Celebrating Easter with your Family Blessings to you and your family. One of the most important weeks in our Christian Faith will soon be upon us. Once again, there is a dividing line when it comes to Easter. There are those who will only emphasise the bunny and the eggs. There will be no mention or consideration given to the “REAL” message. I have complied and created a series of ideas for you to use to lay emphasis on WHY we really celebrate the Easter season. You will note there are a number of Youtube clips (some are animated) that will give perspective to the season. There are some games, Music clips, crafts and more. Enjoy this wonderful opportunity to share Jesus with your family. God bless you

Shane Pastor ShaneSpiritual Parenting Life Coache-mail: shane@kidsministry.xyzPhone: +61 425 836370

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Games #1 All Wrapped Up Like JesusSupplies Needed: Bible, a roll of toilet paperBiblical Truth Shared: Jesus conquered death

Read Matthew 27:57-61.Take the toilet paper and wrap your child up in “grave clothes”. If you have more than one child, have your kids take turns playing the part of Jesus and wrapping one another up.After each child is wrapped up, have them try to break loose from the toilet paper. Talk about how Jesus’ followers must have felt when they found out that Jesus was alive.

#2 Wacky egg roll: You will need: Eggs, Finishing snd Staring LineSince you are playing indoors, you can should pair off the contestants. Let them take turns one pair at a time. Use masking tape to create a start and finish line on the carpet. Kids line up at the start line with a plastic spoon in their mouth. The contestants use a spoon to push the egg across the finish line. The first contestant to do this wins.

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Crafts Easter Story Bags Instructionshttp://www.clubhousemagazine.com/create/easter-story-bags

Christ Centred Easter Crafts Ideashttps://www.pinterest.com.au/nikki_renee/christ-centered-easter/?lp=true

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Object Lessons #1 Tea Bag GospelUse a tea bag as an object lesson to tell the story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.MaterialsA tagged tea bag, two saucers, a clear glass of hot water, and a match or lighter.NOTE: Please test first as not all brands of tea bags will float when lit.ScriptureEphesians 2:5-10ObjectiveUse a tea bag as an object lesson to tell the story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. It’s the Easter message for children and adults.Object LessonThe Label

1 Remove the tag/label and hold it up for the children to see.2 Explain: The label identifies the tea. Jesus was labeled with many tags.

He was called Christ, Messiah, teacher, Saviour, the King of Kings, the man from Galilee, the carpenter, the Son of God, Redeemer, friend of sinners, good shepherd, Great Physician, King of the Jews and much more. Then at the cross, a sign was placed over his head – “King of the Jews.” Jesus was in the very nature God, but he wasn’t concerned with titles. He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, he took the nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. He emptied himself and made himself nothing.

The String1 Remove the string and show it to the children.2 Then explain: People often become attached to things here on earth.

They are often attached to possessions, pleasure, and power. Jesus was tempted by Satan after 40 days in the desert with the very same things. But Jesus was not attached to these things. Instead, his focus was on doing the will of God. He came to earth with a purpose. And that purpose was yours and my redemption.

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The Staple1 Carefully remove the staple and show it to the children.2 Explain: This tea bag was pierced and has holes from a staple. Jesus

was not pierced with a staple but with nails and a spear. Soldiers nailed his body to a cross.

The Tea1 Carefully open the tea bag without tearing it. Display the bag of tea

leaves to the children.2 Then explain: Tea looks like dirt. If you put it in water, it will change the

water to the colour of the tea. It will no longer be clear and pure.3 Demonstrate by dropping a bit of tea into the glass of hot water and

stirring it around.4 Explain: Like this tea bag, we all have dirt in our lives. We are not pure.

The Bible calls this dirt, this impurity, sin. We need help from God to remove the sin from our lives. That’s exactly why Jesus came – to help us remove the sin from our lives. We must trust Jesus to remove the sin from our lives. When we ask him for forgiveness, he will make us clean and pure again.

5 Then empty the tea leaves into the saucer.

The Tea Bag1 Carefully open up the tea bag completely. It will open into a long tube

that you can stand on the second saucer.2 Explain: When Jesus removes the sin from our lives we can stand pure

and proud in the sight of God. We will become a light for God. Philippians 2:15 says that among the perverse generation we will shine as lights in the world.

