CHILDREN

Our children's program includes Sunday School Classes, Children's Worship, Choir Activities, and Mission Education on a weekly basis. Vacation Bible School combined with recreation and crafts are an integral part of Alameda's ministry to children and families.

All preschool children have a Sunday School department where they are introduced to God's love through Bible story lessons, music, mission, and discipleship activities. Extended Session (nursery) is available during all worship services. We believe that a nursery should be more than just babysitting. By extending the Bible story lessons from Sunday School, we are able to reach more pre-school children with the good news of Christ's love!

EASTER COOKIES

To be made the evening before Easter...

This is a great recipe to teach your Children the REAL story of Easter. Teach them that the Lord, Jesus Christ our Savior, is not dead, but He Has Risen!

1c. whole pecans
1c. sugar
1 tsp. vinegar
tape
3 egg whites
wooden spoon
pinch salt
zipper baggie

Preheat oven to 300 (this is important-don't wait till you're half done with the recipe)

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.

Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.

Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life.

Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1c. sugar.

Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know this and how to belong to Him.

Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read Matt.27:65-66.

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.

Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are HOLLOW!

On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty!

Read Matt. 28:1-9

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