I'll admit, I'm feeling a little bit fluid lately. Living at a time like this, knowing you are in unprecedented times and wondering how to navigate the new normal for now has me feeling out of place. I miss the kiddos terribly, hearing their voices carry from room to room as they interact and live out their faith. I wonder how this time is effecting (affecting?, I'm not a grammar guru) them spiritually?
Well, in more ways than one, I feel I am wading in new space. So it is no wonder that Mission Commander Chelsea and EP3-20 have a special Sunday school for us. It seems only appropriate they would send us a message from space for this time.
I've put together a video with our Sunday school message and a link to some activities for the kids to participate in for Palm Sunday. I also plan on releasing a video next week for Holy Week and Easter. I'll send another email with activities and video link.
My heart, love, and prayers go out to all of you! Please know I am here whenever you need me. The church is using Zoom for Adult Forum (Sundays 9:30-10:30am) and Coffee Hour (Sundays 11:00am-12:00pm) and anyone is welcome to join. The E-tower has the meeting link, id and password.
I would love to see the kids make their crafts and play the game. When you are done please tag St. James on Facebook with videos or pictures. If you don't have Facebook, or not sure how to, send it to me and I will post it.
We made Alleluia Butterflies to be displayed in our garden on Easter day but since we will not be together, I'd love if you would have the kids make their own and display them in your yards! A link for the activity is included below.
Blessings,
Chelsea Whipple Director of Programs
P.S. - I'm out of my element on making videos, and I cannot not be silly. So have a laugh and enjoy Palm Sunday!
There is lots of ways to incorporate Lent for kids and help them to understand the solemnity of the season as well as preparing for re-birth. Here are some resources to check out:
Mission Commander & EP3-20 have come back to send a special message and story for Palm Sunday.
Activities for Palm Sunday
Here are several links of different activities to do with the kids (with hopeful minimal prep supplies needed). When the kids have completed any activity, we'd love to see a picture. Please post on Facebook and tag St. James Episcopal Church or send to me and I can put on our Facebook page.
ALLELUIA Butterflies (to be displayed on Easter in your yard)
Template for the Butterfly The kids can be as creative as they want. In Sunday school we just colored and then I glued popsicle sticks to stick in the ground. They can be taped to doors, windows, planted in gardens, wherever you'd like!
A great website for many activities that are relevant to kids and is an Episcopal resource is:
Build Faith
Sunday School
Weaving God's Promises
Class Name: Fishers
(Preschool-Kindergarten)
"And he said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you
fish for people.'"
-Matthew 4:19 NRSV
Class Name: Seekers (1st - 3rd grade)
"Ask, and it will be given you;
seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be open for you."
-Matthew 7:7 NRSV
Class Name: Disciples
(4th - 5th grade)
"Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..."
If you are interested in being part of this ministry please email
Chelsea. We are currently need of a coordinator willing to gather parents interested. For the time being there will be space marked off in the lounge for parents interested in meeting each other. Parents can also take quiet time in the Sanctuary or join in Adult Forum in the Guild Hall.
This only marks key dates pertinent to the children and parents. There are additional activities. Please check the
St. James Calendar for more information.