Lights for Christ1 Light the bag from the top and allow it to burn.2 Explain: As you shine for Jesus you become closer to God in your

Christian walk, and one day your soul shall join him for eternal life. Just as Christ was resurrected and went to be with the Father, we will also rise up to be with him. We will be exalted and raised with him.

3 The tea bag floats up as it burns.

Summary

That’s the story of Easter. Jesus set aside his titles and emptied himself and became one of us. He came with a purpose, to cut us free from the things of the world. He was pierced for us. And when we ask his forgiveness, he will

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take away the dirt from our lives and make us pure. We can stand strong and become his light to the world. And, just as he has risen we will also rise to be with him.

An Example of how to light the tea bag:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkkrXxJ4db8

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#2 The SWEET Truth of EasterWhat you will need: M&M’sAllow the Children to have 4 M&M’s so that they can participate as you share the message.

These sweets tell a story~the best news you’ll ever hear.~It’s about Jesus dying on the crossso that we could be brought near.So hold them and turn them and you will see…the “M” become a “W”an “E” and then a “3”

The “E” stands for… Easter….God’s everlasting love and His eternal plan.It reminds us of the crossand the way God rescued sinful manThe “3″ represent the 3 days Jesus spent in the grave….By His death, His children He did saveThe “M” reminds us of the mercy the Messiah showedas He died in our place.and the miracle of the resurrectionso we can see Him face to face.The “W” reminds us… that He aloneis worthy of our worship and praiseand calls us to be His witnessesaround the world for all of our days.~By Bethany Tapp

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#3 Easter Tree (Shape of a Cross)You will need: Use the Symbols / objects of the Resurrection Eggs

This object lesson is to help kids get an overall picture and a chronological line of events that led to Jesus death.As you share the Story of Easter start at the beginning. As you share each part, pin or stick it to the Cross (the tree that Jesus died on)

#4 Jelly Bean Wordless BookWhat you need: the 5 Colours of Jelly BeansAlternatives: Balloons, Colour Card

BLACK – Sin Romans 3:23 | All have sinnedRED – Blood I John 1:7 | Jesus’ blood covers all sinWHITE – Pure Psalm 51:7 | Jesus washes away confessed sinYELLOW – Heaven John 14:2 | Believe on Jesus and receive Eternal LifeGREEN – Grow 2 Peter 3:18 | Grow in the knowledge of the Lord

Explaining the Wordless Book:Have you ever seen a book without words or pictures?   Even without words, this book tells us a story about God and the best gift of all.

� The Black Page (Romans 3:23)This black colour reminds me of sin.  See how dark it is.  Sin is all of the bad stuff that you and I do that makes God really sad.  What are some of the things that you do wrong?  All of those things we just talked about are sin. 

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We all make bad choices.  Even mommies and daddies sin.The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”This means that there is nothing that we can do to ever make us good enough to reach God.  The sin in our heart makes our hearts black.   But there is good news!  God had a plan.

� The Red Page (John 3:16)God’s plan was to send His perfect son, Jesus.  At Christmas, we celebrated that Jesus was born on earth and lived to be a young man.  Jesus never sinned.  Because of this, He was able to take our place and die for our sins.  The red reminds us of the blood that Jesus shed for our sins.  Jesus died on the cross so that you and I can be forgiven for the bad things we do.  But guess what?  He didn't stay dead.  Three days later, Jesus arose from the grave.  Later, Jesus went to heaven.  Now He is preparing a place for all those who believe in Him.   Because of what Jesus did for you, you can have your sins forgiven!John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that He gave Him only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

� The White Page Psalm 51:7Do you see how clean this page is?  Do you remember how black your heart is from sin?  You don’t have to have a black heart.  You can have a clean heart.  Psalm 51:7 says: ..."wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."  Jesus wants to forgive you of all your sins and take them away.  His blood will wash away all of that yuckiness and darkness.  The Bible says that when Jesus forgives our sins He totally forgets about them.

