Lent for All Ages

Lent is often viewed as a somber, “adult” season—a time of quiet reflection, complex theology, and the grueling discipline of giving things up. For a child or a teenager, that can feel less like a spiritual journey and more like a 40-day wait for chocolate.

However, Lent is actually a beautiful opportunity for families to slow down together. By shifting the focus from “deprivation” to “preparation,” we can help the younger generation see Lent as a season of growth rather than a season of rules.

The traditional Lenten pillars of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving can be adapted to fit any age group. Here is how to translate these concepts for children and youth:

Prayer: Building the Connection
Instead of just “saying more prayers,” encourage youth to find new ways to communicate with God.

  • For Children: Create a “Prayer Jar.” Each day, pull out a name of a family member, friend, or world situation to pray for specifically.
  • For Youth: Suggest a “Lenten Playlist.” Have them find songs that reflect themes of hope, struggle, or peace, and use that music as a backdrop for five minutes of silent reflection each day.

Fasting: Making Space
Fasting isn’t just about food; it’s about clearing away distractions to make room for what matters.

  • For Children: Instead of sweets, try a “Complaint Fast.” Choose one day a week where the whole family tries to go without grumbling, focusing on gratitude instead.
  • For Youth: A “Digital Fast” is often more challenging and relevant than giving up soda. This could mean turning off social media after 8:00 PM or designating “phone-free” zones to encourage real-world connection.

Almsgiving: Love in Action
Lent is the perfect time to practice “The Theology of the Extra Step.”

  • For Children: Use a “Sacrifice Jar.” For every small act of kindness or chore done without being asked, place a bean or a coin in the jar. On Easter, the beans can be replaced with jellybeans to show how small sacrifices lead to great joy.
  • For Youth: Engage them in social justice. Research a local charity together and commit to a specific service project or have them lead a “pantry raid” to donate excess food to a local shelter.

Ideas for Families

To keep the season engaging without it becoming a burden, consider these three ideas:

StrategyAction Step
Keep it VisualUse a Lenten calendar or a “Path to Easter” poster that children can color as they progress through the 40 days.
Focus on “Adding”Instead of just taking things away, add a “Positive Habit”—like reading a story together or taking a weekly family walk in nature.
Explain “Why”Always connect Lenten practices back to the story of Easter. We prepare our hearts so we can fully celebrate the joy of the Resurrection.

The most important part of including youth in Lent is authenticity. When children see their parents or mentors struggling honestly with their own Lenten disciplines—and finding joy in the process—it becomes a living faith rather than a list of requirements.

Lent isn’t about being perfect; it’s about turning our hearts back toward love, one small step at a time.

**I have developed a ‘Lenten Journey” calendar.
Please email me deborah@scsynod.com if you would like a copy.

BIBLE READING PLANS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The Bible is more than just an old book—it’s the powerful, relevant, and true Word of God.
Reading the Bible can feel like a huge commitment, so I’ve put together a “plan”.

It’s designed to engage for youth by mixing things up daily—they will get a chunk of the Old Testament story, a passage from the New Testament (where they meet Jesus and the early church), and a section from the Psalms or Proverbs for daily wisdom.
This plan uses a 5-day-a-week schedule, giving you weekends to catch up, reflect, or just take a break!

The weekly plan for elementary children focuses on the main narrative and simplifying the daily readings into very small chunks. It directs children to core concepts like God’s power, love, and protection, using a 5-day reading schedule with a simple, clear lesson each week.

If you would like a copy of these plans to share with your congregational children and youth, email me at deborah@scsynod.com.

CYFM Lunch Bunch

Ready to unlock new ideas and resources for your ministry?


BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) and join fellow CYFM Leaders for our Lunch Bunch session on the second Tuesday of the month, starting January 13th at 12 Noon.

We’ll swap ideas, grab fresh resources, and get immediate answers to make your ministry thrive. Hope to see you there! Please RSVP to deborah@scsynod.com.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86907283680?pwd=kzT8at1aWtE84qjr90TWcWZ1doaL0w.1
Phone: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 869 0728 3680
Passcode: 8037650590

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT

January 23-25
Camp Kinard

What does it mean to live as a faith-full disciple? What are the actions or activities that help shape disciples on the journeys?

Join us for a weekend of learning more about faith practices, fun, and friendship!
Cost is $105

Register Now!
https://forms.gle/nWvhiyRnqvvrtwMo6

CYFM LEADERS RETREAT

February 6-7
Camp Kinard

Nurturing the Spirituality of our Children

Workshop Leader: Dr. Dawn Rundman, a nationally recognized presenter, author, and resource provider specializing in children’s faith development. She has developed Bibles, Sunday school curriculum, confirmation sessions, adult Bible studies, and many other faith formation resources at Sparkhouse and Augsburg Fortress, two publishing units of 1517 Media.

Because of a Ministry to Children grant from the ELCA, this retreat is free!

RESOURCES

Are you doing any fun and/or learning activities with your children and youth?
If so, share your story! Send to deborah@scsynod.com

If you haven’t seen “Pulse Survey – Christian Ed & Faith Formation” that came out in 2025, take a look! It’s long but has good information. Thanks to Chris St. Clair for bringing it to my attention.

The FYI on Gen Alpha: Three-hour Online Training – Fuller Youth Institute

Want to up your social media presence in the new year?
Here is a sample and template strategy calendar.
DKM REEL RECIPE + B-roll checklist + Sample Calendar + text hooks

Be a Mary AND a Martha: Balancing Dreaming and Doing in Ministry Online Interactive Workshop – Deeper KidMin

LEAD WITH VISION IN THE NEW YEAR

SYM has offered three free tools to help you start the year:

Dreaming Together – Small Youth Ministry Resources
This 30-day resource helps parents, mentors, and students talk honestly about hopes, purpose, and what’s ahead. It’s a great way to guide meaningful conversations at the start of the year and help students feel supported as they dream about the future.

Leadership Check In – Small Youth Ministry Resources
Before the year gets full, take time to pause. This soul-care resource invites reflection on the past year and helps you assess where you are personally, with your family, and in your ministry—so you can move forward with clarity and intention.

Everyday Ministry – Small Youth Ministry Resources
Short, practical training videos created for real youth leaders. These sessions are perfect for individual growth or team development and focus on the everyday skills that help leaders feel more confident and prepared week after week.