Easter is a time of joy! Easter celebrates the day when Jesus rose from the dead! We can rejoice in Jesus’ love for us, His victory over death, and the hope He brings to our lives. That’s a huge reason to celebrate!

Can you say: Alleluia? Alleluia!

“Alleluia” means “Praise the Lord.”

Virtue: Joy 

Saint: St. Mary Magdalene

Bible Verse:  “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25

Daily Craft Leader Video  - Day 5

Great Journey Photo Frame

Theme Connection:

Saint Mary Magdalene (our VBS saint of the day) was one of Jesus’ most faithful friends. She was the first person to see Jesus after He rose from the dead on Easter morning. She was so excited and ran to tell everyone the good news! For a fun Easter snack, enjoy an “empty tomb” treat. This snack reminds us of the empty tomb. Just like Mary Magdalene shared the joyful news of Jesus’ resurrection, we can share the truth and beauty and goodness of Easter with others.

You’ll Need:

• 4 x 6 foam, wooden picture frame Available at dollar stores or Oriental Trading
• (Opt.) Printable VBS Photo Frame (1/child)
• Group photo (1/child) 
• Foam letters, shapes, stickers, etc.
• Markers

Prep:

• Take a group photo at the beginning of the week.

Activity:

1. Decorate and color your frame! Write your name on the front.

2. Add the group photo to the frame.

3. Ask everyone in your group to sign the back of your frame

The Church Year Spinning Wheel

Theme Connection:
The spinning wheel is a great review of the VBS themes of the week making it a fun educational tool! It helps you understand the flow of the church year. As you spin the wheel, you recognize each liturgical season: Advent, Christmas, the first part of Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter and finally the second part of Ordinary Time. This is a great VBS keepsake you can use ALL YEAR LONG!

You'll Need

• Church Year Spinning Wheel (PDF)

• A brad/paper fastener (1/child)

• Markers or crayons

• (Opt.) Magnet (1/child)

Prep:

• Print the PDF on cardstock paper

Activity

1. Cut the wheel and the arrow.
2. Color each section in the appropriate liturgical colors: Advent (purple), Christmas (white or gold), OrdinaryTime (green), Lent (purple), Easter (white or gold).
3. Insert the brad/paper fastener through the arrow and into the center of the wheel.
4. Spread the pointed end on the backside to secure it in place. This allows it to spin freely.
5. (Opt.) Add a magnet to the back so kids can stick it on their fridge.

Pentecost Wind Chime

Theme Connection:

Wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, a mighty wind came and blew through the room where the apostles were staying. We can’t see the wind, but we know it’s there because we see the wind moving the trees. In a similar way, we cannot see the Holy Spirit with our eyes, but we can see how the Holy Spirit is moving in our lives. He touches our hearts, guides us, helps us make decisions, shows us the glory of God, shines through lifted musicians and artists, etc. Give personal examples in your life.

We are going to make wind chimes to remind us of the power of the Holy Spirit. Each time you hear the wind chime and move around, you can pray, “Come Holy Spirit”.

You’ll Need:

• Large plastic cup or container (1/child)
• Holy Spirit images (PDF)
• String 
• Red ribbon
• Colorful duct tape (red, orange, yellow)
• Stickers (flames, doves, etc.)
• (Opt.)Cross Chime (1/child)
• (Opt.) Paint (or permanent markers)

Prep:

• Drill a small hole in the center of the bottom of each cup.
• Insert a 12 inch string in each cup. Each string should be securely knotted and taped securely to the bottom of each cup.
• Make a loop at the other end of the string for holding.
• Cut ribbon in 30 inch lengths.
• (Opt.) Loop the chime through the cup and fasten it as well.

Activity:

1. Tape the Holy Spirit graphic on the cup. 
2. Decorate the cup using tape and stickers. 
3. (Opt.) Paint the cross chime using the paint (or markers).

Resurrection Banners

Theme Connection:

Christ is RISEN! Alleluia! Flags and banners in biblical times were used to symbolize victory or triumph. The Israelites used banners during important religious ceremonies, especially in their journeys or during worship. Our Resurrection Flags represent Christ’s victory over sin and death! “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” 

You’ll need: 

• Resurrection flag (PDF)
• Wooden dowel (1/child)
• Markers, crayons, tape, glue stick
• Colored construction paper
• String (to hang your banner)
• (Opt.) DIY fabric banner and fabric markers

Prep:

• Print the Resurrection Flags (PDF) on cardstock.

Activity: 

1. Color the printable flag with markers.

2. Cut it out along the edges and glue it to a colorful construction paper.

3. Take a wooden craft stick or dowel and attach the flag with tape. Use string to hang it.

4. Display this flag in your home as a reminder of the resurrection.

(Opt.) Color a fabric banner with fabric markers and tape it to a long wooden dowel.