� The Gold Page Revelation 21:18, 21What colour is this page?  Gold reminds me of things that are very special.  It reminds me of God.  God is perfect and He does nothing wrong.  God created

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you and me.  Gold also reminds me of Heaven.  Heaven is where God lives.  The Bible even says that the streets of Heaven are paved with gold!   Heaven sounds like a great place doesn’t it?  But there is one thing that can not ever be in Heaven.  That is sin.  We learned that the only way to get rid of our sin is to ask Jesus to wipe it away.

• Do you believe that you have sinned and made wrong choices?• Do you believe that Jesus came to forgive you of your sins?• Would you like to ask Jesus to come into your heart and make it white

as snow(If the answer is “yes” have the person repeat after you or say their own prayer.)

� The Green Page (2 Peter 3:18)Once we ask Jesus into our heart, we should not be the same.  We now have Jesus to help us make good choices.  The green page stands for the things that a Christian’s need to grow!  The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 3:18 that we are to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”  Plants need three things to grow: sunshine, rain and good soil. Christians need to pray, read the Bible, and spend time with other Christians at church.  All three of these will help you grow.If you have just prayed to God and meant it from your heart then you will go to Heaven when you die! You only have to receive the Lord once.  Please go and tell your parents, brothers, and sisters that you received the Lord as your Saviour and that you will be going to Heaven and tell them what they can do to go to Heaven.

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Sharing the Gospel through a Game – Gospel AirplaneThe Wordless Book is a popular Gospel presentation tool because it is extremely easy to use and very effective in communicating the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.Folding and flying paper airplanes is popular activity that children enjoy.Why not join the two, and fold airplanes using papers with colours of the Wordless Book? After having fun folding and flying airplanes with kids, you can talk to them about the one special place that is far better than any holiday destination in the world that an airplane can take them!Download templates and detailed instructions, as well as the script for sharing the Gospel using the Wordless Book.

https://www.letthelittlechildrencome.com/child-evangelism-resources/wordless-gospel-plane

https://docs.letthelittlechildrencome.com/Gospel-Plane.pdf

The Instructions on how to use this presentationhttps://docs.letthelittlechildrencome.com/Gospel-Plane-Instructions.pdf

The Wordless Book ( 10 Creative Presentations)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-MG6KmsSzs

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#5 Object Lesson about the Resurrection using Balloons

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#6 Resurrection EggsYou will need: A set of Resurrection Eggs which you can buy from:OR you can create your own set using Plastic Eggs.There are a number of different versions of the story meaning some have different pieces of the story in them. Resurrection eggs are a visual way to walk your children through the Easter story. Each egg contains a small trinket that provides a reminder of a portion of the story. Use the pre-made resurrection eggs set or make your own using an egg carton, plastic eggs, and small items you can find around your house.Number the eggs with a marker so they will be in the correct order when you’re ready to talk about the contents.You can hide the eggs around your home for a mini Easter egg hunt, then have your child put them in the egg carton in number order.Egg #1: Oyster cracker (or bread) – Matthew 26:26Egg #2: Silver coins – Matthew 26:14-16Egg #3: Purple cloth – Matthew 27:28Egg #4: Thorns – Matthew 27:29Egg #5: Rope – Mark 15:15Egg #6: Cross – John 19:16-17Egg #7: Nail – John 19:18Egg #8: Sign that says, “This is the king of the Jews.” – Luke 23:38Egg #9: Sponge (with vinegar) – Matthew 27:48Egg #10: Cloves or spices – Luke 23:5-6Egg #11: Rock – Matthew 27:59-60Egg #12: EMPTY! – Matthew 28:55-56

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#7 Our Sins are FORGIVEN at the CROSSYou will Need: A Wooden Cross ( 2 Pieces of flat wood panels will work)Small Hammers, small pin nailsSticky Notes

You can use one of the Object Lessons in this manual to share the message of the Cross. At the end of the message, you will challenge the children to Ask God to forgive them of their sins. Tell them that when we ask forgiveness, it is like God takes your sins and nails them to the CROSS. What has God done about our sin?1. He chooses to remember them no more (Isaiah 53:6)2. God carried away our sins (Isaiah 53:6)3. God removes them as far as the east is from the west

(Psalm 103:12)4. God nailed our sins to the cross with the debt paid in

full (Colossians 2:4)

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#8 Light in the DarknessThe PreparationHost: Someone dressed as an AngelMaterials: Blindfolds, poster board, glow-in-the-dark paint, paintbrush, tape, and a BibleThe Scene: This station should be in a dark room or in a pre-constructed tomb. Create a poster with the words to John 8:12 written on it in glow-in-the-dark paint, and tape the poster to the wall. It’s important that families are able to leave the dark room and go directly to a well-lit area for the final station.Experience: Have the Angel host meet families at the entrance. Then the host will tell families that they’ll be entering the tomb where Jesus was buried.

