Our Family Church Year

The story

"Hallow" means holy, so Halloween is "All Hallows' Eve," the night before All Saints' Day. Long ago, Christians went door to door "souling," trading prayers for little cakes. The spooky side of the night is a chance to remember that Jesus has already beaten death and darkness.

What we do

• Read The Pumpkin Patch Parable before carving.
• Carve pumpkins. As you scoop, talk about how Jesus cleans out what's bad inside us.
• Before lighting them, pray Psalm 51:10 together, then light the candles: Jesus puts his light in us.
• Trick-or-treat as a way to love the neighbors. Be the generous house with the good candy.

Eat

Donuts. One old story says a woman got tired of rowdy "soulers" and cut a hole in her soul cakes, telling them the empty middle was a reminder to think about eternity. Store-bought is fine.

Read

John 1:5; Matthew 5:1-12

Pray

Lord Jesus, you are the light that the darkness cannot put out. Help us shine with your light tonight as we meet our neighbors. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What does it mean that Jesus is stronger than anything scary?"

The story

A saint is a "holy one," and in the Bible that means everyone who belongs to Jesus. Today we celebrate the famous saints and the ordinary ones too, all part of one family. Revelation shows a giant crowd from every nation, all worshiping Jesus together.

What we do

• Church in the morning.
• A candlelit dinner that's nicer than usual, with a tablecloth and the good dishes.
• Saint guessing game: each person gives three clues about their saint until someone guesses. Good picks for the boys: St. George, St. Patrick, St. Columba, St. Nicholas, St. Francis, St. Peter.
• Sing one verse of "For All the Saints."

Eat

Something special the boys choose, especially dessert.

Read

Revelation 7:9-17

Pray

Use the All Saints prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"Which saint would you want to be like? Why?"

The story

Today we remember people we knew and loved who belonged to Jesus and have died. We miss them, and we believe we'll see them again, because Jesus rose from the dead.

What we do

• Set out photos of family members who have died and light a candle beside them.
• Tell one story about each person: what they were like, how they loved God.
• If a grave is nearby, take flowers. The boys can draw a picture to leave.
• If the boys haven't lost anyone close, tell them about someone from Mom's or Dad's family.

Read

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; Ephesians 1:15-23

Pray

Thank you, God, for [name], who loved you. Help us run our race the way they did, until we are all together with you. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What do you remember about them?"

This is a gentle way to talk about death with young kids: we're sad, and we have hope.

The story

Martin was a Roman soldier about 1,700 years ago. One freezing night he saw a beggar shivering at the city gate, so he took his sword, cut his soldier's cloak in half and gave half away. That night he dreamed of Jesus wearing the half-cloak, saying, "Martin clothed me." Later he became a bishop in France.

What we do

• Act it out: cut an old towel in half and "give" half away.
• Lantern walk at dusk with paper lanterns or flashlights, a German tradition.
• Go through closets together and pick coats and blankets to donate before winter.

Eat

In Germany it's a roast goose; a roast chicken or soft pretzels work great.

Read

Matthew 25:34-40

Pray

Lord Jesus, help us see you in people who are cold or hungry, and give freely like St. Martin did. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Who could we share with this week?"

The story

The last Sunday of the church year. Jesus is King, but a different kind of king: he wore thorns instead of gold, and he served instead of being served. One day everyone will see that he is King of everything.

What we do

• Make paper crowns in the afternoon (gold paper if you have it).
• A "King's feast" dinner, everyone in crowns.
• Psalm 24 call and response: Dad asks, "Who is this King of glory?" The boys shout, "The Lord, strong and mighty!"
• Thanksgiving is this week: make a list together of what God gave us this year.

Eat

Everyone's favorite meal.

Read

Psalm 24; Colossians 1:15-20

Pray

Use the "Stir up" prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"What kind of king is Jesus? How is he different from other kings?"

The story

Andrew was a fisherman and one of the very first people to follow Jesus. The first thing he did was run and get his brother Simon Peter: "We have found the Messiah!" Later he brought Jesus the boy with five loaves and two fish. Tradition says he died on an X-shaped cross, which is why there's a white X on Scotland's flag. He's Scotland's saint, like Columba.

