Good Friday

Good Friday - one of the hardest and saddest days to experience and unpack for kids. We need to think intentionally how we can accomodate all ages in our Good Friday services.

Intergenerational litany

Here’s an intergenerational candle litany for Good Friday. It was written by Elsie Rempel for use in a family context.

Intergenerational Litany for Good Friday

When we hate or are unkind to each other,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us to love each other.

When we want everything for ourselves,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us to share with others.

When we scare or bully others,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us that love is better than fear.

When we are jealous of others,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us contentment.

When we lie,
the world becomes a darker place.
(extinguish one candle)
Jesus taught us honesty.

People’s hatred, greed, selfishness, jealousy,
and dishonesty placed Jesus on the cross.
(extinguish one candle)

For Jesus’ friends
the world seemed like a very dark place.

In the darkness, Jesus said,
“O God, forgive them, for they
don’t know what they are doing.”
(extinguish one candle)

— from Called and Shaped by Jesus: Lent-at-Home 2011 written by Elsie Rempel, and published by Mennonite Church Canada. Posted on the Leader Online website.

Printable resources

The Diocese of Dunedin have some printable Good Friday resources on their website for 0-5yr olds and 5-13yrs

Things to consider

What songs are you singing? Will the words make sense for kids?
Is your service accessible for non-readers?
If this was the only service a child experienced at your church, what would it tell them about God?
Are there any creative prompts or images you could use to help convey the story to young people?
Is your service interactive?

Wrapping the cross

A powerful activity that all ages can be involved with - it could be used either as a standalone service, or as a reflective moment within a larger service. Find out more about it here