But, even in our lives, God s love raises us up. 14. If you brought enough oranges for students to have a snack, pass out oranges and napkins. As you peel and eat them, share stories about how God s love buoys you up and how you can share God s love with others by helping them when they need you Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 11

12 Cloud Gazing (15 minutes) Bringing our attention back to earth. You will need: Cotton balls Little Cloud by Eric Carle (optional) During class: 1. Dump cotton balls out on the table, spreading them out in clumps so every student has some close by. 2. Have you ever looked up in the sky to gaze at clouds? It can be fun to just watch them move slowly by. Sometimes people squint their eyes together a bit and try to create a picture or image in the clouds. 3. If you have a copy of the book Little Cloud by Eric Carle, show the students. Page through it as you look at the various pictures the clouds create in the book. 4. Encourage students to look at the clumps of cotton balls on the table to find various shapes or figures. Have them point them out to one another. 5. Gazing at clouds has been a hobby of people for centuries. In the story of Jesus ascension we read about today, Jesus rose into the sky until he was hidden by a cloud. The disciples continue to stare up toward heaven until the two men dressed in white came and re-directed their attention. 6. Have you ever heard someone say, You have your head in the clouds? What does that mean? [You aren t paying attention. You are daydreaming. You are distracted. You are thinking about something different than what the person is talking about.] 7. When Jesus ascended into heaven, I bet the disciples were amazed and surprised. They may have been worried about when they would see Jesus again. They may have wondered if he was coming back out of the cloud that hid him from view or not. Allow students to share any other ideas they may have about what the disciples were thinking or wondering about. 8. It s almost like those men in white clothing were saying, Get your head out of the clouds and stop wondering about all those things. Pay attention to what is going on HERE. 9. Before Jesus ascension, he told the disciples to share the Good News of what he had done to the ends of the earth. There was real work to do! We, too, have been called to do God s work on earth. Part of that is learning the stories in Sunday school and worshipping God but it also includes all the things we do at home, school and our neighborhoods Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 12

13 Ascension Art (20 minutes) What lifts me up. You will need: Paper Watercolors or washable paint Paintbrushes Water cups (filled) Paper towels Crayons and/or markers Chalk Whiteboard or large sheet of paper (optional) Before class: If desired, print the following Bible verses on paper or a whiteboard for students to refer to as they create their art. 1. Isaiah 40:31 2. John 3:16 3. Romans 8: Philippians 4:13 During class: 1. Today we are going to create some inspirational art. Inspirational art inspires people, which means it fills them up or it gives them positive feelings so that they take action. For example, we have all been inspired by Jesus resurrection and promises to share the good news with others. Perhaps we can create some art that will help others to know that love and then share it with others, too. 2. Take a few minutes to think about what colors you would like to use if you re going to create abstract art or what you would like to create a picture of that you think would inspire other people. While you do that, I will pass out the materials you can use. 3. Pass out a piece of paper to each student and set additional art supplies within reach. 4. There is just ONE catch to how you create your artwork. Because Jesus from the dead and in to heaven, you will only use upward stroke with your art materials. Demonstrate to students what this looks like by showing how to write a letter from bottom to top or draw a simple picture with exclusively upward strokes. (Please note: If this causes undue stress or difficulties for students, please be flexible with this request. Perhaps it could be presented as a challenge rather than a requirement.) Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 13

14 5. Encourage students to print one of the Bible verses you have provided on their paper or to look up their own. 6. Offer support and encouragement as they work. If time allows as they finish, set up a mini art show on the table and walk around to view one another s creations. You Shall be my Witnesses (10 minutes) A game of telephone. You will need: Nothing During class: 1. Have students either sit or stand in a circle. 2. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples that they were to be his witnesses. What is a witness? [Someone who shares what they have seen or what they know. A person who observed an event and call talk about it.] 3. In a court, the judge calls witnesses to share what they saw so everybody can know the truth. 4. That s what Jesus wanted also. He wants everyone who experienced his love to share it with others all over the world to be his witnesses. 5. Today we are going to play the game of telephone. First we will be witnesses to the good news we hear about one another. Then, we will be witnesses to God s amazing love. 6. Have the first student think of the best thing about his or her week. That event should be whispered in the ear of the next person in the circle. The whispering continues around the circle until the good news reaches the final person. The final person becomes the witness and proclaims the good news in a loud voice. At that time, the person who the good news belongs to can make any corrections or explanations necessary. 7. The proclaimer becomes the next person to whisper good news around the circle. 8. Make sure each student is given the opportunity to share good news and to proclaim. 9. For the last round, the teacher can whisper this good news: Jesus is risen! Alleluia! 10. When this good news gets around the circle, encourage all the students to yell it out at once. 11. Thank you for sharing your good news with one another. and for sharing Christ s good news with the world! Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 14