What we do

• Look up Scotland's flag and find the X.
• Make an X-shaped cross from craft sticks.
• Each boy names one person he could invite to church or pray for.

Eat

Fish sticks, or fish tacos.

Read

John 1:35-42

Pray

Lord Jesus, Andrew followed you right away and brought his brother to you. Help us follow you quickly and bring others to you too. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Who is someone we could tell about Jesus?"

The story

Nicholas was a bishop in Myra (now Turkey) about 1,700 years ago. He inherited a lot of money and gave it away in secret. In the most famous story, he tossed bags of gold through a poor family's window at night, and they landed in stockings drying by the fire. He also stood up for the truth that Jesus is fully God at the Council of Nicaea. Santa Claus grew out of his story.

What we do

• Saturday night (Dec 5): shoes by the door, with a carrot for Nicholas's donkey.
• Sunday morning: chocolate gold coins, an orange and a small book in each shoe.
• Tell the real story, and say a line of the Nicene Creed together: "God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God."
• Plan a secret good deed for someone, and make care bags for unhoused neighbors.

Eat

Chocolate coins, oranges, gingerbread or speculaas cookies.

Read

Matthew 6:1-4

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for St. Nicholas, who gave in secret because he loved you. Make us cheerful, secret givers too. Amen.

Ask the boys

"How could we give someone a gift this week without them knowing it was us?"

If Santa comes up, Nicholas is an easy way to explain where he came from.

The story

Lucy was a young Christian in Sicily about 1,700 years ago who gave everything she had to the poor and was killed for her faith. One legend says she carried food to Christians hiding in dark tunnels, wearing candles on her head to keep her hands free. Her name means "light," and in Sweden her day is a festival of light in the darkest part of the year. It's also Gaudete Sunday: gaudete means "rejoice!"

What we do

• Candlelit breakfast before it's fully light.
• The boys are Swedish "star boys": white shirts, paper cone hats with stars, and paper stars on sticks.
• Light the rose candle on the wreath.
• Tonight, turn on the Christmas tree lights for the first time.

Eat

Saffron buns (lussekatter) or cinnamon rolls, and hot cocoa.

Read

Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:4-5

Pray

Lord Jesus, Light of the World, thank you for brave St. Lucy. Help us carry your light to people who are in the dark. Amen.

Ask the boys

"How can we be a light for someone this week?"

The story

Four times a year, at the turn of each season, the church sets aside three days to fast and pray for its pastors and leaders.

What we do

• Pray for the priests and staff at Christ Church by name.
• The boys draw cards for them, or bake cookies to bring on Sunday.
• Mom and Dad skip a treat on these days and pray when they notice the hunger.

Read

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Pray

Lord, bless the people who lead our church. Give them wisdom, joy and rest, and help them love you and love us well. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Who are the people who help us at church?"

The story

For the last seven nights before Christmas Eve, the church prays seven ancient names for Jesus, each starting with "O" and asking him to come. They became the verses of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." A secret for the 7-year-old: in Latin, the first letters of the names, read backward, spell ero cras, "Tomorrow I will be there."

What we do

• Dec 17, O Wisdom: draw an open book. Isaiah 11:2
• Dec 18, O Lord: draw the burning bush. Exodus 3:2
• Dec 19, O Root of Jesse: draw a shoot growing from a stump. Isaiah 11:1
• Dec 20, O Key of David: draw a key. Isaiah 22:22
• Dec 21, O Dayspring: draw a sunrise. Luke 1:78-79
• Dec 22, O King of the Nations: draw a crown. Isaiah 9:6-7
• Dec 23, O Emmanuel: draw a manger. Isaiah 7:14
• Each night: read the verse, say the name, sing that verse of the hymn, add the drawing to a growing row on the wall.

Read

The verse for each night, above

Pray

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. (Sing it.)

Ask the boys

"Which name for Jesus do you like best tonight?"

The story

An old prayer for the end of Advent begins, "Stir up your power, O Lord, and come among us." English families took it as a reminder to stir their Christmas pudding. Every person took a turn stirring, east to west in honor of the wise men, and made a wish.

What we do

• Everyone takes a turn stirring something for Christmas: cookie dough, a cake, or a pudding.
• While stirring, each person says a prayer-wish for Christmas.
• Light the fourth candle; Mary and Joseph arrive at the stable; the rest of the ornaments go on.

