Jelly Bean Carrots and Jesus
April 8, 2009
Last Saturday I threw an Easter Cookie Decorating Play Party for the young families at my church and I did the best I could to pack as much fun as I could in the two hours we spent together. There was the jelly bean favor tasting contest and a hunt in the church yard for a hundred baby chicks (no real chicks were harmed in the process). Every game had prizes and everyone was a winner. After the games the children went to three treat stations to make jelly bean carrots, chocolate bird’s nests and marshmallow lollipops and then I turned them loose with platters of sugar cream cookies with cups of sprinkles, colored sugar, and icing.
.After an hour of candy sprinkles flying and when all or at least most of the icing had been wiped up from the floor, I had the children gather with me for a few minutes in a small circle on the floor where we talked about the mystery of Easter, of how Jesus died but God made him alive again. And then we closed with a little activity I’d put together at the last minute. The children used glue sticks to attach construction paper palm branches and coats down a runner of brown packing paper that ran down the center aisle of the sanctuary. It took just a few minutes for the children to make the road to Jerusalem but was a nice addition to our worship space the next day on Palm Sunday.
Much to my delight the children headed home that morning having had a great time but then again with that much frosting was there any doubt? That evening before I went to bed, I received the following note from one of the moms:
“Thanks again for all you did to make today so special for the kids (and parents, too). Believe it or not, with all the sugar treats mesmerizing my kids, Lia said she thought the Road to Jerusalem was the neatest thing!”
Jelly Bean Tasting
Leaping Rabbits
Baby Chick Hunt
Jelly Bean Carrots
Chocolate Bird Nests
Marshmallow Lollipops
Duck Waddle Relay
Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
All of that and yet one little girl’s favorite thing was the Road to Jerusalem.
Me too Lia. Me too.
.
Posted in SnapShot Reflections
Sweet Hope Cookies
April 8th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
That’s awesome. Love it.
April 8th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
This made me happy! I needed that today! Love the pictures!!!
April 9th, 2009 at 7:51 am
my inner child is so jealous of the kids. is that you at the alter?
April 9th, 2009 at 10:35 am
What kind of icing did you use to roll the marshmallow lollipops in? Buttercream? Is it indeed icing? So cute!
April 9th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Laura –> We used Wilton’s candy melts. They’re like super big chocolate chips that come in a variety of colors and are available at any craft store like Michael’s that sells baking supplies. The great thing about using them with children is they’re no fail. They melt but don’t get hot enough to burn fingers and then you just put the coated object in the fridge or freezer for a couple minutes to allow it to completely harden. For this Sunday I’m making egg-shaped rice krispy treats cut into egg shapes and partially dipped in pink, purple, and white candy melts. An easy activity is put a lollipop stick into the bottom end of a rabbit-shaped marshmallow peep and then dip and cover with sprinkles. Fun stuff :0
April 9th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Amy–> Yep, that’s me assisting at the table with Pastor Steve. I “robe up” every few weeks and am so grateful that though I’m not ordained in the Lutheran church, the pastor (and congregation) recognize me as clergy and allow me to serve them in this way.
April 9th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Cindy–> I’m so glad!
April 10th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Anita -> Thanks for the info! I’ve actually used the Candy Melts with candy molds before, and you’re right – it’s pretty easy and safe! What great ideas you gave. Thanks again,
Laura