FORGIVING CHALLENGE KIDS

“Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side.
Do not disbelieve, but believe.”
John 20:27

Do you remember the RED LETTER CHALLENGE and then the BEING CHALLENGE? We now have the great opportunity to enter into a similar experience with the FORGIVING CHALLENGE this lent season, beginning March 6th. Our desire is to set this up for families from the beginning to have an INTENTIONAL PLAN to participate TOGETHER!!!

In reflecting on our experiences from the Red Letter Challenge and the Being Challenge it would seem the farthest reaching impact spiritually for a child (and likely for the parent too) is to engage in the daily readings with each other. This approach lends to faith discussions, built-in accountability, and hopefully some life-long habits being modeled and shaped. Powerful memories can be instilled in our children as they recall the time together and the challenges conquered in their own unique ways. As a bonus, there will be opportunity for powerful reinforcements of these lessons for both parent and child through worship, the Discipleship Hour, Trinity Kids, Trinity Youth and Trinity Lutheran School chapels, but our desire is to intentionally help it all start at home.

So, what is the plan?

1. FORGIVING workbooks will be distributed to homes in February.

2. A “KID” version of the workbook will be available for pick up at the church to the first 90 homes that request one.

3. The actual challenge kicks off on Sunday, March 6. You and your family start day 1 reading on March 8!

Other things to consider as you plan ahead:

• We would encourage you to participate all together as a family, no matter the age of your child(ren) or make up of your family.

• If you have teenagers you can use the FORGIVING workbook that each household will receive to share in the daily readings together.

• If you have both teenagers and younger kids it may be helpful to use the kid version together, but you know your family best so choose what will fit for you.

• Are you a grandparent that could invite grandchildren to participate with you (over facetime or zoom if needed) or vice versa?

• If you are married with no children, we would encourage you to take part in this together as much as possible. You could do the readings/challenges as a couple and/or participate in a Discipleship Hour Group.

• If you don’t have a spouse or children in your home, who are the people in your life that may serve as family to you? How can you make this happen together either on-line or in person?

• How could this take place most consistently with your family? When is going to be the best time and where will be the best place?

• How can you make this an exciting and joyful experience? Is this when we have a snack together? Is this in the favorite room of the house or in bean bag chairs?

No matter how, where, or who with, the power of the Holy Spirit will be at work as we read His Word, reflect on His Word and do His Word! This is going to be an amazing journey we are venturing on together, not just in our homes, but also as an entire body of Christ!!!

FORGIVING CHALLENGE KIDS RESOURCES

Zach Zehnder, the author of Red Letter Challenge and most recently co-author of The Kids FORGIVING Challenge, earned his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in May 2010.

Allison Zehnder, graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a degree in Theology and minor in Missions and Youth Ministry. Along with Zach, she moved to Mount Dora, Florida, and put her skills to use serving as the Children’s Director for the Cross Family.

Read more about Zach & Allison >