Eat

Whatever you stirred.

Read

Luke 1:26-38

Pray

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What would you ask God to stir up in our family?"

The story

In the Bible, a day starts at sundown, so Christmas begins tonight. The waiting is over.

What we do

• Christmas Eve service at Christ Church.
• At home, light all the wreath candles plus the white Christ candle in the middle.
• Baby Jesus goes into the manger, and the topper goes on the tree.
• Read Luke 2 by candlelight. Optional: one gift tonight, like new Christmas pajamas.

Eat

Something easy and festive before church.

Read

Luke 2:1-20

Pray

Use the Christmas prayer on the Christmastide liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"What do you think Mary and Joseph felt tonight?"

The story

Jesus is born! God became a baby so he could live with us and rescue us. The angels told shepherds first, ordinary people working the night shift.

What we do

• Church if Christ Church holds a Christmas morning service.
• Stockings, then gifts, keeping some for the other eleven days.
• A big meal, and sing "Joy to the World" at the table.
• Optional: a birthday cake for Jesus.

Eat

The big Christmas meal.

Read

Luke 2:1-14

Pray

Use the Christmas prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"Why do you think God told the shepherds first?"

The story

Stephen was one of the first seven deacons, chosen to make sure widows got food. He was full of the Holy Spirit and preached so boldly that angry leaders threw stones at him until he died. Like Jesus on the cross, he prayed for them: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." A young man named Saul watched, who later became the apostle Paul.

What we do

• Boxing Day: box up treats and thank-you notes for the mail carrier, trash crew, and teachers.
• Sing "Good King Wenceslas." The song happens on St. Stephen's Day!
• Give away one gift or toy to someone who needs it.

Eat

Leftovers, the traditional Boxing Day meal.

Read

Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60

Pray

Lord Jesus, Stephen forgave the people who hurt him, just like you did. Give us brave, forgiving hearts. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Stephen forgave the people hurting him. Is there anyone you need to forgive?"

The story

John was one of Jesus's closest friends, called "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He was at the cross, and Jesus asked him to take care of Mary. He lived to be very old and wrote the Gospel of John, three letters and Revelation. Legend says enemies tried to kill him with poisoned wine and boiling oil, and he survived both. Holy Family Sunday celebrates Mary, Joseph and Jesus as a family.

What we do

• Fondue night (cheese, chocolate, or both), a joke about John surviving the boiling oil.
• Bless a bottle of sparkling cider and share it.
• Choose a family word or verse for 2027, write it on a card and put it on the fridge.

Eat

Fondue and sparkling cider.

Read

John 1:1-14; 1 John 4:7-11

Pray

Blessed are you, Lord God, who gives us good things to drink and share. Make our home a place of love, like John's. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What should our family word be this year?"

The story

King Herod heard a new king had been born and was afraid. God warned Joseph in a dream, and the family escaped to Egypt. Herod did a terrible thing and hurt the baby boys in Bethlehem. Today we remember those children, pray for children who are hurting now, and thank God for every child.

What we do

• The youngest is king for the day: a crown, picks the meals, and a "yes day" within reason.
• Lay a hand on each boy's head and bless him by name.
• Pray for children who are hurting because of war, hunger or danger.
• Listen to the "Coventry Carol" (parents).

Eat

A cheese grits bar with toppings, chosen by the king of the day.

Read

Matthew 2:13-18

Pray

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Say it over each boy.)

Ask the boys

"How did God keep baby Jesus safe?"

Keep the story simple for a 5-year-old; the focus is God's care for little ones.

The story

On his eighth day, Mary and Joseph named the baby Jesus, just as the angel said. Jesus means "the Lord saves." On New Year's Day we start the year remembering his name.

What we do

• Tell each boy his name story: why you chose it, what it means, and any saint or Bible connection.
• Bless each boy by name.
• Make a list of Jesus's names (Jesus, Christ, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Good Shepherd) and let each boy draw one.
• Hold off on New Year's resolutions until after Jan 6.

Read

Luke 2:21; Philippians 2:9-11

Pray

Lord Jesus, your name means the Lord saves. Thank you that you know each of our names. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Which name of Jesus do you like best?"

