Ministry-To-Children.com » Easter Ideas

“Resurrection of Jesus” Coloring Pages

Mandy Groce — Sun, 22 May 2011 10:30:18 +0000

These free sequenced coloring pictures are perfect for teaching children about the Resurrection of Jesus.

Sunday School teachers could use them as a visual aid, or allow the children to color for their own storyboard.

Directions: To download these files, simply use the links below or click on the preview images. There are two versions available for each page. The PDF files make printing easy, but the JPEG will allow you to customize these pictures.

Main story coloring page: printable PDF or JPEG
First numbered sheet: printable PDF or JPEG
Second numbered sheet: printable PDF or JPEG

Many readers like to print the numbering pages on colored pages. This creates a nice framing effect on the finished story sequence. If you enjoy these resources, please leave a comment for Mandy to let her know how you’ll be using these coloring pages. You can also browse more Easter coloring pages in this series.

Church Easter Egg Hunt Idea & Printable Gospel Booklet

Guest Writer — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:16:02 +0000

This guest post was contributed by Jen Rhine who severs as children’s ministry director at Crossings Community Church in Columbia, PA.

I created this because we often use egg hunts to invite children to the church at Easter but we do not really use the opportunity to teach about Jesus. I decided to try to use the egg hunt as a family teaching time. I see parents drop off kids and never interact as a family at church. I am working to gently guide parents to interact with their kids and talk to them about Jesus.

I also had a big bin of eggs filled with prizes for DVDs, candy, stickers, and tatoos and used a spinner I found at Oriental Trading Company. The kids would get to pick out the amount of eggs based on the number from the spinner. So they went home with candy and prizes too!

You’ll need to download and print these two files to get started

Directions for Egg Hunt

Each child picks up 1 egg of each color and puts it inside his or her bag. I placed a strip of paper inside each child’s bag that showed each color as a guide for young children. (PDF included)

Children went to tables and opened the eggs as they worked on their coloring books with their parents.

Color Story Bible verses

Blue- Jesus is born in the manger

Luke 2:7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

*stickers- Jesus is born!

Purple- Jesus performed many miracles and taught people about God

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

*loaves and fish candy fun pack (fruit chews) 36/2375 6.99 for 46 at Oriental Trading Company

Red- Jesus died on the cross

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

*cross necklaces

Pink- the tomb is empty

Matthew 28:6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

*nothing!

Orange- Jesus ascended into heaven

Act 1:9 After he said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

*Bubbles PL-36/1091 5.99 for 48 at Oriental Trading Company

White – Jesus forgives us

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

*cross erasers

Green – Jesus helps us grow

I Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby;

*flower bulb

Yellow – Jesus invites us to live in heaven

Revelation 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

*gold coins (gold coin gum melts less than gold coin chocolates)

Consider These Picture Book for Easter Lessons

Kristin Charles — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:33:52 +0000

Still in need of an Easter message or Sunday School lesson? Consider using the following picture books for your preschool or lower elementary class. Included with each book are ideas of how you can develop it into a lesson, with a corresponding art project, activity, and/or take home reminder.

These books can also be used as a family devotional resource. They are phenomenal additions to any home, school, or church library. For each book we’ve included a link to Amazon online bookstore. You can also purchase them in most local bookstores too.

The Legend of the Easter Egg, written by Lori Walburg and illustrated by James Bernardin, is a picture book intended for children ages 4-8. It is the story of a little boy who has an ill sister. The boy is concerned about whether she will live or die. A discussion ensues about Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection. A parallel is made between a common symbol of Easter (the egg) and the life and death of Christ. The focal point of the story is the following phrase,”Just as a chick breaks out of an egg, so had Jesus broken free of the tomb of death. Easter eggs remind us that Jesus conquered death and gives us eternal life.”

While reading the book, take deliberate pauses to ask questions, make the story relevant, and elaborate about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Tell them that Jesus died to give them this new life. Ask the students if they have ever accepted the new life that Christ offers them. Challenge them to think about accepting God’s gift of love and life today.

This story would be perfect in conjunction with an egg hunt. If one is not scheduled, the simple distribution of chocolate eggs would be a hit. After the students all receive an egg, reinforce together the meaning of the egg with a simple phrase such as, “This egg reminds me to accept new life in Christ.”

