Students Observe Rituals

For the past six weeks, sixth grade Bible students have been studying Lenten practices.

Their studies have included observing special occasions and rituals such as Ash Wednesday, footwashing, and now a Seder meal as they learned about the Jewish Passover and Christian traditions associated with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.

Just as Passover is a time of remembering God delivering the Israelites out of Egypt, students reflected on stories of God helping people—stories from the Bible or their own personal experience. They then followed the Haggadah (a scripted order of Passover service)—three students played the role of father, mother, and child—that helps participants remember the story and why we remember. The service included role playing, reading of biblical texts, singing, and prayer and reflection.

In a written reflection following the meal, one student wrote, "I have never participated in one of these. I love learning about God. We are so lucky to be at a Christian school where we can learn about God."

High school students will reflect on Christ’s death and resurrection during a special chapel on Maundy Thursday. After gathering to sing reflective songs in chapel, students will walk in silence to their activity groups, where they will continue their worship with reflective readings of scripture and learn about the practice of communion, partaking of grape juice and bread.

Students participate in the seder meal.