The final piece is a brief reminder of the three elements of learning and a closing blessing. The service continues with the traditional imposition of ashes and singing of familiar songs. When we have not included children who have no friends in our games and activities,Īs we better listen, share, and include others, may we better reflect your love with all those around us. When we have not shared with friends and strangers in need, When we have not listened to our parents as we know we should, This teaching moment leads into a modified, all-ages confession of sin: They can use real-life examples of when an apology is appropriate, so that all ages can understand. Sin, Confession, Forgiveness – The last piece of learning comes when the leader talks about the importance of saying we are sorry as part of Ash Wednesday. At our baptism, the priest marks a cross on the person’s forehead to seal them as “Christ’s own forever.” The ashes imposed on Ash Wednesday are in the shape of a cross to remind us that we belong to Jesus and he loved us, and lived, died, and rose again for us. Baptism is also a good way for the leader to talk about the shape of the ashes imposed on Ash Wednesday. At Jesus’s baptism, God made clear his love for Jesus. Alternatively, the leader can put a bowl on the altar or a table and pour water into the bowl to mimic the baptismal font. Water, Baptism, Marked As Christ’s Own – The leader then moves to the baptismal font if it’s close by (pro tip: have a wet cloth nearby to wipe your hands!). It’s important to make the connection for everyone – “from ashes to ashes” is a poetic way of saying from “earth to earth” (or as kids might think of it: “from dirt to dirt”).
This dirt is like the ashes that are used to mark our foreheads on Ash Wednesday. This imagery is a good way to recall the creation story and how God made the first human being from the earth and God’s Spirit.
They make a paste in their hands and then blow on it. While recounting the story, they mix dirt and water in a bowl. Three Teaching Pointsĭirt, Earth, Ashes – For the creation story, the leader uses the imagery and language from Genesis 2. The leader tells the children they will receive ashes and then breaks down why this is and what it symbolizes, using imagery from the creation story and baptism. We then move into learning time, which mixes visual and verbal teachings.
Worship begins with a kid-friendly song and welcome from the clergy leader, followed by the collect for Ash Wednesday, and the Lord’s Prayer. About 1/3rd of the supper attendees attend the service. On the evening of Shrove Tuesday, after the pancake supper at 6:30pm, all are invited into the sanctuary at 6:55 for a 30 minute worship service. But couldn’t it be more? Simple, Intergenerational, and Meaningful
If you are like many churches, you may offer a parish gathering on Shrove Tuesday.
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