The story

The last night of Christmas. The wise men are almost at the stable.

What we do

• Twelfth Night party or potluck, with foods from "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (pears for the partridge, chicken drumsticks for the drummers, deviled eggs for the geese a-laying).
• The wise men move right up to the stable door.
• The boys leave their shoes out with hay or carrots for the camels. In the morning, there's a small treat.
• Sing carols one last time.

Eat

Christmas leftovers and party food.

Read

Isaiah 9:1-7

Pray

Use the Christmas prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"What was your favorite day of Christmas?"

The story

Wise men from far in the east followed a star to find the new King. They brought gold for a king, frankincense for God, and myrrh, which was used to bury people, because Jesus would die for us. Epiphany means "showing": Jesus was shown to the whole world, not just Israel.

What we do

• Morning: the wise men finally reach the nativity.
• Chalk the door: Dad writes 20 + C + M + B + 27 over the front door while the boys hold the chalk. Say together: "May Christ bless this house and all who enter it."
• King cake after dinner. Whoever finds the baby is king for the night.
• Talk about the three gifts and what each one means.

Eat

Middle Eastern or Persian food (hummus, kebabs, saffron rice), then king cake.

Read

Matthew 2:1-12

Pray

Use the Epiphany prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"If you could bring Jesus a gift, what would it be?"

The story

When Jesus was about 30, his cousin John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and the Father's voice said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." It's one of the few times in the Bible we see the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all at once.

What we do

• Read the story, then talk about what baptism is: a sign of being washed clean and joining God's family.
• Take a walk by the water: Lady Bird Lake, the creek, or Barton Springs if anyone's brave.

Read

Matthew 3:13-17

Pray

Father, thank you that you love your Son, and that you love us too. Send your Spirit to fill our family. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What did God the Father say about Jesus? What do you think he says about you?"

Sacred Seasons suggests this day as a natural time for a family to think and pray about baptism.

The story

Forty days after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple, with two birds as their offering because they were poor. Old Simeon had waited his whole life to see the Messiah. He took baby Jesus in his arms and said he could die in peace now, because he had seen God's salvation, "a light to lighten the Gentiles." Then 84-year-old Anna told everyone about the baby. Because of Simeon's words, churches blessed their candles for the year on this day.

What we do

• Gather new candles for the year's family prayers and bless them (prayer below).
• Turn off the electric lights and eat dinner by candlelight.
• The nativity comes down today. Christmas is fully over.

Eat

Crêpes, which look like candles when rolled up, savory for dinner or sweet for dessert.

Read

Luke 2:22-40

Pray

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. (Simeon's song)

Ask the boys

"Simeon waited his whole life. What are we waiting for God to do?"

The story

Jesus took Peter, James and John up a mountain. Suddenly his face shone like the sun and his clothes turned bright white, and Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with him. Peter wanted to build tents and stay. Then a cloud covered them and the Father said, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." Then they walked back down toward Jerusalem and the cross.

What we do

• Family Lent planning meeting after church: each boy picks one small thing to give up, one way to give, and we choose a memory verse.
• Make the Alleluia banner for Tuesday: a long strip of paper, markers, stickers, glitter.
• Try shining a flashlight under a white sheet in the dark to picture Jesus shining.

Read

Matthew 17:1-9

Pray

Lord Jesus, you showed your friends your glory before you went to the cross. Help us remember how great you are as we walk toward Easter. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Why do you think Jesus let them see him shine before he went to the cross?"

The story

"Shrove" comes from an old word for confessing your sins. Before Lent, families used up their butter, eggs and sugar, which made pancakes, and they got their hearts ready too. In England, towns still hold pancake races: you run while flipping a pancake in a pan.

What we do

• Pancake supper with bacon.
• Pancake-flipping race in the yard.
• Write "Alleluia!" on a long strip of paper, decorate it, roll it into a bag and bury it in the yard. Mark the spot.
• Say "Alleluia" as many times as you can tonight. It's the last time until Easter.
• Before bed, each person tells God one thing they're sorry for.

Eat

Pancakes, bacon, all the toppings.

Read

Psalm 150 (full of alleluias)

Pray

Lord, thank you for good food and fun. Get our hearts ready to walk with Jesus to the cross. Alleluia! Amen.