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Before entering, have each person put on a blindfold. Then guide families into the tomb and help them sit so they’re facing the poster on the wall.The ConversationWhile people are still blindfolded, have them turn to a partner and discuss: What does it feel like to be in the dark? What would it be like to live in a world where it was always dark?Say: Imagine how sad Jesus’ followers were when he died on the cross. The Bible says that when Jesus died the earth shook, the world went dark, and the temple curtain tore from top to bottom. Even though it was a sad, dark day, we remember the day Jesus died as Good Friday.Ask: Why would such a sad day be called “good”?Say: Remove your blindfolds. There’s a message on the wall. Silently read the message or have someone read it to you.Allow time.Ask: How does it feel to be able to see God’s Word now? How do you think it feels when someone first believes in Jesus?Say: This is the good news of Easter! Because Jesus died on the cross for each of us, we don’t have to live in darkness. If we follow Jesus, he’ll be the light that guides us every day.Say: When you entered the dark tomb, you carried your ball of sin with you. Jesus died for our sins, and we buried our sins with him. Leave your balls of sin in the tomb as we follow the light.

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Music You could download these video clips and use them as sing alongs.

1 - 2 - 3 Jesus is Alivehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gRqdvzFpP4

The Rizers John 3:16https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2iHNzNJkJw

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Presenting the Gospel this Easter Dick GruberEaster is a prime opportunity to present the good news of Jesus Christ to children. The healthy children’s leader continually discovers new and more effective ways to share the gospel with children. This entry will explore appropriate approaches to sharing salvation on this important day.Presenting the Gospel This EasterPresenting the gospel is an important task entrusted to the children’s leader. Each and every time children participate in church activities and services, they must be given the opportunity to respond to the gospel. The child who attends each Sunday will have at least fifty occasions to hear and respond to God’s Word each year. Those attending on Wednesdays double that. But whether a child attends only once this year or over a hundred times, he or she must be confronted with a loving Saviour who desires to save them.

Variety Is MandatoryThis presents the challenge of offering variety in your presentations. You don’t want the children to become bored with the gospel. We present Bible stories, Scripture lessons, and missionary stories with variety and enthusiasm. It is the rare children’s leader who intentionally mixes up methodology when giving the response time. I challenge you to try different approaches. Prayer at the chair, down at the front, with a friend nearby, or in small groups are just some of the ways you can lead the altar time.

Take Care Not To ScareJesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” He didn’t say to drag, force, push, or scare children into acceptance of the gospel. The Easter story can be presented in a loving, exciting manner. You and I both know that it could also be presented as a bloody story of death and defeat followed by a resurrection tale that, to some children is little more than a zombie episode. One children’s leader posed the question, “What’s so big about resurrection to children who watch zombie shows and experience continuous new lives in their favorite video games?”The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is a unique account of historical events that have eternal significance. Assist the children in understanding the truth of the gospel as opposed to the pretend of games and TV shows. Present this factual account of God’s grace with joy, love, grace, and in an age-appropriate manner. The younger children can be frightened by gruesome descriptions of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. So limit your

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descriptors and emphasise the incredible truth that Jesus gave himself for our sin and salvation. Jesus proved His divinity and power over sin and death through the Resurrection. Allow children to experience forever friendship with the living Saviour.

Methods May Vary, but the Message Remains the SameI’ve used ventriloquism, gospel illusions, plastic Easter eggs, juggling, and toys to present the Easter story. The last forty years have produced a wide variety of ideas and methods for telling this story with the goal of bringing children to a salvation response. Children’s ministry publications, conferences, and curriculum will present you with a variety of approaches. You know the message and you know the children you serve. Gear this year’s message to your kids with methodology and wording they will understand. Simplify without compromising the story.With God’s help, you can share His grace with children this Easter. Pray about your presentation. Ensure that the children of your church have more than a fun temporary celebration. They can enjoy both the holiday and new life in Christ this year.

