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What is Lent?

The Season of Lent is the 6 weeks (or 40 days) leading up to Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday.  Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent, because each Sunday is a mini-celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.  Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of using ashes to mark the sign of the cross on the foreheads of worshipers as a public sign of repentance.  The ashes come from the burning of the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service.   At the evening Ash Wednesday service, a special Children’s Time will explain why we use ashes and what the season of Lent is all about.

Lent is a time of preparation for the mystery and celebration of Easter.  It is traditionally a time of reflection, repentance and remembering the life, teachings and miracles of Jesus.  Children can enjoy learning about Jesus’ life and remembering their favorite stories about Jesus.  Many people give up something for Lent as a reminder of the season, while others take on a new spiritual discipline (such as prayers, journaling, Bible study or acts of charity).  Consider making a commitment as a family to be intentional about observing Lent in some way. 

Ways to Observe Lent in your Home:

  • Read a scripture from Jesus’ life at bedtime each day during Lent.  If every day is too much, read a story each of the 6 Sundays during Lent.
  • Perform an act of kindness each week.
  • Find somewhere to serve as a family: a soup kitchen, the Food Bank, a nursing home, etc.
  • Give up going out to eat or buying treats such as ice cream and sodas during Lent and donate the money saved.
  • At special prayers for repentance at mealtimes or bedtimes.
  • Sign up to receive our weekly Children's Ministry Update e-newsletter.  I'll be including weekly scriptures and activities you can do for Lent with your family in your home!  Click here to get on our mailing list!

Tell Me More About:
Family Fun Viewing Party

Friday, March 2

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Come and see the newest VeggieTales movie, "Robin Good," before you can even purchase it in the stores.  Learn how God is bigger than any of our hurts. We'll have popcorn and snacks.  Bring your blankets and pillows and invite your neighbors and friends!

Lessons in Lent

5 Practices for Kids

5 Wk Class, Wed. Evenings, Begin Feb. 29

Four Year Olds – 5th Grade, 6:30-7:30 PM

Using example from children in the Bible, students will learn how they can practice Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Formation, Risk-Taking Mission and Service and Extravagant Generosity.

Click here to register.  

Children's Photo Gallery
Click to view album: Shake It Up Cafe VBS - 2011
Shake It Up Cafe VBS - 2011

 (169 Photos)

Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to help with children's ministry, but don't want to work directly with children?  Here are a few "behind-the-scenes" opportunities that may be just right for you!

Sunday School Superintendant

Bulletin Board Maintenance

Website and e-Newsletter Editor

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please call Kim Carroll at 282-7274, or email Kim@ManchacaUMC.org.

Ministries for Parents
Brunch Bunch
 
A gathering of parents for fellowship, community building and sharing.  Meets first Thursday of every month in the Parlor.  Leslie Piggott will host our next meeting on Jan 5.  Sign up here and register for childcare here. 
 

Weekly Mailing List

Click here to sign up here to receive our Children's Ministry Weekly Update with current events and happenings.  Also included in each mailing are weekly scriptures, discussion and activity ideas for family faith formation.

Upcoming Children's Ministry Events
Location: Choir Rehearsal Hall (map)

Ring ‘N’ Sing Choir is for children in 2nd – 5th Grade.

 

Location: Choir Rehearsal Hall (map)

Ring ‘N’ Sing Choir is for children in 2nd – 5th Grade.

 

Location: Choir Rehearsal Hall (map)

Ring ‘N’ Sing Choir is for children in 2nd – 5th Grade.

 

Location:

Children ages 4 year olds - 5th grade are invited to participate in this study on the Five Practices for Children.  Kids will learn how people in the Bible practiced: 1) Radical Hospitality, 2) Passionate Worship, 3) Intentional Faith Development, 4) Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and 5) Extravagant Generosity.  Click here to register.