Ask the boys

"Where should we bury the Alleluia?"

The story

Lent starts today. At church, the priest makes a cross of ashes on our foreheads. The ashes come from burning last year's palm branches. The words remind us that we come from dust and will return to dust, and the cross shape reminds us we belong to Jesus, who rescues us from death.

What we do

• Ash Wednesday service at Christ Church; the boys can receive ashes too.
• Mom and Dad fast until dinner if it's safe to; the boys eat simply.
• A simple soup supper.
• Start the paper chain, put the purple runner on the table, and drop the first coins in the giving jar.

Eat

Soup and bread.

Read

Joel 2:12-13; Psalm 51:1-12

Pray

Use the Ash Wednesday prayer above.

Ask the boys

"What's one thing you want to give up, or add, for Lent?"

The story

Valentine was a Christian priest in Rome about 1,750 years ago, when being a Christian was against the law. He helped Christians who were being hunted and, the story goes, married couples in secret. While in prison, he wrote a goodbye letter to his jailer's daughter and signed it "your Valentine." This year his day is the first Sunday of Lent, and every Sunday is a feast.

What we do

• Make valentines together for grandparents, neighbors and teachers, and deliver them.
• Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 aloud. Read it again with "Jesus" in place of "love," then with your own name.
• A pink or red dessert for the Sunday feast.

Eat

Heart-shaped pancakes or a pink dessert.

Read

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Pray

Lord Jesus, St. Valentine loved people even when it was dangerous. Teach us to love the way you love. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Who needs a valentine from you?"

The story

Four times a year, at the turn of each season, the church sets aside three days to fast and pray for its pastors and leaders.

What we do

• Pray for the priests and staff at Christ Church by name.
• The boys draw cards for them, or bake cookies to bring on Sunday.
• Mom and Dad skip a treat on these days and pray when they notice the hunger.

Read

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Pray

Lord, bless the people who lead our church. Give them wisdom, joy and rest, and help them love you and love us well. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Who are the people who help us at church?"

The story

Laetare means "rejoice!" We're halfway through Lent, and the color lightens to rose. In England this Sunday became "Mothering Sunday": people visited the church where they were baptized or grew up, and children picked flowers on the way to give their mothers.

What we do

• Check the paper chain: we're halfway there.
• The boys pick or buy flowers for Mom.
• A bigger treat than a usual Sunday. In England it's simnel cake, a fruitcake with marzipan.

Eat

Simnel cake, or any special cake.

Read

Psalm 122:1; John 6:1-15

Pray

Lord, thank you for helping us halfway through Lent. Give us joy and strength for the rest of the way. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What's been hardest about Lent so far? What's been good?"

The story

When Patrick was 16, pirates kidnapped him from Britain and sold him as a slave in Ireland, where he took care of sheep. Out in the fields he started praying, and after six years God showed him a way to escape home. Then he had a dream of the Irish people calling him back, so he returned to the people who had enslaved him and told all of Ireland about Jesus. He used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Trinity.

What we do

• Act out his prayer: point in each direction as you say "Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me..."
• Find a shamrock (or draw one) and explain the Trinity: three leaves, one plant.
• Wear green.

Eat

Potato soup and Irish soda bread.

Read

Romans 10:13-15

Pray

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left.

Ask the boys

"Patrick went back to the people who had hurt him. Why do you think he did that?"

The story

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Crowds spread their coats and palm branches on the road and shouted, "Hosanna!", which means "Save us!" Kings rode war horses; a king on a donkey comes in peace. Only a few days later, the crowd would turn against him.

What we do

• Wave palms in the procession at Christ Church, then put them in a vase at home.
• If we can't make church: gather branches from the yard and process through the house shouting "Hosanna!"
• Holy Week starts today: plan meals through Easter so the big days aren't about cooking.

Read

Mark 11:1-11; Zechariah 9:9

Pray

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Why did Jesus ride a donkey instead of a war horse?"

The story

At a dinner in Bethany, Mary (Martha and Lazarus's sister) poured a jar of expensive perfume, worth a whole year's pay, on Jesus's feet and wiped them with her hair. Judas complained about the waste. Jesus said she had done a beautiful thing, getting him ready for his burial.