15 Student Bible Book: Ascension and Resurrection (10 min) Students continue their own Bible story book! You will need: Each student s binder Copies of Activity Sheet #2-28.C on 8.5 x 11 cardstock paper or plain paper A three-hole punch Pens Markers and/or crayons A sample page (See below) Before class: 1. Create a sample page using the instructions below to demonstrate to students approximately what their page should look like. 2. You may copy the activity sheet onto the cardstock, or just have students write it all themselves. During class: 1. Hand out one piece of cardstock paper and a pen to each student. 2. Show students the sample page you made before class. 3. Today we are going to continue making our own Bible book! 4. If you did not copy the activity sheet onto the cardstock, instruct students to write the name of the story on the top of their page (in portrait orientation) and write the passage underneath the title. 5. What are some of the important things we have learned from this story? [Answers will vary, see story themes for suggested answers] 6. On the bottom of your page, please write one or two important things that you have learned from this story. In the middle of the page, draw a picture from the story or illustrate one of your important things you ve learned. 7. When students are finished, have them put their names on the back and collect the pages. Three-hole punch the papers and put them in individual binders for each student to be kept at church until the end of the year Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 15

16 Closing Prayer Before ending class, make a point to come together to pray. Use the following or say your own prayer Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved 16

17 Lesson #2-28 (3rd-6th) April 3, 2016 Jesus Resurrection and Ascension Color wheel storytelling Spread colorful bandannas or fabric pieces in the middle of the group. Take turns reading the script below and selecting a color swatch to represent it. 1. When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could anoint Jesus body. They got up very early on the first day of the week, as the sun was rising, and walked to the tomb. 2. They had been asking one another, Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb? But, when they looked up, they saw that the very large stone had already been rolled back. 3. As they walked into the tomb they saw a young man dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side. They were surprised. 4. The man said to them, Do not be afraid; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Go, tell his disciples that he is going to Galilee and you will see him there. They went from the tomb, scared and amazed. They said nothing to anyone. They were afraid. 5. He presented himself alive to the disciples and stayed with them forty days. He told them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. He said, John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. 6. When they all came together they asked, Lord, are you going to be the king now? But Jesus answered, It is not for you to know when God does what God does. But you will receive the Holy Spirit and you will tell people in Jerusalem and other close by places and other far-away places even to the ends of the earth about me. 7. When they heard this, Jesus was lifted up until they couldn t see him through the clouds. While they looked up, two men dressed in white stood by them and said, Why do you look up to heaven? Jesus has been taken up to heaven and will come back someday. 8. The disciples returned to Jerusalem and went to the upstairs room where they prayed and prayed Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

18 Lesson #2-28 (3rd-6th) April 3, 2016 Risen Savior Worship Raising our colors for God. e open our worship in the name of the Father, and in the name of the Son and in the name of the Holy Spirit. YOU ARE. ALL: Hear our words of praise. THANK YOU FOR ALL: Hear our words of thanks. TODAY WE ASK YOU ALL: Hear our requests. You are a God of love and we worship you. Amen Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

19 Lesson #2-28 (3rd-6th) April 3, 2016 Jesus Resurrection and Ascension Mark 16:1-8; Acts 1:1-14 I learned: Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

