APRIL 15, 2007

Here is a project for kids that teaches the lesson of Easter that I wanted to put in before Easter Sunday. Since we are still in the Octave of Easter, and the Easter Season lasts for 50 days, you can still use it.

Resurrection Cookies Recipe:
You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).

Place pecans in zipper baggy and beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3.
Smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read: John 10:10&11
Sprinkle a little salt into each hand. Taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read: Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Take a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed. Read: Mat. 27:65-66 GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in dispair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22
On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Fr. Lou THANKS all those who contributed the ears from their chocolate Easter Bunnies for the Pastor's Easter portion!!!