What we do

• Let the boys smell a perfume or essential oil, and imagine a whole room filled with it.
• Each person names something precious they could give Jesus: time, a toy, a kindness.
• For Mom and Dad: is there something we're holding back from God?

Read

John 12:1-8

Pray

Lord Jesus, you are worth more than anything we have. Help us love you with our whole hearts like Mary did. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What's the most precious thing you could give Jesus?"

The story

Jesus went to the temple and found people buying and selling and cheating each other in God's house. He turned over their tables and said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer." Then he stayed, healing blind and lame people, while children ran around shouting "Hosanna!"

What we do

• Clear out one room, closet or toy bin together.
• The boys choose toys to donate.
• Talk about how Jesus cleans out our hearts to make room for himself.

Read

Mark 11:15-19; Matthew 21:14-16

Pray

Lord Jesus, clean out our hearts and make them a house of prayer for you. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What's something in our hearts Jesus might want to clean out?"

The story

Judas was one of Jesus's twelve closest friends. On Wednesday he went to the chief priests and agreed to hand Jesus over to them for thirty silver coins. That's why this day is called Spy Wednesday.

What we do

• Count out 30 quarters while reading the story.
• Put them in the giving jar, or set them aside for the offering plate on Sunday.
• Finish Easter shopping and menus today.

Read

Matthew 26:14-25

Pray

Lord Jesus, you are worth more than all the money in the world. Help us love you more than anything we own. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What are some things people love more than God?"

The story

Maundy comes from the Latin word for "commandment." At the Last Supper, Jesus tied a towel around his waist and washed his disciples' dirty feet, a servant's job. Then he gave them a new commandment: "Love one another, as I have loved you." He shared bread and wine and said, "This is my body... this is my blood." Afterward he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, and that night he was arrested.

What we do

• Maundy Thursday service at Christ Church if we can.
• At home: a basin of warm water and towels. Each person washes someone else's feet.
• A simple supper: bread, grapes, grape juice.
• After dinner, clear the table completely, like the church strips the altar. Sit together in the dark and quiet for a few minutes, like the disciples in the garden.

Eat

Bread, grapes and grape juice, plus a simple main dish.

Read

John 13:1-15, 34-35

Pray

Lord Jesus, you washed your friends' feet and gave us your body and blood. Help us love each other the way you love us. Amen.

Ask the boys

"How did Jesus show love by washing feet? Whose "feet" could we wash this week?"

The story

Jesus was arrested, beaten and nailed to a cross between two criminals. Even then, he prayed for the people hurting him: "Father, forgive them." He died, and his friends buried him. He did it because he loves us, to take away our sin. We're sad today, but we know Sunday is coming.

What we do

• Good Friday service at Christ Church (check times).
• Mom and Dad fast.
• Hot cross buns: the cross on top reminds us of today.
• Noon to 3: no screens. Coloring, puzzles, a quiet walk.
• Walk through the kids' Stations of the Cross below, and add the black link on the paper chain.

Eat

Hot cross buns; a plain dinner.

Read

John 19:16-30 (the boys); John 18–19 (Mom and Dad)

Pray

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Amen.

Ask the boys

"What did Jesus say about the people who hurt him?"

Keep the details simple for a 5-year-old. The point is Jesus's love, not the violence.

The story

Jesus's body lay in the tomb, with a big stone rolled across the entrance and soldiers guarding it. His friends were hiding, sad and scared. It was the Sabbath, the day of rest. They didn't know what Sunday would bring, but we do.

What we do

• A quiet, slow morning.
• Dye red eggs in the afternoon with the saved onion skins.
• Prep Easter food and set out the baskets.
• In the evening, assemble resurrection rolls: wrap a marshmallow "body" in a crescent-roll "tomb" to bake in the morning.
• Easter Vigil if Christ Church holds one.

Read

Matthew 27:57-66

Pray

Lord Jesus, you rested in the tomb. Teach us to wait for you even when we're sad. Amen.

Ask the boys

"How do you think the disciples felt today?"

The story

Early Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb with spices. There was an earthquake, an angel rolled back the stone and sat on it, and the guards fainted. The angel said, "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said." Running back to tell the others, they met Jesus himself.

