How to Prepare Your Kids for Ash Wednesday & Good Friday Services

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday services are very different from the typical Sunday worship service your children may be used to. They are quieter, reflective and may feel more serious. Share with your child, in advance, the service descriptions above and remind them that these services help us to remember Jesus’ love and sacrifice. 

What to share with your children to shepherd their expectations:   

• Ash Wednesday Service: Prepare them in advance by describing that participants will walk to the front where a Pastor will draw a cross, with ashes, on their forehead. This is a symbol from the Bible reminding us that we belong to God.   

• Good Friday, you can prepare your child by letting them know this service will feel more serious and there will be moments of silence for reflection. They may see artwork of the crucifixion. The service will end in darkness and will be dismissed in silence. Remind them that the sadness they may feel prepares our hearts for the joy of Easter. 

Encourage Questions: Kids may have feelings or things that they are thinking about during these services. After the service, encourage questions and talk about it.