Lent day 33: Holy week with little people

 I've had a hard time getting the little ones to church during holy week.  Not only because it is hard to get them dressed and ready for church after a day of school and homework (which is true) but also holy week services are a special type of reverent.  There is a quiet people need when absorbing this week and I've struggled with the balance of exposing my crew to these special services while honoring the quiet and stillness needed for worship (which is usually not present when we are there).

Last year, there was a magical thing of zoom being new and doing church in our living room felt like a treat that the boys settled down and participated in all the services remotely. 

But this year... they have zoom fatigue.  They haven't done nearly as much as other kids but I can feel it Sunday mornings.  They are much more wiggly. They are trying... but they,  like the rest of us, are tired.  

But they gave up electronics for Lent and I wanted them to experience the fullness of holy week. We talked all together and the kids decided to hold a single service in the backyard.  Everyone had jobs. 

Miles,  the youngest,  did physical things.  Lighting candles. Pouring water.  Passing out stones. 

Philip read the bare minimum passion story from our children's Bible starting with the last supper and reading in sections through the crucifixion. 

Andrew gave the "Maundy Thursday" sermon. He talked about how giving things up for so long helps you to pay attention to God and other people.  

Eddie gave the "Good Friday" sermon.  He talked about how Jesus died so we should express our gratitude by caring for each other. 

We washed each other's feet and set rocks next to the cross.  

Like the baptism and most things involving children,  it was tough around the edges. Starts and stops.  Lighting and blowing out candles. Spilling water.  Messages that were brief and filled with stutters and non-sequidors. But those boys were learning the symbols of faith.... water, fire, bread, wine, the cross,  stones. They were learning the elements of liturgy. I was helping them connect the dots from the story to the practices of the church. 

It's not entirely easy,  I found,  to explain the cross in simple words. They, like me,  have begun a struggle with the cross. Why the cross? We talked about baptism at Easter and how joining God's family means being part of the sad and hard parts of Good Friday but also being part of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

The service was messy, simple and ordinary,  but profound.  And, as we were gathered, so God was there among us.  (I'm so glad God is used to messes.)

 My little guys, like me,  have a long road of faith ahead of them.  I know that however their lives unfold God will be walking in front of, behind, beside and within them.