• One staff member meets the families as they arrive and forms small groups of 6-8 people.  She tells the children that they are about to find out why we celebrate Easter by going on "A Journey with Jesus."  She dispatches each group every 5 minutes to Station One.  Each child is given a baggie with his/her name on it for collecting mementos.
• Station One: The Lord's Supper.  This leader tells the group about the last supper Jesus shared with his disciples.  She serves crackers and grape juice.  She asks, "If you were to sit at Jesus' table what would you say to Him or ask Him?"  She sends them on to Station two.
• Station Two: The Washing of the Disciples' Feet.  Each child has one foot washed and dried by this staff member who explains how dusty the disciples' feet were, and why, and how this reminds us of the value of serving others like Jesus did.  The children are given a piece of sponge.
• Station Three: The Prayer in the Garden.  The children are led through an outdoor area and are called to notice the flowers and leaves--the beautiful creations of God.  The leader explains that Jesus came into just such a garden to pray.  Then the group holds hands and prays together thanking the Father for sending His Son to be our savior and friend.  Each child picks a leaf for their collection of mementos.
• Station Four: The Cross of Thorns.  In a small classroom the leader explains that Jesus was captured in the garden and taken away.  The people who took him were mean.  They didn't realize that He was the Son of God.  Since he was referred to as the King of the Jews, they made a crown of thorns that poked holes in His head.  The children are given small wire crowns with barbs.
• Station Five: The Cross.  This takes place in another classroom.  The leader tells the children about the crucifixion.  Each child hammers a nail into a large wooden cross.  Each child is given a nail.
• Station Six: The Tomb.  In another small classroom, with the door and window blinds closed and the light off, the leader tells the children how Jesus was put in a place like this, a tomb.  Before they leave the leader confirms how sad this is but tells them that something surprising and wonderful happens next. (Our Youth Pastor always takes this role and does a splendid job.)  Before the children leave the darkened room, the leader gives each child a small stone to remind them of the large stone that was rolled away.
• Station Seven: Our Gathering.  This leader has set up tables, crayons, magic markers and relevant coloring sheets.  The children color until everyone has gone through the Journey.  We do this in the Narthex.
• Station Eight: The Resurrection!  The doors to the Sanctuary are opened, the entire group files in singing Jesus Loves Me; the lights and candles are lit.  Our pastor then finishes the story by describing the Resurrection.  The final message is: "Jesus came back to life.  We call it Easter and that's why we celebrate Easter.  Jesus lives now in our hearts and minds.  He is our Savior and Friend."  More songs are sung.  Then the children go to class.

Confirmed Keynote Presenters:

Calling All Artists:

April 16, 2011                  Spokane Regional Gathering- Dr. Sheryl Reinisch,

                                       Concordia University,Portland, is the presenter.

                                       Meadowlane Christian School

                                       Carolyn Holbrook, Director

                                       5806 S Meadowlane Rd

                                       Spokane, WA 99224

                                       9:00-1:00 pm (Includes lunch)

May 4, 2011                     "Continuing Conversations with Angela", by conference call

                                       4:00-5:00 p.m.

April 29-30, 2011             Early Childhood Directors Conference-

                                      Clarion Hotel, Portland, OR

May 14, 2011                   Alaska region Gathering

October 19-21, 2011        All Workers Conference, Seaside, OR 

To listen to the "Continuing Conversations with Angela" recordings:

October 20, 2010-   Recruitment-how early is too early?

                                Marketing Campaigns- aditorials vs. advertising blitzes

January 19, 2011-   Facebook

                                Advertising

                                Open Houses

                                Specialized Events

Please note that our last "Conversation with Angela" will be Wednesday, May 4, 2011