The 40 days of Lent present both opportunities and challenges for church youth leaders. The themes and concepts of Lent can sometimes be hard for young children to fully understand. We’ve pulled together a list of five really cool Lent activities and crafts for Sunday School and youth ministry that can help you.
Let’s dive into the fascinating Christian season of Lent. Lent is a special time for Christians around the world as they prepare for Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. It typically lasts for 40 days, mirroring the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. During Lent, churches have a wonderful opportunity to teach children and teenagers about the significance of this season.
First and foremost, churches can engage kids and teens by explaining the purpose of Lent. It’s a time of reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. Encouraging them to participate in age-appropriate activities like prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness can help them understand the importance of self-reflection and sacrifice. These activities can foster a sense of empathy and compassion towards others, reminding them of Jesus’ teachings about loving one another.
Secondly, churches can organize interactive events and programs that make Lent relatable and fun for youngsters. For instance, they can arrange special youth-led services where young people take an active role in planning and conducting worship services during Lent. This hands-on involvement allows them to express their creativity and faith while learning about the meaning behind various Lenten traditions.
Here are some great ideas for arts and crafts you can do during Lent:
This activity uses good ‘ole lima beans (or jelly beans) to teach children about sacrifice. Beans are, after all, seeds. This activity helps you plants the seeds for a rich spiritual understanding of Lent.
Since Lent is a spiritual journey, why not take your cue and make this into a fun theme. You can use this idea for Lent or Easter Holy Week (or both!). Your children have their passports stamped for every activity they complete. You could also use this as a way to promote attendance at Holy Week services. Children get a stamp for each service they attend.
This activity is best suited for older youth. You’ll get the best results if you use an Exacto knife. This activity definitely requires care and attention. The results can be quite wonderful. Imagine if your youth created these beautiful works of art? You could display them in your church entry, or set up a special art gallery area within your church.
There are many ways you could use this terrific craft idea. At the start of Lent, you can have children make a list of sacrifices. Or, you could have them write messages of encouragement and give them to others who they know are making a special sacrifice for Lent.
Check out the details here. This site has lots of great ideas.
Here’s a clever idea that is ideal for children. A regular ‘ole paper plate becomes the backdrop for your artistic take on Calvary.
For even more “cross craft” ideas, click here.
Churches can also create Lenten devotionals or prayer guides specifically designed for children and teenagers. These resources can include engaging stories, age-appropriate reflections, and practical suggestions for incorporating Lenten practices into their daily lives. By providing accessible and relatable materials, churches can help young people better understand the significance of Lent and guide them towards developing a personal relationship with God.
Last but not least, churches can organize community service projects during Lent that involve children and teenagers. This can be a powerful way to emphasize the importance of helping others and living out one’s faith. Engaging in activities such as volunteering at a local shelter, organizing food drives, or visiting nursing homes can demonstrate the real-life impact of selflessness and compassion, instilling in young hearts the value of service and caring for those in need.
Lent is a meaningful season in the Christian calendar, and churches have a wonderful opportunity to teach children and teenagers about its significance. By explaining the purpose of Lent, organizing interactive events, creating age-appropriate resources, and engaging in community service projects, churches can make this season come alive for young hearts and minds. Let’s embrace the spirit of Lent together and grow in faith, reflection, and love!
Lent is a special time in the Catholic Church where we prepare for Easter by praying, fasting, and giving to others. It's a time to reflect on our relationship with God and make positive changes in our lives. Kids can participate in Lent by doing things like giving up something they love, doing good deeds for others, and spending more time in prayer.
The 40 days of Lent represent the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry. It's a time of spiritual reflection, sacrifice, and preparation for Easter. For kids, it's an opportunity to learn more about their faith, grow in prayer, and practice self-discipline.
There is no set age for kids to start participating in Lent. It's up to each family to decide what's best for their children. Some families may start as early as preschool, while others may wait until their children are older. The important thing is to make sure that kids understand the meaning behind Lent and participate in age-appropriate ways.
