It was amazing to be in CrossFire on Easter Sunday. I decided to do something a little different. Instead of doing some worship, then a story followed by a craft, we began in a circle and watched the crucifixion and resurrection scenes from What's In the Bible With Buck Denver (Volume 10). This is the most accurate and compelling retelling of the Easter story for kids that I have ever come across, and it well worth watching. After the video, I gave the children a few options - they were able to visit any of the following stations to make a response to the story:
Art - draw a picture of the part of the story which stood out to you
Write - write a poem, song or other creative writing piece about the story
Prayer - I set up a corner with a cross, some candles, quiet music and put some curtains up to make it more private
Story - the kids had the option of reading the story again in the Bible or a Bible storybook, or to watch a different video of the story.
I have never seen CrossFire so quiet and focused. The children went their various ways. They spoke to each other, but only calmly and about their work. It was touching to see them slip into the prayer corner to be quiet with God for a little while; or to write about how they love God; and to see their drawings of the first Easter. It was one of those sessions when it suddenly seemed like they really get it.