Holy Week & Easter

Holy Week is packed with pivotal events for Jesus and his followers: a festive parade, a sacred meal, a betrayal and abandonment, a horrifying trial and sentencing to death. And a few days later, his friends are shocked to discover Jesus has been raised to new life. Alleluia! And—woah—exhausting! Perhaps your own life resembles the Holy Week roller coaster. Good news here: this season reminds us that God is with us in the ups and downs, and Easter’s empty tomb proclaims God’s unending love always has the last, life-giving word. 

Candle Time

Pause, light a candle, and take 15 minutes for caring conversation and prayer.

Share

What were your high and low points today?

Read 

Luke 24:5. The women were terrified and bowed their   faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? [Jesus] is not here but has risen.” 

Reflect

The women went from terrified to shocked to joyful when they realized Jesus had been raised from the dead. Can you think of a time when you experienced a roller coaster of extreme emotions?

Pray

Dear God, steady us when we are rocked by news that feels bad or good, or emotions that range from terror to grief to joy. Amen.

Bless

Trace a cross on each other’s shoulder, hand, or head and say “[Name], you are a beloved child of God.”

Tiny Try It Out

Holy Week & Easter

 Pray the Jelly Bean Prayer (thoughtfully updated by Rev. Emmy Kegler) with your kids (or on your own) as you enjoy a traditional Easter treat.

Downloadable Jelly Bean Prayer

Going Deeper

Bake Together

Here is a way to teach (and taste) the sweet story of an empty tomb on Easter!

Resurrection Rolls Recipe

Bingo!

Explore God's renewing of creation using this Bingo Card as inspiration.

Bingo Card

Go Outdoors 

Collect “Dancing Twigs." Wonder at all the beauty and joy found in God’s Creation.

Dancing Twigs

More Resources

Daring Deep Discussions
scripture readings

Watch Together

Watch an animated interpretation of "The Peace of Wild Things," as the poet Wendell Berry recites his work.

Watch a sunflower grow from seed to bloom in two minutes.