The Legend of the Sand Dollar, written by Chris Auer and illustrated by Rick Johnson, is a picture book with a target audience of 4-8 year olds, though it could be easily utilized for older children. It is the story of two sisters who are sent away to live with an aunt on the coast, because of problems between their parents. While visiting the shore, the younger sister meets a boy named Jack. Jack helps Kerry realize that life changes, like the tide and the seasons. He uses a sand dollar to demonstrate the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. After their talks together, Kerry knows that she has hope because and through the power of God.

Being a coastal girl at heart, this story would be a perfect read on the beach, with everyone’s toes in the sand. However, not all of us can be that fortunate! If you do not have the luxury of a sand location, read it in a sandbox or if nothing else, provide small containers of sand. I would distribute sand dollars, found through Oriental Trading or local coastal stores. You can also print out coloring pages or small sand dollar graphics (can be laminated, attached to yarn, and made into a necklace) so that children go home with a visual.

If you need an art project, consider creating sand art. For preschoolers, you could provide a design template on construction paper (of a cross, a sand dollar, a heart), on which they would place their glue. Have small containers of sand available for each of them. I would also suggest that they work in a tray, to help with cleanup. For older students, templates can be provided, but also the flexibility to create their own design.

The Parable of the Lily, written by Liz Curtis Higgs, is a picture book for children ages 4-8. The Parable of the Lily is a story about Maggie, the farmer’s youngest daughter. Maggie receives a package in the mail that she is not entirely thrilled about. The package is from her father, though he does not tell her at the time. In the box is a bulb, buried in a crate of dirt. She carelessly throws the bulb away into the garden, not wanting to bother with it. Unexpectedly, it grows into a beautiful lily on Easter morning. The story parallels the death of Christ and His resurrection that we celebrate on Easter.

After reading the book, show the students a flower bulb. Ask questions such as, “Does this look like anything to you? Does it seem like it would ever give life? Do you think you would agree with Maggie, that it wasn’t anything special?” Discuss the death of Christ and his burial. Imagine how disappointed His disciples and friends must have been.

“But what happened to the bulb? It became a beautiful lily! What happened to Jesus? He rose from the dead! What was once dead became filled with life! Jesus is alive! Jesus is alive! That is the good news of Easter morning. Jesus is alive! And we can have new life in His name!”

For the lesson, bring in an Easter lily plant for the children to see and smell. As a take home from the lesson, distribute flower bulbs to each child. Consider attaching a verse to the bulb. If you need an art project, work on creating Easter lilies from hand prints cut out of construction paper, taped together, and curled. Attach a green stem with leaves.

Animated Video of Jesus Crucifixion

Tony Kummer — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 03:14:44 +0000

The Jesus Film Project has released a short animated film titled “My Last Day.” It’s the story of Christ’s crucifixion through the eyes of one of the criminals who died beside him on that day.

I wouldn’t show this to younger children. It reminds me of a miniature cartoon “Passion of the Christ.” You might use this to get the attention of mature preteens or older students. It’s definitely a powerful presentation. Click here to let me know what you think.

This video is clearly inspired by the passage in Luke 23:32-43 where one of the criminals believes in Jesus while they die together on their crosses.

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed….But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.

Easter Craft: The Empty Tomb

Mimi Bullock — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:34:13 +0000

The Empty Tomb Easter Craft

Jesus is alive! Show kids the wonder of the resurrection message by leading them with the empty tomb craft. There are lots of good ones out there but this one is my favorite. You’ll need some prep time for cutting out tombs so give yourself time before class.

Cut paper plates in half. Foam plates won’t work. Place a half paper plate in front of you with the flat side facing down. Use a saucer as a guide for the arc you’ll need at the base. This will be the opening of the tomb. With a pencil, outline half the saucer on to the paper plate. Cut the piece out with scissors. You’ll need one tomb for each child.

In the example picture below, you can cut slightly less than halfway so the plate will stand on its own. The brown area below would be discarded. Test a few different cut lines to see what works best with your paper plate shape.

When children arrive, give them brown or gray crayons. If small kids want another color, it is okay to let them be creative. Older children can use washable markers. Kids should color the entire tomb brown. Give each child a small picture of Jesus’ face to color. After it is colored, glue it to the back of the tomb. Jesus should be peeking out of the tomb entrance.

We’ve resized one of our Jesus coloring pages to make this cut out template. Click on the preview to the right to download as a printable PDF file. You can also download the jpeg for other editing.

