God at Work: Journey To Easter
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
The season of Lent gives us a beautiful opportunity to slow down and remember all that Jesus has done for us. What a blessing when churches come alongside congregational and school households to equip them to do so in meaningful ways.
Pastor Glenn Lucas (Senior Pastor) and Alexis Upchurch (DCE) of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church created a seven-week program called Journey to Easter. It is used in the church, school (ages 2–8th grade), and in the homes of both church and school families.
Each household receives a resource guide that includes weekly Bible readings, devotions, prayers, music links, symbols to add to a cross with explanations, reflection questions, and family activities. Boxes cost approximately $10 to make and include the guide, a handmade wooden cross (crafted by congregation member Randy Trumbauer), purple and white cloth, dissolvable paper and marker, palm branch, toothpicks, wreath, wooden block, nail, sponge, twine, coin, wooden sign, glue, and box.
The program was promoted in the church and school through social media, in announcements, and flyers. On Sunday, February 22, 130 participants (ages 0–90) attended a kickoff luncheon where households received instructions and decorated their boxes. Each classroom also received a box and is walking through the materials at an age-appropriate level.
The weekly sermon series follows the same Scripture readings. A decorated cross is displayed on the altar, and a 10-foot tall, weekly-decorated cross stands in the narthex. Families are encouraged to share photos of their participation, which are highlighted on social media and entered into weekly raffles. Each week, Alexis provides a short YouTube video introduction to the theme.
To date, approximately 100 boxes have been distributed. Abiding Savior has generously shared their materials, so other ministries may adapt and customize them. They are available online at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1o7LJaho46GEzAVRsAR4zqRosyWgINGjR?usp=drive_link.
We know that symbols, traditions, fellowship, hospitality, service, hands-on learning, Scripture reading, family faith conversations, singing, praying, catechesis, and clear proclamation of Law and Gospel are rich biblical tools of faith formation, and research consistently affirms their role in passing faith to the next generation. We pray that the Holy Spirit will use this Journey to Easter to create, nurture, and strengthen faith in all who participate.
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