What can I do this Sunday, March 22, 2020, without Church or Sunday School?
In this unprecedented time of self-quarantine, you may find that you and your children have been forced to slow down your everyday life. One opportunity this uncertain environment can provide is more time and an increased desire for prayer and meditation. As we reach the halfway point of Great Lent, The Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, we would normally be in full swing of our Lenten lessons in Sunday School. We would also be participating in procession of the Holy Cross in church following the Divine Liturgy. While you are at home with your children this Sunday here are a few things you can do with them to bring them closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
All families should begin by reading the Gospel reading for today:
The Gospel According to Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
To find the Bible readings for every day you can visit:https://www.goarch.org/chapel/calendar
Pre-School – 2nd Grade:
Download the document Elevation of the Holy Cross. These are the pages from one of our Sunday School books that cover what the cross means to us as Christians as well as the story of Saint Helen finding the cross. There is also a coloring sheet that you can print for your child(ren) to complete.
3rd & 4th class:
Parents can visit Sermons4Kids which has an excellent discussion on today’s Gospel lesson and puts it in language that is relatable for children. In addition, there are links for a number of activity worksheets pertaining to today’s Gospel lesson.
5th & 6th class:
Parents and children can download the document The Chidrens's Word to find a brief discussion of today’s gospel lesson and the upcoming Feast of the Annunciation (celebrated on Wednesday) as well as a crossword to complete.
Advanced Class and Parents:
Parents and children can visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America site and read and discuss the content on the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross.
May God Bless you and your families in this difficult time,
Sophia Trotter-Goetze