Next, give each child a brown construction paper disk to represent the stone. Show kids how the stone rested on the tomb until the angel moved it. Your kids can take the craft home to demonstrate to their families how the stone was rolled away.

Free Empty Tomb Coloring Page

Carlos Bautista — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:36:47 +0000

Click above to print this coloring page

God had a big surprise for the disciples on Easter morning. They came to the tomb and discovered it was empty. Jesus was not there because he had risen! This free empty tomb coloring page shows Mary standing beside the cave. The stone is rolled away and she has a look of shocked joy on her face.

Directions: Select the image to the right for the printable version of this coloring page. You can also download this picture as a jpeg file for advanced editing.

You could use this free coloring sheet with your toddlers or preschool Sunday School on Easter morning. It’s free to copy for any ministry use in your church, home, or school. Here is the link to browse our other coloring pages for Easter.

Please leave a comment below to encourage Carlos and thank him for his work. He is from the Philippines and shares his talent with readers from around the world through our website. You can also share how you will be using this coloring picture.

Free Palm Sunday Coloring Pages

Carlos Bautista — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:21:24 +0000

Click above to download this coloring page

This free coloring sheet shows Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey for Palm Sunday. The crowd is shouting Hosanna! and waving Palm branches.

Directions: Simply click on the preview to the right for the printable PDF version of this Palm Sunday coloring page. You can also download this picture as a higher resolution jpeg image.

The simple style of this coloring page would make it useful as a preschool or toddler craft project. Any age of children’s Sunday School could make use of this on Palm Sunday. Here is the link for other Easter coloring pictures that are free on our website.

If you enjoy this artwork, you can leave a comment below for Carlos. He is one of our writers from the Philippines who created this clip-art style illustration.

Free “He Is Risen” Coloring Page

Mandy Groce — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:04:02 +0000

Directions: Click on the preview picture above for a printable PDF version of this coloring page. We’ve also made a higher resolution JPEG image available.

This Easter coloring sheet would be ideal for Resurrection Sunday. It has a picture of Jesus along with the words, “He is Risen.” Other phrases decorate the picture as well. As with all our coloring pages, you are free to use this in your church, home, or Christian school.

If you enjoy this resource, you can leave a comment below to thank Mandy for her efforts.

Folding a Palm Sunday Cross Craft

Tony Kummer — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:17:56 +0000

Have you ever seen those little crosses made using real palm fonds and wonder how they did it? This is a tradition in many churches to distribute these to the congregation on Palm Sunday. It’s also a memorable craft for children’s Sunday School.

This is a craft idea we tried once in our children’s church. It took some real patience and was difficult for younger children. An easy alternative for them would be using glue to make the cross shape. Otherwise, here are a few videos that describe this craft idea.

This Palm Frond Cross craft project would work best in older elementary or youth Sunday School. Even a moderate size class could fold enough crosses to hand out after Sunday School to the whole congregation.

Those videos should give you a rough idea of how to process. For printable directions I recommend this webpage. It has easy to follow instructions for folding this Palm frond cross.

Palm Sunday Paper Leaf Craft

Mimi Bullock — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:54:23 +0000

Palm Date cultivation on the banks of the "Dead Sea" in Israel.

Easter is more than a holiday—it is the reason for the hope of Christians. Jesus’ death and resurrection is terrible and glorious to those that love him. For kids, Easter is full of conflicting images. Chocolate bunnies, Easter eggs and the cross get jumbled up in the Christian child’s spirit. Teach your holiday lesson with clarity by providing crafts to reinforce this important lesson.

Palm Sunday Leaf Craft

The Easter story is panoramic and includes many people and special places. Sometimes we forget to include Jesus’ entrance into the city on a donkey. The children sang, “Hosanna!” and greeted him with palm leaves. This palm leaf craft is an excellent way to reintroduce children to the kingship of Jesus.

Supplies: Large sheets of green construction paper. Child-safe scissors.

Directions: Before class cut out as many large leaf shapes as you need. Buy the large size construction paper if needed. Make the leaves long and oval shaped. Fold the leaves in half to make the leaf look like a tropical palm. When children arrive, give them safety scissors. Kids use the scissors to cut the edges making the paper look like fronds. Give kids crayons to write “Hosanna” on the leaves.

Smaller children might find it fun to wave the palms at a volunteer pretending to be Jesus. Play the song, “Hosanna” and allow kids to worship by waving their crafts in the area.