LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Summary of Today s Story After Jesus last supper with his disciples, he goes out to the garden at Gethsemane to pray. After a night of prayer, he is found by Judas, who betrays him by revealing his location to the officials. Jesus is arrested, taken to trial and condemned. Our story today, the story commemorated by our Holy Week observances, ends at the crucifixion. Key Concepts Betrayal Crucifixion Redemption Where You ll Find Today s Story In the Bible We recommend the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Matthew 26:36 27:66 In Our Sunday Lectionary Today s story is told in church on the following Sundays: Year A: Palm Sunday and Holy Saturday Year B: Holy Saturday Year C: Holy Saturday
2 Lesson 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Weaving Our Story with the Biblical Story In the Old Testament, we learn that God stays with us, no matter what. Here, in Jesus death, is the what. Even in death, God stays with us at the cost of God s own life. This is God s redeeming act of grace: Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. To the disciples, Jesus death looked like failure. But we know that this story is to be continued. And we know that it was his death that redeems us and reconciles us with God. Jesus died for us so that our story can once again be in line with God s story, which is the plan of God for us. By his death, he gave us life. Here is what St. Euthemius the Great said about Jesus and his death for us: Something strange is happening there is a great silence on earth today. The whole earth is silent, because the King of heaven and earth is dead. God has died, and hell trembles with fear. Jesus has gone to the place of the dead, to search for Adam and Eve and for all who have gone down to darkness and the shadow of death. Jesus approaches them, bearing the Cross, the weapon that has won them the victory. He takes them by the hand, and raises them up, and this is what he says: Awake, sleepers, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light! Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Out of love for you, I, your God, became a human being, and came to earth. For your sake, I died today upon earth. You once reached out to take fruit from a tree, and to save you, I have been nailed to a tree. You were driven out of Paradise, and I have come to lead you to heaven. I did not create you to be held prisoner forever. Rise up! Let us leave this place for I have died with you, and you shall rise with me. The Kingdom of Heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity. Adapted from A Triduum Sourcebook, ed. Gabe Huck and Mary Ann Simcoe (Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1983), p. 64, (found in Gretchen Pritchard, Offering the Gospel to Children). The Episcopal Thread From the garden to the cross these are the final days of Holy Week, which include Good Friday and Holy Saturday to the Great Vigil of Easter or to the grand service on Easter Day. For Episcopalians, the story of these last days is retold every Sunday in the Eucharist Prayers. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death (Eucharistic Prayer A, BCP, p. 362); On the night before he died for us (Eucharistic Prayer B, BCP, p. 368); On the night he was betrayed (Eucharistic Prayer C, BCP, p. 371). The Good Friday service is often offered both at noon, remembering that Jesus was hung on the cross at noon, and also in the evening. The Good Friday liturgy can be found in the Prayer Book on pages 276-282. Other services may also be held, such as a service of the Stations of the Cross. Holy Saturday is a time of vigil; the liturgy can be found in the Prayer Book on page 283. Eucharist is not celebrated on that day.
3 Lesson 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Gathering Check-In Invite group members to sit comfortably, giving them an opportunity to visit with each other, establish friendships and build community. Relationships are an important dimension of Christian formation, so a few minutes of visiting will enrich their spiritual development. This is also the perfect time to check in with your group members by asking them to share how they are feeling at the time or what kind of a week they had. matches cross Prayer small table with cloth to cover it taper candle or one pillar candle After all group members have a few minutes of fellowship time, gather them together for a simple opening prayer. Ask one of the members to light the candle while saying these words from Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Explain that you are inviting the light of God to be with all of you. (You might consider posting this verse from Psalm 119 in the meeting room.) Invite the member who lit the candle to read this prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending us your Son Jesus Christ that he might show us the way to new life. We pray that we may always find the strength to submit to your will and walk in his way. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Telling the Story Set the scene: Display some flowers and a cross and a small sign with the words From Gethsemane and Golgotha. Ask group members if they ve heard of those two places. Read today s story aloud or tell the story in your own words: One way to tell this story is to tell it as if you were a bystander and have come back from seeing all of this happen and want to talk about it. Be sure to let the grief and fear come through. Another way to tell the story is to tell it in the present tense, as if it is happening as you speak. Either of these storytelling methods will bring the story to life. In all likelihood, most of the group members will have heard this story before and may want to take part in retelling it. Ask them to contribute to the story. At this time you do not need to explain or discuss the story. This is the time for the youth to hear the story. For now, simply let them absorb it in their minds and in their hearts. Later, use the discussion or arts time to help the group members draw appropriate and meaningful connections between the story and their own lives. Note: Be prepared for some of the youth to ask about the practice of crucifixion and why and even if it was used. For more information, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/crucifixion_of_jesus Carefully extinguish the candle.
