Today is Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is observed during Holy Week on the Thursday before Easter. Sometimes it is called "Holy Thursday". Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. Maundy Thursday services are usually solemn occasions, with remembrances of the betrayal of Jesus.

Different denominations observe Maundy Thursday in different ways but it is usually done with one of two main themes:
Some churches will hold a "foot washing service" the Bible says in John 13:1 that Jesus "showed them the full extent of his love." Jesus demonstrated to us by this humble service that we are to love others with humility and sacrifice. This is why many churches choose to commemorate this event with a special service.

During the Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine and asked his Father to bless it. He broke the bread into pieces, giving it to his disciples and said, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Then he took the cup of wine, shared it with his disciples and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you." These events recorded in Luke 22:19-20 describe the Last Supper and give the biblical reason for the practice of communion. Many churches hold special Communion services as a part of their Maundy Thursday celebrations. Many churches, like my church, Forest Christian Church, observe a traditional Passover Seder meal. This is the very meal Jesus himself was observing when he was betrayed. To learn how to celebrate your own seder meal check out this link:

http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19990301/FRIDGE/seder.htm

May God Bless you and your family

Supplies:
	Marshmallows
	Scissors
	Toothpick
	Food coloring
A little powdered sugar for dusting

1. Using scissors, make a diagonal cut in the upper left corner of the marshmallow. 
2. Gently lift the corner and make a snip down the middle. 
3. Use your fingers to separate the ears and angle them outward. 
4. From the point where the first cut was made, snip to the middle of the marshmallow. 
5. Pinch the cut end slightly to form a rounded tail. 
6. For the bunny's face, make an 1/4-inch horizontal cut midway between the base of the ears and the bottom of the marshmallow. 
7. Create the feet by making a diagonal cut in the lower left corner of the marshmallow. Divide the feet in the middle
8. Using a toothpick dipped in food coloring, draw on the eyes, nose, and whiskers.

* tip:  as you make each cut, dust with a little powdered sugar to keep it from sticking to you, and to itself =)

Resurrection Cookies

This is a fabulous way to teach your children the true meaning of Easter. It's fun and creative and a sure way to see that the "Easter Bunny" doesn't overshadow the glory of Resurrection Day! Unfortunately I don't know who to credit for this recipe and lesson, but whoever you are--- We all thank you!

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible
Instructions:These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe). Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His lifeto give us life. Read: John 10:10&11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read: Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66
GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22
On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9