Theme: Pause to Rejoice

Sunday 17th August 2025

It might seem strange to cover the Easter story in the middle of August, but sometimes it’s good to explore this narrative ‘out of context’. Without the trappings of the Easter festival, we can look more closely about what Jesus does, how this is part of God’s plan for salvation and what this means for the children in our group, and for us.

This week, we’re thinking about pausing to rejoice. So we remember this ultimate sacrifice, one that was made so that we can have eternal life with God, and rejoice! We’ll be focusing heavily today on reasons to rejoice from this story!

We can also think about the things that God has done for us in our lives, continuing on from last week, and rejoice in God’s continuing faithfulness too.

As you prepare to help each other engage in this story, what is it about the death and resurrection of Jesus that causes you to be full of joy?

Bible passage: Luke 22–24

Sunday Kids Work Video

Storytelling Video

Things You May Need

  • Paper

  • Pens, Pencils, Crayons - Art Materials (Paints etc)

  • Music

Questions & Thoughts

Share out some refreshments and enjoy eating and drinking together. Start to talk about the Bible story using these questions:

• Which is your favourite part of the story? Why?

• What is important about this story? Why?

• Why do you think that Jesus died?

• Why do you think Jesus came alive again?

• What do you think the Easter story means?

• Is there any of this story that makes you happy or feel joy?

Chat & create

This week, the ’Create’ aims to give our children the space to respond to this central story of our faith in any way they want to. It’s important to give them and God the space to meet together without us getting in the way, so that our children can listen to him and discover more about him. When children’s hands are busy, their minds and souls can be processing this important story and be responding to what God is saying to them.

Give out the paper and art materials and encourage each other to draw a picture as a response to the story. Alternatively, you could write something instead – a story, a list, a poem, a prayer. If you need a bit of guidance, you could ask these questions:

• What’s your favourite scene in this story?

• Where do you think God is working in this story?

• What does this story mean to you?

• What might happen next?

As you work, keep chatting about the story and be ready for any questions that might be asked as you think through what the story means. It’s OK to say that you don’t know the answer to any question!

Worship

These are the worship songs being played in our kids groups this morning, if you wish to listen to the same

Under 5s

  • This little light of mine

  • This is amazing grace

  • When I look

Over 5s

  • Through you I can do anything

  • This is amazing Grace

Encounter

Think through what brings you joy about the Easter story, talk this through together.

Sing one of the praise songs (you can use our Families Playlist on Youtube - click on the picture of the children dancing above). Halfway through the song, turn the music down and share with each other why the Easter story brings you joy.

Turn the music back up and finish the song.

Explain that: “It’s important that we stop sometimes and think about what God has done for us and celebrate that! That’s why we have thought about the Easter story today, even though it’s not Easter. We can think about what Jesus did for us and we can be full of joy!”

If you have time, sing the song again.

Growing faith at home

Last week, we paused to remember what God had done for us individually. This week, we paused to remember the events of the Easter story and to think about what made us joyful!

For All Children

  • Watch or read the Easter story. You can use the video retelling your child(ren) watched in their groups: Celebrate Christmas or Easter together! It doesn’t matter that it’s not the right time. Share the Bible stories behind the festivals and do some of your traditions. As you celebrate, remember what God is doing and think about what that means for you. . You could also read the Easter story from a Bible storybook or from the Bible (the version from Mark is the most succinct).

  • When you’re out and about this week, try to spot a cross. You might see one on a church, a war memorial or even on a chain around someone’s neck! When you see one, chat with your child(ren) about what it means and what story it reminds them of. Ask why a cross might make you joyful.

  • Build a ‘tomb’ out of cushions, blankets and whatever else you have around! Sit outside it and read Luke 24:1–12 and act out the story. You can all be the women, then the angels and then the disciples! Talk about what people might be feeling before they discover the open tomb and after they find out that Jesus is alive.

  • Celebrate Easter together! It doesn’t matter that it’s not the right time. Share the Bible stories behind the festivals and do some of your traditions. As you celebrate, remember what God is doing and think about what that means for you.

Other resources