4 Lesson 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Activities: Arts, Crafts, Games, Drama, etc. Select one or more activities to supplement and enhance today s story. For each lesson, there are five suggested activities, one from each of the REACT categories. For a detailed explanation of REACT, see page 10 of the Introduction. All activities are meant to reinforce the concepts that were central to the day s lesson. Activities for This Week s Session Additional activity ideas can be found on pages 2-6 in the Appendix where we ve provided suggestions and directions for a variety of general activities that can be adapted to any lesson. Also included are outreach and service projects that can be done at any time.
5 Lesson 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Weaving Our Faith Lesson Box 1 3" x 5" index card for the day s scribe pen or pencil a file box in which to store the cards Ask for a volunteer or assign a group member to act as scribe. Then, ask the group to articulate the most important lesson gleaned from the day s reading. As a prompt, you might ask: Judas and Peter betrayed Jesus, their friend and teacher. Why? Why is it sometimes so hard to be strong? Once the group has agreed on its wording, ask the scribe to write the lesson on the card, date it and file it in the box. By the end of the year, you will have a wonderful and thorough summation of the lessons covered in the participant s own words. Closing Prayer Before the group leaves, say a closing prayer to send them into the church worship service or back to their homes with God s love and blessing. The prayer can be very simple, such as this one: Most gracious God, you gave your Son Jesus Christ to live among us and then to die on the cross for us. Stay with us this week as we remember how Jesus lived and died for us. Help us to always remember his love for us. This we pray in Jesus name. Amen. End the lesson with a dismissal that is used in church, such as: Go in peace to love and serve your Lord. The participants respond: Thanks be to God!
ONE EVENT, MANY STORIES Group members retell the story of Jesus arrest and crucifixion from several points of view. This is the fourth activity involving the participants personal Faith Journals. Each time they use them, they will Ask or Answer a one or more questions, and they will select a line or phrase from the day s scripture or prayer that, in their minds, is relevant to their journal entries. (If the journals were used before, they should be stored and ready for use.) journals, one for each student (or, if not available, 5" x 8" index cards, one per participant) pens or pencils Bibles Preparation: Give each participant his/her journal. Jumpstart their thinking for the upcoming activity by asking them what other people must have been thinking while Jesus was being arrested, condemned and crucified. Directions: 1. Distribute journals (or cards) and pencils to each member. 2. Tell them to think about just one of the people involved at some point of Jesus final days. It can be anyone: Mary, Peter, Judas, one of the other disciples, Pontius Pilate, Barabbas, the soldier who arrested Jesus, etc. 3. Then, tell them to think about just one aspect of those terrible times: praying in the garden, the betrayal, carrying the cross, Jesus last words, etc. and write an account from that person s point of view. 4. Allow 15-20 minutes for this activity. 5. Group members will not share their answers unless they volunteer to do so. 6. If time permits, ask the group members to copy a line from the day s scripture that is meaningful to them. Close: Store the journals for safekeeping and future use. 6 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
MEANING FROM CHAOS Group members unscramble words from the story of Holy Week to discover Jesus gift of redeeming grace. copies of the Meaning from Chaos handout (pp. 8-9), 1 per participant pens or pencils Preparation: Make copies of the Meaning from Chaos handout (pp. 8-9), one for each group member. Directions: 1. Distribute a pen or pencil and a copy of the Meaning from Chaos handout to each group member. 2. Invite group members to unscramble each word and write the letters in the blanks on their worksheet. Note that some letters are placed in boxes. 3. When group members have unscrambled all words, the boxed letters will spell out a message at the bottom of the page. Solution: Jesus died for our sins. 7 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
