Submitted by
K. Barraclough

Age Group
8-10

Aim
To prepare for Easter, by receiving the Ashes and considering our faults

Faith Group
Christian

Resources
Ashes made from last year's palms
A prayerful setting, if possible a local church or chapel

Time of Year
Ash Wednesday

Other Details
A local priest could be asked to take part in this service
The prayer response could be written on a large sheet of paper

Script
PRIEST: Jesus we want to be more like you. Help us to be unselfish and to care for the needs of others. Amen.

READER: Jesus, we have come here today to receive ashes. It is the beginning of Lent when we think about ourselves and how we love God.
Like the palms, we are very dry and dusty. We have become dry and dusty in our love for God and others. Now is the time to STOP... stop and find what is bad about us, like getting angry or being selfish. It is a time to look for our good points and try to polish them up. Amen.

ASHES DISTRIBUTED

READERS:
Lord, help us to see ways of helping others through this Lent.
RESPONSE: Lord Jesus help us to grow as Christians.

Lord, we need to use our mouths to speak kind words, to forgive and to tell the truth.
RESPONSE: Lord Jesus help us to grow as Christians.

Lord, help us to use our hands to help others.
RESPONSE: Lord Jesus help us to grow as Christians.

Lord, help us to use our feet to help and play with others without hurting them.
RESPONSE: Lord Jesus help us to grow as Christians.