What we do

• Wake the boys with the greeting: "Christ is risen!" "He is risen indeed! Alleluia!"
• Bake the resurrection rolls: the marshmallow is gone, the tomb is empty.
• Dig up the Alleluia and hang it on the wall for all 50 days.
• Baskets, then church in Easter clothes.
• Egg hunt, then crack red eggs against each other, a Greek tradition: one says "Christ is risen!", the other "Truly he is risen!"
• Uncover the crosses, swap purple for white and gold, and fill the house with flowers.

Eat

Resurrection rolls for breakfast, red eggs, and a big Easter feast.

Read

Matthew 28:1-10

Pray

Use the Easter prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"What did the women find at the tomb? What would you have done?"

The story

The angel Gabriel came to a young woman named Mary in Nazareth and told her she would have a son and name him Jesus, the Son of God. Mary was afraid, but she said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." This feast is normally March 25, exactly nine months before Christmas.

What we do

• Waffles for dinner. In Sweden, "Our Lady's Day" sounds like "Waffle Day."
• Count nine months on your fingers from March to December.
• Say or sing Mary's song together.

Eat

Waffles with whipped cream and berries.

Read

Luke 1:26-38; Luke 1:46-55

Pray

My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Amen. (Mary's song)

Ask the boys

"Mary said yes to God even though she was scared. What might God be asking you to say yes to?"

The story

George was a Roman soldier about 1,700 years ago who refused to give up following Jesus, even when the emperor ordered him to, and he was killed for it. Later a legend grew that he rescued a town from a dragon. The dragon story is a picture of Jesus defeating evil, and George is England's saint, with a red cross on a white flag.

What we do

• Knight costumes: cardboard swords and shields with a red cross.
• Read about the armor of God and name each piece on the costumes.
• Fight a (pillow) dragon.

Eat

A dragon cake (green frosting, candy scales).

Read

Ephesians 6:10-18

Pray

Lord Jesus, make us brave like St. George, and dress us in your armor to stand against evil. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Which piece of God's armor do you need most?"

The story

Rogare is Latin for "to ask." Around the year 470, after disasters in France, a bishop called his people to walk and pray for God's protection. In English villages, people walked the boundaries of their parish, praying for the crops and for neighbors to live in peace. It's a few days to ask God to bless our work and the land.

What we do

• Prayer walk: around the neighborhood, the boys' school and Dad's work.
• At the grocery store, pray for the farmers who grew the food.
• Plant something: herbs or seeds in a pot.
• On Rogation Sunday (May 2), a biscuit bake-off. Any kind of biscuit or cookie counts.

Eat

Biscuits.

Read

Psalm 65:9-13; Deuteronomy 8:7-10

Pray

Lord, bless the work of our hands, the land that feeds us, and the people who grow our food. Help us share what you give us. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Who grew the food we ate today?"

The story

Forty days after Easter, Jesus led his disciples out near Bethany, lifted his hands to bless them, and was taken up into heaven in a cloud. Two angels told them he'll come back the same way. Jesus is in heaven as King now, still with his human body, praying for us.

What we do

• Hike up Mount Bonnell, either Thursday evening or Sunday, May 9.
• Read the story at the top and look up at the sky.
• Picnic, then blow bubbles or fly a kite to watch something rise.

Eat

A picnic. Chicken salad is the old joke, since Jesus "flew."

Read

Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11

Pray

Use the Ascension prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"Where is Jesus right now, and what is he doing?"

The story

Fifty days after Easter, the disciples were together when a sound like a rushing wind filled the house and flames of fire rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and started speaking in other languages, so visitors from all over the world heard about Jesus in their own language. Peter preached and 3,000 people were baptized. It's the church's birthday.

What we do

• Everyone wears red to church.
• Red roses or petals on the table.
• A birthday cake for the church, with candles, and sing "Happy Birthday" to the church.
• Pinwheels or a kite to feel the wind.
• Say "Jesus is Lord" in other languages: Jesús es el Señor (Spanish), Jésus est Seigneur (French), Kyrios Iesous (Greek).
• After dark, a firepit or every candle we own.

Eat

Red velvet cake.

Read

Acts 2:1-21

Pray

Use the Pentecost prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"What does the Holy Spirit do?"

The story

Four times a year, at the turn of each season, the church sets aside three days to fast and pray for its pastors and leaders.

