Palm Sunday, the day that Christ entered Jerusalem. In the icon, you can see the children greeting Him; they even put their clothes on the ground so Jesus could ride on them. They waved palm branches to cheer Him on. They were on His team! But this coming Holy Week, we will also remember the people who were NOT on Christ’s side—the people who made fun of Him, the people who crucified Him, the people who killed Him. Ever since Christ was born, He had people who loved Him, and He had people who hated Him.
DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK’S PRINTABLE VERSION HERE.
BLESSED JOSEPH: WHO FORGAVE HIS BROTHERS
Have you ever forgiven somebody for something? Even for something big? Tomorrow we begin Holy Week, and on each day of Holy Week we remember something or somebody different. Tomorrow, on Holy Monday, we remember Blessed Joseph. Have you heard the story of St. Joseph—not the one who took care of Mary, the Theotokos? This is the Joseph from the Old Testament, the one who lived more than a thousand years before Christ was born.
We remember Blessed Joseph, Holy Monday.
Welcome to “The Children’s Word,” a weekly ministry of the Orthodox Christian Network. Each week, Presvytera Alexandra Houck writes this little newsletter for young parishioners! You will find age-appropriate articles, stories, and activities in every edition. The newsletter is provided in PDF format so that you can easily download and print it, and share it with your parish, church school, home school, family, and friends.
Each issue includes a message on the Sunday Gospel lesson and on one of the saints for the week. You’ll also find a coloring page and other activities. It is designed for a 8.5 x 14 page, so it can be printed and folded.
During this Time of Uncertainty for Kids
- Create a safe place for conversation. Create a spot for your kids to talk about what makes them scared. Many times just speaking it out dispels the fear.
- Be honest. You yourself experience fear. Sometimes kids are reluctant to admit what makes them feel scared. There’s nothing that breaks down walls better than humility. There’s comfort in knowing other people, especially their mom or dad, also experience fear.
- Teach Them. Prayer is the go-to when they are feeling fearful. Nothing brings a sense of peace and calm like talking to Jesus. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. — Philippians 4:6
- Printable Materials. Supplemental Children’s activity books and drawings. OCN also brings you a weekly Children’s Word. It is a weekly ministry of the Orthodox Christian Network. Each week, Presvytera Alexandra Houck writes this newsletter for young parishioners! You will find age-appropriate articles, stories, and activities in every edition. The newsletter is provided in PDF format so that you can easily download and print, and share it with your parish, church school, homeschool, family, and friends. Each issue includes a message on the Sunday Gospel lesson and one of the saints for the week. You will also find a coloring page and other activities. It is designed for an 8.5 x 14 page, so that it can be printed and folded.
- Read Scriptures Together. One of the most significant ways to have peace of mind in today’s rapidly changing situation is to read Holy Scriptures. The Scriptures have remained the same for 2000 years. Share that fact with your children. There is not much else that has not changed that has done more good for people on earth than His Word! So read on with confidence and conviction that God is with you and your family. God’s word is truth, and the truth is that God does not want us to carry fear in our hearts. He is longing for us to bring those fears to Him. Jesus Walks on the Water (Mt 14:22-34)/27. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Do not carry fear in your heart Romans 8:15. Psalms. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. — Psalm 56:3. I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. — Psalm 34:4. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
If you know of more Children’s Resources please be sure to email: info@myocn.net
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