From 13th – 15th March, around 270 children from five different schools attended ‘Easter Cracked’ here at St Mary’s Maidenhead. This is a two hour presentation where we present the good news of Easter to the children and staff members in a fun and engaging way. During the presentation, the children have the opportunity to look at the Easter story in the gospels for themselves, and they also get the chance to ask questions.
With the help of Ian Miller, Dave Atallah, and the Nutty Professor, we all took part in explaining the different symbols that remind us of Christ’s death and resurrection.
“He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”” (Luke 22:19)
A particular highlight for me was in explaining communion. This is a great opportunity to think about why we remember Christ’s death. In eating the bread and in drinking the wine together we remember Jesus’ body and blood that was broken and poured out for us. We then do a ‘Two Ways to Live’ summary of the gospel, explaining what sin is, and why Jesus’ death means that we can be forgiven.
I also really enjoyed the chance to answer the children’s questions. They always like to keep me on my toes, however this was such an exciting opportunity to share the hope that we have in Christ.
Questions included:
- Couldn’t God forgive us without Jesus having to die? Why did Jesus have to die as a sacrifice?
- Why would Jesus die for those who betrayed him?
- How do we know that Jesus really died?
- What difference does Easter make to your life?
In answering these questions and in delivering this presentation, I was really struck again by:
- the historical evidence for the death and resurrection
- the incredible grace that God has in sending Jesus to die for us
- the incredible power that God has in defeating death and granting us eternal life
We were so encouraged after last week, and we now pray that God will be at work in the children and staff members who heard the presentation and who read the gospels for themselves. Please do pray for them, that seeds planted would find good soil and that families across Maidenhead would be brought to Christ.