What we do

• Pray for the priests and staff at Christ Church by name.
• The boys draw cards for them, or bake cookies to bring on Sunday.
• Mom and Dad skip a treat on these days and pray when they notice the hunger.

Read

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Pray

Lord, bless the people who lead our church. Give them wisdom, joy and rest, and help them love you and love us well. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Who are the people who help us at church?"

The story

There is one God, and he is three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Nobody can fully understand it, and that's okay. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain it. At Jesus's baptism we see all three at once: the Son in the water, the Spirit like a dove, the Father's voice.

What we do

• A "Trini-tea": everything in threes.
• Learn the sign of the cross: forehead (Father), chest (Son), shoulder to shoulder (Holy Spirit).
• Draw a shamrock or a triangle.

Eat

Three-ingredient sandwiches, Neapolitan ice cream, a three-layer cake.

Read

Matthew 28:16-20

Pray

Use the Trinity prayer on the liturgy card.

Ask the boys

"Where in the Bible do we see the Father, Son and Spirit together?"

The story

John was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah when they were very old. Before he was born, he leaped inside his mother when pregnant Mary came to visit. He grew up in the wilderness, wore camel hair and ate locusts and wild honey, and his whole job was pointing to Jesus: "Behold the Lamb of God!" He said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." His birthday is six months before Christmas, right when the days start getting shorter. At Christmas, they start getting longer.

What we do

• Backyard cookout and firepit.
• Bless the fire before lighting it.
• Talk about John pointing to Jesus. Practice pointing to Jesus in a picture book.

Eat

Anything with honey: honey butter on cornbread, or sopapillas with honey.

Read

Luke 1:57-80

Pray

Lord, bless this fire, and make us shine like John, always pointing people to Jesus. Amen.

Ask the boys

"John's job was to point to Jesus. How can we point people to Jesus?"

The story

Peter was a fisherman who jumped out of a boat to walk on water and then sank, and later said three times he didn't know Jesus. Jesus forgave him and made him a leader of the church, and Peter is pictured with keys. Paul started out as Saul, who hunted Christians, until Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and blinded him with light. He became the greatest missionary and wrote much of the New Testament, and he's pictured with a sword. Both died for Jesus in Rome.

What we do

• Make cardboard keys and swords.
• Act out Peter walking on water, in the pool if it's open.
• Tell the story of Paul's blinding light.

Read

Matthew 16:13-19; Acts 9:1-19

Pray

Lord Jesus, you forgave Peter and changed Paul. Thank you that no one is too far gone for you. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Peter and Paul both did really wrong things, and Jesus still used them. What does that tell us?"

The story

The cross was once a terrible way to die, a sign of shame. Because Jesus died on it and rose again, it became a sign of victory and love, and Christians put it everywhere. Tradition says Helena, the emperor's mother, found the true cross in Jerusalem around the year 326.

What we do

• Practice the sign of the cross: forehead (Father), chest (Son), shoulder to shoulder (Holy Spirit).
• Make a cross from sticks or twigs for the table.
• Sing "Lift High the Cross."
• Ember Days follow (Sep 15, 17, 18): pray for church leaders.

Read

John 3:14-17; Philippians 2:5-11

Pray

Lord Jesus, you were lifted up on the cross to draw everyone to yourself. Help us take up our cross and follow you. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Why would Christians put the cross everywhere, if it was such a terrible thing?"

The story

In Revelation, the archangel Michael leads God's angels in a battle against the great dragon, Satan, and throws him down out of heaven. Michael's name is a question: "Who is like God?" Angels serve God and help God's people. An old legend says that when the devil fell, he landed in a blackberry bush and spoiled the berries, so people eat the last blackberries of the year today.

What we do

• Blackberry pie or cobbler (frozen berries are fine).
• Read the battle in Revelation and talk about angels.
• Ask Michael's question, "Who is like God?", and let the boys shout the answer: "No one!"

Eat

Blackberry pie or cobbler.

Read

Revelation 12:7-9; Psalm 91:11

Pray

Lord, thank you for your holy angels. Have them watch over our family and keep us safe. Amen.

Ask the boys

"Michael's name asks, 'Who is like God?' What's the answer?"