On Palm Sunday, during the reading of the passion gospel, my three and a half year old learned that Jesus died. On the one hand, I was swelling with parental pride for his calm attentiveness and understanding of the story. But on the other hand, I was worried about how this new information would begin processing in his young mind.
Maundy Thursday: Vulnerability
Maundy Thursday offers a bookend of touch to Ash Wednesday: a touch on the forehead with ashes juxtaposed with the touch of hands, soap, and water on feet. These are fleeting moments of tenderness, thin spaces of vulnerability, connection.
Parenting: when every day is Palm Sunday
Getting ready for Holy Week, I’m struck, as always, by how jarring the Palm Sunday liturgy is. One minute we’re all shouting “hosanna, hosanna!” (Greek for “save us”) and then the next thing we know, we’re shouting “Crucify him.” It’s emotionally wrenching; hope and expectation give way to fury and fear. No settling in, no probing depths. Our liturgy moves us from place to place, scarcely able to take a breath.
Preparing Children for the Passion
It can be difficult for our children to the stories of Holy Week. Here are some tips for preparing children for the Passion.
Lenten Swim Class
I don’t like doing things badly. I don’t like doing things badly in front of other people. I really don’t like doing things badly with a bathing suit on in front of other people. This was the set of parameters I had to work with for my Annual Discernment of Kit’s Lenten Practice this year.
Three Teaching Points for Lent
Lent is upon us, the forty days set aside to prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Lenten Reading List
One of the most delightful ways to observe Lent with children is to share stories about the life of Jesus including his death and resurrection, and Easter traditions.
Youth in the Wilderness: A Lenten Reflection
As we approach Lent, I wonder how we can use this season to help the teenagers in our care, at home and at church, keep the door open for faith.
Scripture engagement with teens: subtle and not-so-subtle approaches
How is your scripture engagement going with your kids? How about you youth ministers and Sunday school teachers and leaders? Miriam McKenney continues to read the Bible with her kids at church, and we’re reaping what we’ve sown. The children are growing into the Word of God.
That moment you realize the voice you’re hearing isn’t God – it’s Satan
If we recognize God in our lives, we must acknowledge Satan, too. This post explores how we talk with our children about Satan, and how we recognize Satan working in our lives.