MEANING FROM CHAOS Unscramble the words in each sentence below. Then, write each boxed letter in its corresponding square to spell out the message at the bottom of the page. 1. The official who decided Jesus fate was named (TEIPLA). 2. Peter told Jesus he would never (EARYTB) him. 3. Judas was paid thirty (SPECEIFOLIVERS). 4. Jesus prayed in the (DRAGEN) of Gethsemane. 5. (DSUJA) led the soldiers to Jesus. 6. Jesus death had been foretold by Isaiah and other (SPPOETHR). 7. To mock Jesus, the soldiers dressed him in a (LEARCTS) robe. 8. The officials were (SAOUEJL) of Jesus because he had so many followers. 9. (LTAGGOOH) means Place of the Skull. 10. Pilate asked Jesus, Do you say you are the (SHAMIES)? 11. Judas felt so (TIYLUG) for betraying Jesus that he hanged himself. 8 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY continued
12. Pilate (HADSEW) his hands to show that he would not take responsibility for Jesus death. 13. A man named (NOSIM) was told to carry Jesus cross. 14. One of the disciples cut off the ear of a soldier with a (WORDS). 15. When the rooster crowed, (REEPT) realized he had denied Jesus three times. 16. Joseph placed the body of Jesus in a (BTMO). 17. The people told Pilate to let (ARABSBAB) go instead of Jesus. 18. Jesus was crowned with a ring of painful (STHRNO). 19. Mary (GLADENMAE) accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to the tomb. Secret Message: 5 15 17 11 7 19 13 6 14 3 9 18. 16 8 2 12 1 4 10 9 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY continued
YOUR WORDS SPEAK VOLUMES Group members express what Jesus words tell us about his character. At times, Jesus acts very bravely; at others, he is scared and dismayed just as we would be. Bibles Directions: 1. Read each of the verses from Matthew (and one from Luke) below. 2. After reading each verse, stop to discuss: What does this tell us about Jesus? What do you think Jesus was feeling? How would you say the same thing today? Matthew 26:38: I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here and stay awake with me. Matthew 26:39: My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want. Matthew 26:40: So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Matthew 26:41: The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:50: Friend, do what you are here to do. Matthew 26:52: Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Matthew 27:11: And the governor asked him, Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus said, You say so. Matthew 27:46: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Luke 23:33-34: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. 3. You might also discuss: Why didn t Jesus defend himself? Why didn t he fight back, especially against unfounded charges? What was his purpose? 10 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
THE NEW RUGGED CROSS Group members fashion crosses as remembrances of Jesus death. 4 large nails per person heavy string air-drying clay or polymer clay (can be baked to dry) toothpicks or stylus (for writing on clay) pieces of wood, no more than 1" x 1" thick, cut 8" and 10" in length chisel and hammer wood glue small nails scissors Directions for working with nails: 1. Lay two nails side-by-side, with nail heads/points facing opposite directions so that they lie flush. 2. Lay the other two nails together, also facing opposite directions, gently atop the first two nails to form a cross. 3. Fasten the nail beams to each other by stringing them together in the middle. Leave a little string hanging at the beginning, so that when finished, you can cut the string and tie the two ends securely together. Directions for working with clay: 1. Choose to make a cross of any size for any purpose: to hang on a wall, to wear as a necklace, to place in a garden, etc. 2. If using polymer clay, use a variety of colors and patterns. 3. Add the sign that appeared above Jesus head: King of the Jews. 4. Bake the clay. For polymer clay baking instructions, go to http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/cyclopedia/ baking Directions for working with wood: (Note: Unless group members have experience working with wood, ask for a parent volunteer to come in and assist.) 1. From the 8" length of wood, chisel away a 1" slot so that it can be placed and glued onto the longer piece to form a cross. 2. Add small nails where Jesus hands and feet would have been. 11 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 craft
