February 2005 - Tower - Page 10
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Spiritual Growth
Cindy Loving, Captain
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"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." Luke 6:38, NRSV
Easter egg hunts. Getting a picture taken with the Easter bunny. Getting ready for chocolate candy. Buying new spring clothes. Chances are these are the responses most children would give if asked how they were preparing for Easter. Remind the children that Easter is really about the sacrifice Jesus made for each one of us. His resurrection breaks the power of death. Explain that the month of March is part of the season of Lent, according to the Christian calendar. Lent is a time when we Christians are to examine our lives and to pray for the forgiveness of our sins. Ask the children what they can give up as a way of thanking Jesus for giving up his life for us. Perhaps they will set aside all or part of their allowance and contribute it to a local mission. Maybe they will prefer to go through their clothes and toys, chose some items that are in good condition but no longer needed, and donate them to a family outreach center. Children might decide to give up some of their personal time and use this time to volunteer at a soup kitchen or a nursing home. Perhaps they will choose to give up watching a TV show and instead spend that time praying for others.
Remind the children to pray for God's help as they participate in this project. Check with the children throughout Lent to ask what they are learning from their experience. Encourage children to journal or to draw pictures that will help them remember what they are learning. Tell them that it is impossible to out give God and that God will bless their efforts. Use this activity to remind the children how very blessed they are. God is pleased when we share our blessings with others.
Questions for Discussion
Janet Zimmerman is an ordained United Methodist deacon, who serves as Christian Education Director at Church of the Lakes in Canton, Ohio. You may contact Janet by e-mail at jzimmerman@sssnet.com.
Copyright © 2004 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. All rights reserved. Any local church or United Methodist agency may reprint any or all of this document as long as the author is cited and the following copyright notice appears:
Copyright © 2004 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. Used with permission.
Two receptions were held in January, hosted by Sybil French, Dot Hamilton and Gertrude Parker. January 6 a reception was given for the family and friends of Anne Batkins. Approximately 50 guests were served. And on January 26 approximately 125 were served at a reception for the family and friends of Charlie Daniels.
The co-chairs for February will be Gerry Bowden, Louise Crigger and Norman Shields Jr. Thank you for your continued assistance to this vital ministry of our church.
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update: February 7, 2005