20 The Home Narrative Lectionary, Year 2 Story Connections Mark s Gospel focuses our attention on the cross. Throughout his ministry, Jesus repeatedly told his followers that he would suffer and specifically predicted his own death three times. Yet even the disciples held on to the desire that Jesus would become a powerful king with political clout. Upon his death on the cross, though, we hear the centurion s powerful confession: Truly this man was God s Son. Yet the story takes an unbelievable twist in today s lesson. Jesus is resurrected on Easter morning. Finally, the victory over death is won. Yet, Mark s gospel is one of intrigue. Either it ends following verse eight, with the women in fear and amazement and not telling anyone what they have seen. Or, other scholars believe that it ends in similar fashion to Matthew and Luke, including a commissioning of the disciples and Jesus ascension. The second part of the reading is the beginning of the Book of Acts and includes Jesus promise of the Holy Spirit, his call to all believers to share the message to the ends of the earth and his ascension into heaven. We go from the end of the story of Jesus time on earth and transition into the birth of the Christian church. Story Summary: Resurrection & Ascension After Jesus brutal death on the cross, we pick up the story with the good news that our Christian faith relies on: Jesus rose from the dead and, thus, has conquered death for all believers. During the next forty days, he spends his time preparing the disciples for the work of sharing the good news of what has happened with the world. Finally, he promises them the Holy Spirit and ascends into heaven. Thus begins the Christian church. Bible Nuts & Bolts: Resurrection & Ascension Jesus resurrection, the good news of Easter, is the center of our Christian faith. The final victory has been won! Yet, even as Christ ascends into heaven, the Holy Spirit is promised. We have a God who is eternally present and creating faith among people on earth. Story Themes Any passage of Scripture has countless themes and lessons for the student. The following themes are the focus of this lesson. Jesus followers hear that he has been raised from the dead. Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Salome went to the tomb in order to carry out the sad work of anointing his body with spices. As they arrived, their concerns were how they would roll away the stone. But, the following minutes were filled with surprise, alarm, terror and amazement. This was simply unbelievable news. Forty days later, Jesus ascends into heaven. Jesus appeared to the apostles and taught them about the kingdom of God. Then, he promised the Holy Spirit s presence on earth, called followers to action, and ascended into heaven. As followers, all Christians are called to be witnesses to this good news. Before Jesus ascended, his words clearly called all believers to share the good news with the world. This is challenging work, but with the presence of the Holy Spirit, faith continues to be created around the globe. Spiritual Practice: Worship Through Jesus Christ, we have been given everlasting life. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are strengthened to share that news with the world. Worship is our opportunity to express our gratitude and love to God. Today, your child was able to lift up their praises in a colorful activity Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved

21 LIVING THE WORD Try HOME During Holy Week, we heard stories that included Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem, his last meal with his disciples, and all the events leading up to his death on the cross. And, now we complete the story with the glory of Christ s resurrection. God has the final word over death and the final victory is shared with us. This good news is meant to be shared and, as Jesus ascends into heaven, his disciples are reminded of their responsibilities just as we are today. Next week we hear how Jesus name will continue to be glorified on earth as Peter and John heal a lame man at the gate of the temple. God s name is praised as Christ s church begins to take shape. As you hear and study these stories each week, consider what God has to say to you and your family. Help your children to imagine what it would have been like to be the people contained in the stories. What is God s message to them and to us? Pick a time each day to gather together and read the following excerpts that share stories from the early church. Engage in a few activities that help you better understand God s message of love. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Mark 16:1-8 Mark 16:9-18 Luke 24:13-35 John 21:1-14 Matthew 28:16-20 Acts 1:6-11 Acts 2:1-13 Pick up a small rock outside. Paint it with the words, He is risen! and keep it on your dresser or counter to remind you of this good news! Jesus resurrection was too good for some to believe. Name as many things as you can that you believe in without seeing like Jesus and gravity!! The men didn t recognize Jesus until he broke the bread, blessed it and shared it with them. Bake bread (or another treat) to give away and pray over it.! Jesus provided 153 fish in the disciples net. Try to name 153 ways Jesus blesses you this week! Spirit and Truth Publishing - All Rights Reserved Jesus commanded the disciples to go and to teach, and then promised to be with them always. Have each family member make two requests and one promise to the rest of the family. The disciples first looked up as Jesus ascended and then looked back to their work on earth. Look up to the stars, make a wish, and then direct your energy to making that wish come true. Look up how to say, God loves you in a variety of languages. Make cards (or a YouTube video) sharing that good news with people.