HOLY WEEK WALK In this activity, 6 th to 8 th graders serve as guides and/or storytellers as they bring the events of Holy Week to life for younger children (and anyone else who wants to take part!). Preparation: This activity will take some planning at least a week before the lesson. If you have enough group members to act as guides and as storytellers, you may take on this entire project. Otherwise, you may have to supplement your ranks with adults from the congregation. Make sure that everyone knows the correct order of the stories and that the storytellers are comfortable with and knowledgeable about their story segments. It is much easier for them to tell the stories in their own words, adding dramatic effects or props where appropriate. Holy Week Passports, created by participants (See the activity Holy Week Passports on p. 14.) costumes for the storytellers props for the stories (see pictures in the passports for ideas) rubber stamps and ink pads for each storyteller small crosses or Easter eggs (to be handed out at the end) snacks and drinks for all digital camera and printer Directions: 1. Assign one group member the role of event photographer. 2. Set up storytellers in 6-8 separate rooms or areas in the church (if necessary, you may choose to combine two or more events at the same station ). Try to put as much distance as you can from one station to the next. 3. Divide younger children into smaller groups according to age or grade. That way, the storytellers can adjust their storytelling as appropriate for the different ages. 4. The story starts with Palm Sunday and ends with either Jesus death on the cross or Easter Sunday (your choice). For smaller children, the inclusion of the joy of Easter appropriately completes the story and does not leave them with the gruesome sadness of Jesus death. 5. After the storyteller is finished with his/her segment, he/she stamps each child s passport before they go on to the next room. 6. Each story should take no more than 3-4 minutes. 12 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
7. When a group is done with the tour, the guide can take them into a central location for snacks and small mementoes (eggs or crosses). Close: Post photos of the event for all to enjoy, perhaps on your church s website. 13 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY continued
HOLY WEEK PASSPORTS wallpaper, construction paper or other nice paper for book covers white butcher paper for pages scissors markers or crayons glue or gluesticks copies of the Holy Week Event Captions (p. 15), 1 set per participant Preparation: Cut a strip of butcher paper, approximately 24" x 4", 1 per participant. Cut a piece of wallpaper or construction paper, approximately 6" x 12", 1 per participant Copy a set of Holy Week Event Captions (p. 15), 1 per participant Directions: 1. Distribute to each participant one strip of butcher paper, one piece of wallpaper or construction paper and 1 set of Holy Week Event Captions. 2. Offer group members these instructions: Your are each going to create a passport to use as you walk through Holy Week. For the pages of your passport, fold the butcher paper strip into 4" sections, accordion-style, to make six pages. For the cover of your passport, fold the wallpaper in half, so it s approximately 6" square. Glue the first folded section of pages to the inside of the cover. The cover should have a margin approximately 1" greater than the interior butcher paper pages. Cut apart the various captions telling the story of Jesus last days. Glue these to each page. Write the title Holy Week Passport on your cover. 14 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 craft
Holy Week EVENT CAPTIONS Palm Sunday Thursday evening Thursday night Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Friday Before Dawn Drink this all of you, for this is my blood of the new covenant... Do this for the remembrance of me. Friday morning My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Yet not as I will, but as thou wilt. Friday But this is your hour the hour when darkness reigns. Crucify him! Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Friday Afternoon Easter Sunday It is finished. Burial of the dead Alleluia! Christ is risen! 15 LESSON 27 FROM THE GARDEN TO THE CROSS Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 craft