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GOSPEL ILLUSIONS Gospel Illusions for Easter (16 Min)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXlKgfwJVKM

The Cross Trickhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN8jk2we19s

The Cross Trick EXPLAINED (4 Min)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2Anq87QIdA

How to share the Gospel with Kids (4 Min 38 sec)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxeoEqHtks

B.I.B.L.E. paper tear and Restorehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je1jytQ_198

B - BELIEVE - there are many instructions thrown at us on how to and what to Believe BUT it is only the Bible that gives us the TRUTH on WHO to Believe. I - INSTRUCTION Manual from God for living everyday. God made us so He knows how we operate BEST. He knows what is good for us and what hurts and harms us. He has given us His INSTRUCTION ManualB - BELONG - God’s Greatest desire is that we Belong to His Family, the Family of God. He has so many things He wants to share with us as His Children. It all begins when we come into His Family, BELONGING to Him.Sadly many want to be free agents - do it their own way. Live without even thinking about God.L - LIFE: Jesus said He came to GIVE us LIFE (John 10:10) A lot of people live but don’t have life. E - EVERYONE - God’s Word is for everyone

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So many have tried to destroy God’s Word.Coins have been made to celebrate the death of the Bible. They have burnt the Bible, trying to stop it been made available to everyoneAn evil atheist by the name of Voltaire said “100 years from my life time there will be no more Bibles” The only place you will find them will be in museums. He has died but his house became a Bible printing press where hundreds of thousands of Bibles were printed.

Torn and Restored E.A.S.T.E.R. Banner (2 Min)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9t44YDpKWM

Torn & Restored Revealed (5 Min 29 sec)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OlY_-kyRpk

Hank the Hankie Storyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaGizFDOdYc

WHAT IS EASTER? Max Lucado - The Crippled Lamb DVDhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTbNeVzeng0

The Story Keepers Easter Specialhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMcDdCC6AhM

Our Easter Storyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgFZDCguR8E

Easter According to Kidshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdn1R90kX9A

What is Easter?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6tSgEoZP0k

A Very Special Easterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY2NH8Wpoog

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The Jesus movie for kids (Animated)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-fsT6-nIOY

Jesus Film (Children’s Version)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kc_VhPMUG4

2 Sisters tell the Easter Storyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TBxKAg8tLA

The Legend of the Three Treeshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktYroQP5A1cThis is over 30 minutes long

SHARING THE GOSPEL The Gospel in 5 Minutes (An Excellent presentation)https://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2016/03/25/watch-the-gospel-story-in-5-minutes/

The Bridge Presentation for Kids (3 Min 46 Sec)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRcPzh2YxkU

Dot & Bouncy SALVATION (4 Min 30 Sec)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5hS0AD1M78

True Consequences (Salvation) (3 Min 31 Sec)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ9zwmEv8k

Sharing the Gospel on the Pavement or Sidewalk with Chalk and Presentationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYxeoEqHtks

God’s Rescue Planhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgdU-JnNMT8

The Pocket Gospel Presentationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdLbACTAB54

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Explaining the Gospel to Kidshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI_4dj2vs-U

Theo’s Gospel Presentationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6Q7qUosKDc

Sin TARGET Gamehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Qs1a9xe8Y

The Sin Chairhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJq7wWyvbas

Sharing Easter with your Neighbours Invite your neighbours and friends to an Easter Meal where you could share the message of Easter.

FACEBOOK ITINSTRAGRAM IT

Let people know you are a Follower and Believer in Jesus.

Use some of the above ideas to create an night where you can creatively share the Story of Jesus and what He did that First Easter.

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BIBLE:Blank - Black & White - Colourhttps://dock-haley-gospel-magic-company.myshopify.com/products/holy-bible-coloring-book

Andrew McDonough Bookshttps://www.lostsheep.com.auYou will be able to buy the POWER POINT direct from the website for each of these stories.

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