Ash Wednesday Worship and Information Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Worship 7:00 p.m.   Can kids come to Ash Wednesday Services? Yes! Children and youth are welcome to attend the service on Wednesday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m.  Each year families with children attend the Ash Wednesday service for the first time.  Some had never gone because it seemed serious and dark. We hope you will attend to mark the beginning of Lent and remember that even though we all make mistakes, we are beloved children of God. Below is some information on Ash Wednesday from Christine V. Hides that may be helpful to discuss with your children before or after the service. https://christinevhides.com/2014/03/04/ash-wednesday-and-children/ Why is it called Ash Wednesday?  Early Christians burnt sacrificial offerings and placed the ashes on their bodies to show sorrow. On Ash Wednesday we make the sign of the cross with ashes on people’s foreheads or hands to remind them that we are beginning the Lenten season. In many churches the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned and used during this worship. Why bring children to such a serious service? ( from Worshiping with Children ) When children see all the adults they love and respect wearing ashes and they themselves are marked with ashes, they know they belong.  They are one of God’s people. Other days they may know that with their minds, but on Ash Wednesday they know it in a powerful way with their eyes. Because we are all marked not with golden markers but with messy black ashes, children learn that all of us mess up and are forgiven.  The most loved and respected adult they know does and they do.  In a world where they are constantly told they can do better and can make good choices and should be special, this is important life-shaping information. Can kids really understand what the ashes mean? Are they scary? (from Bread Not Stones) When I talk with my son about the ashes and what they mean (which is actually a pretty easy conversation since children are pretty open/receptive to the cycles of life and the reality that everything that lives dies) I remind him of his baptism as well – that the ashes on his forehead are supposed to remind him that he is human, that he will make mistakes, and that he will need to apologize for those mistakes to other people and to God. But then I remind him of the water that was placed on his forehead as a baby, which should remind him that God’s love is stronger than any mistakes he might make. It is a love that won’t stop even when his own life on earth does. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the church office, one of our pastors or deacons.  We hope you will be able to join us as we enter into the season of Lent, the time of getting ready for Easter.   God’s peace, Deacon Beth Tobin Education and Children’s Ministry click for more... Jacob and Esau: Wrestling with God Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Olympia, WA February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 1  Memory Verse: Genesis 28:15a  “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” Other Key Verses: Genesis 28:16 When Jacob woke up from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless and take care of you; May the Lord be kind and gracious to you; May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.” Jacob's story resonates on a personal level  because we've all been there (or know someone who has). The story of Jacob and Esau  reminds us that it is within our very real troubles and real families, that God descends to give us a glimpse of something more, a stairway from heaven, and a blessing that God would always be with us — no matter what.  All Children are invited.   Bible Study Video Schedule Background1 Background2 Objectives Lesson Plans Cooking   Faith Journals Cooking   Lentil Step Recipe Card Choirs for Children & Youth at Gloria Dei All children and youth are welcome to sing in Gloria Dei choirs! New singers are welcome throughout the year and do not need to be members to sing. There is no registration fee and no required audition. Research is showing the positive affects singing has on education and learning and on social and emotional development. Choirs are free to all and all are welcome. We hope you will join us! Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays throughout the school year at Gloria Dei. Rehearsal times for Advent, December 4, 11, 18, are: • Two Year-olds - Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten: 5:30 - 5:50 p.m. - Choir Room • Grades Kindergarten/First - Second/Third Graders: 5:10 - 5:40 p.m. - Choir Room • Grades Third/Fourth - Ninth Graders: 5:50 - 6:30 p.m. - Choir Room • Advent Vespers: 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. - Sanctuary New singers are always welcome! More information about children and youth choirs at Gloria Dei may be found HERE.  We're excited to sing with you all this fall!! Kate Fynn & Beth Tobin Children & Youth Choir Directors   The J.A.M. (Jesus And Me) Youth Group is open to all youth in grades 4-6. We're excited for a year of fun, service, and fellowship! Parent volunteers are always needed and appreciated! Link: For more information or to chaperone, please contact Beth Tobin. And please RSVP to Beth so we are sure to have enough rides. Covenant Form pdf Medical Release Form pdf A Monthly Bible Study Reading Plan Happy New Year! Consider this monthly Bible study as a great New Year’s Resolution to help you dig into the Bible and grow in faith throughout the year. You can study each month on your own, with a friend, group, or with your family. It’s intentionally designed to be intergenerational — accessible to all ages, and fit into a busy schedule. Read one story each week or however you like, reflect, and pray. May you and your family be blessed as you study God’s Word. Adapted from our friends at Spark House Family 2017: www.wearesparkhouse.org Entire Plan January February March April May  June July August September October November December

Sunday School Classes for Sun, February 23, 2020 Little Lambs: God Made Everything Rainbows: Jesus is With Me Sunbeams: Jesus Cares for Others Godly Play: The Faces of Easter 1-6 Grades 1-5: Jacob and Esau Sixth Grade: 2nd presents the Communion Elements this Sunday! (9:00 and 11:00 service)