Youngchurch
A hands-on experience
A
t Trinity English Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Ind., they take a hands-on approach to
Holy Week. On Palm Sunday 2011, the con-
gregation offered “Journey to the Cross.” It’s been dubbed “Hands-on Holy Week” since it allows members of all ages multiple hands-on expe- riences of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. “Asking people to participate in activities that reflect actual events of the week provide tangible ways to honor, remember and contemplate this important time for Christians,” said Dan Fugate, a pastor of Trinity English.
For the program, rooms were decorated to reflect biblical times and events. For example, the con- gregation rented rocks and stones from a local supplier to replicate the tomb. In each room, youth and adult members led the activities, which are outlined below.
Palm Sunday • Crowds and palms: Members in period costumes wave palms and greet participants to mark Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem. Visitors have their photo taken with the “cheering crowd.”
Send stories of your youth group (pre- school-confirmation age) to: Andrea Pohlmann Kulik , 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago IL 60631; andrea.pohlmann@
thelutheran.org.
• Joyful noises: Par- ticipants make an instrument that could have been used to celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
Maundy Thursday • Last Supper: A chance to taste foods that represent the
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Youth learn about the Maundy Thursday foot-washing ceremony.
Youth and adults make musical instru- ments to add to the festivities of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during “Hands-on Holy Week” at Trinity English Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Ind. In the back- ground, costumed helpers pose for pic- tures with participants.
Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples: sparkling grape juice (for wine), pita bread (for unleavened bread), herbs, saltwater, beef (in place of lamb) and haroseth (a mixture of apples, walnuts, honey and cinnamon). • Foot washing: Visitors have their feet washed to symbolize Jesus’ act of love after he and the disciples finished the Passover meal.
Good Friday • Sins and fire: Visitors write their sins on paper and burn them to represent the forgiveness of sins we received with Jesus’ death on the cross. • Crown of thorns: Participants take a “thorn” from a crown to remind them of Jesus’ sacrifice and to encourage them to serve others. • The cross: Craft materials are available to make a cross as a reminder of Christ’s crucifixion.
The tomb • Quiet place: A symbolic tomb creates a place where visitors rest and medi- tate on the events of Holy Week and the coming Easter resurrection. • Butterflies: Participants make a butterfly that they encase in a cocoon. On Easter Sunday, they open their cocoons to reveal the butterfly, a symbol of new life. • Happy Easter: Members sign cards and wish a blessed holiday for those in the community who are unable to attend church services on Easter. M
For more information, contact Dan Fugate at
dfugate@trinityenglish.com.
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