Nebraska Synod ELCA
This year’s Lenten resource is designed to be used as a cross+generational resource. We hope that together as a congregation, you will engage all ages in faith formation through conversation, activities, prayer and song. Take time for generations to hear each other’s stories and to learn from one another as you grow in faith together and prepare for the good news of the resurrection at Easter!
Although this resource will most likely be used for mid-week offerings on Lenten Wednesdays, each week is centered around the preceding Sunday’s appointed Revised Common Lectionary Gospel text (RCL- Year A). For each week we have provided:
We have also provided a short order of service from Evangelical Lutheran Worship if you choose to incorporate these resources as part of a worship service (found on pages 10-12). In that case, you might choose to use the creative reading of the gospel, discussion questions and an activity during worship and the table tents for fellowship or meal-time conversation. Since the table tents relate to Sunday’s gospel, you could also provide the table tents for fellowship and conversation time on
Sunday mornings.
Use these resources as you see fit, and as they make sense in your context. They are meant to be adapted and utilized in whatever ways might be most helpful. For example, you may choose to use these resources for Wednesday night gatherings in the fellowship hall. You may choose to use them during worship. You can use all of them or select the pieces that work for you. There is room for creativity and flexibility. Whatever you use, we encourage you to cultivate cross generational conversations. If you are meeting in the fellowship hall, encourage more than one generation to sit
around the table together. If you are using resources during worship, encourage people to invite someone new, from a different generation, to sit next to them. Make the move from simply being in the same space together to intentional cross generational engagement. As you bake rolls together, put together a skit or listen to each other share answers to table tent questions, we pray that you will build rich relationships with each other rooted in God’s love for all generations!
Created, curated, presented and shared in hope for the congregations and disciples in our synods by the Cross+Generational Ministry Team of the Nebraska and Western Iowa Synods.
Gretchen Ahrens
Pastor Emily O’Brion Dalen
Deacon Eric Haitz
Deacon Kristin Mooneyham-Johnson
Pastor Allison Siburg
Deacon Timothy Siburg
When Jesus was in the desert, the devil tempted him with things that seem important in our world. Did Jesus give into these temptations? Why or why not? What did Jesus say was more important than what the devil offered? What things tempt us? How can we stay connected to God when we are tempted to put other things before God?
What would it be like to ask Jesus all your questions? Would you be scared to ask? Excited? Shy? Why? What other questions do you think Nicodemus had? What does it mean to be born of the Spirit?
How is Jesus’ love lifegiving for you? When water drips, it spreads. How can you spread God’s lifegiving love? How has someone else spread God’s love to you?
How did it feel to depend on someone else to guide you? How does this remind us of trusting Jesus to guide us spiritually, even when we don’t see everything clearly?
In John 11:1-45, Jesus resurrects Lazarus. At first, Mary and Martha approach Jesus, distraught that their brother Lazarus has died. What unfolds is a miraculous story, showing the reign of Christ where even death has no power over Jesus’ name.