This Holy Week we are leaning into the new life we are experiencing in our younger church. We are offering three intentionally intergenerational experiences on March 27th, 28th, and 29th which build on the success we’ve seen in Messy Church Sundays and the Godly-playfulness Courtney has brought to our Children, Youth, and Families program.
- Friday March 27th: Zootopia 2 @ 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary
This is a movie for all ages—adults are encouraged to attend whether or not you have children at home. Throughout Lent, you may have noticed animal prints leading up the chancel toward the cross; these prints come from the world of Zootopia 2.
While the film is fun and engaging, it also explores deeper themes: a once peaceful community disrupted by corruption and fear. Along the way, you may even notice a surprising character who echoes the story of Jesus—a small but significant presence guiding others toward hope.
- Saturday, March 28th: Eggstravaganza and Learning Centers @ 10 am
Our annual Eggstravaganza draws over a hundred people to campus for an Easter egg hunt and time with the Easter Bunny. This year, we are adding hands-on experiences for all ages in the sanctuary.
Participants can learn to make palm crosses, light candles in memory of loved ones, and create origami chrysalises (cocoons). Prayer requests will be folded into these shapes and placed on a wooden cross—transforming into butterflies on Easter morning as a sign of resurrection and new life.
Sunday, March 29th: Palm Sunday Messy Church
Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem—a moment filled with both hope and tension. While earthly power enters on a war horse, Jesus comes humbly on a donkey, and the people cry out, “Hosanna—save us.”
This year, worship will fully engage all ages. Instead of separating children and adults, the whole congregation will move through four interactive learning stations:
- Learning a new song together
- Making palm crosses or hearts
- Building with stones around a cornerston
- Creating encouraging Easter cards
Groups will rotate every few minutes so that everyone experiences each station. The cross, covered with chrysalis prayers, will be central to our worship.
A special highlight will be the baptism of Jenny and Maddie Hsieh—mother and daughter together.
Seating will be available for those who prefer or need to remain in place, and a message will be provided for those joining from home. The service will be intentionally “messy,” with movement and participation reflecting different learning styles and attention spans. This is part of how we grow together.
A Final Word
Lent invites us into faith, wisdom, and perseverance. Recently, the unexpected fall of our large wooden cross reminded us of the powerful forces at work in the world—but Easter reveals a greater power still.
In these final days of Lent, children, youth, and adults will walk together toward the hope of resurrection—discovering what is beautiful, good, and just.
Not just a vision like Zootopia, but something deeper: the peaceable kingdom of God, revealed in Christ, our risen Savior.
