Bible story
Matthew 4:1-4
Jesus in the desert
Talk about how Pancake Day in the UK is also known as Shrove Tuesday and it is traditionally a day of fun and feasting before the 40 days of Lent start on Ash Wednesday.
Say that there are 40 days in Lent to prepare for Easter because Jesus went to the desert for 40 days to prepare for his ministry.
Talk about how Lent is a time of preparation for celebrating Easter, just as Advent helps us prepare to celebrate Christmas.
You can also talk about the food we eat at special times and why we eat pancakes.
Song suggestions
1.Theme Song
(Tune: ‘Thank you, God, for this fine day’)
Thank you, God, for pancakes round,
Thank you, God, for pancakes round,
Thank you, God, for pancakes round,
Frying in the pan!
Thank you, God, for food to eat,
Thank you, God, for food to eat,
Thank you, God, for food to eat,
At celebration times.
2. Pancake Day by Christina Rossetti
Mix a pancake,
Stir a pancake,
Pop it in the pan.
Fry the pancake,
Toss the pancake,
Catch it if you can.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the different food we eat to celebrate special times of year. As this week we eat pancakes, we remember that Lent is a special time of preparing for Easter, and we ask that you will help us to be kind and caring to others during this time.
Amen.
Craft/Activity Ideas
Paint pancakes using food colouring or softened jams and spreads; or bring pancakes for the families to eat with a variety of toppings for them to try.
Make cardboard cut-out frying pans and pancakes and have fun trying pancake races.
Other ideas can be found at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/FamilyMinistriesUKIT/lent-crafts-activities/
