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TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
Are you having a fun Easter? We hope you’re enjoying some time off school, as well as tucking into some delicious chocolate eggs. Mmm!
As lovely as chocolate eggs are, there’s something far more important to remember at Easter. It’s the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection (when God brought him back to life). The run-up to Good Friday was a very busy one for Jesus. He arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; taught lots of lessons to people who came to see him; celebrated Passover with his followers; was betrayed by Judas and arrested and stood trial in front of the Roman governor. And that was all before he was sentenced to death and killed on a cross! The story doesn’t even end there. Just two days later, on Easter Sunday, Jesus was alive again! Jesus went through all of that for a very special reason. He died so that we can all have a fresh start and a relationship with God. That’s right, all of us. Including you! Isn’t that incredible?
Why don’t you spend some time this weekend thanking Jesus for that special gift? Have a lovely Easter.
This Easter egg hidden on every page in this week’s issue. See if you can find them all!
Are you eggs-cited about Easter? I don’t think I’d be eggs-aggerating if I suggested your mouths were eggs-uding eggs-tra amounts of saliva at the eggs-pectation of the eggs-tortionate quantities of eggs-quisite chocolate you’re hoping to munch on.
But what is it with eggs and Easter? Now, I’m no eggs-pert, but I think you deserve an eggs-planation. Eggs have been used for many years as a symbol of new life – just as new life emerges from an egg when the chick hatches. For Christians the eggshell symbolises Jesus’ tomb and the chick that breaks out of the egg represents Jesus’ resurrection and the new life that’s available to us if we choose to follow him. You’re probably eggs-asperated by all the eggy puns by now, so I’m going to make a swift eggs-it, but before I do I just want to say have an eggs-cellent Easter!
READ THE COMMENT BELOW ABOUT THE DRAMA AND POWER OF EASTER
Jesus Died So You Can Live says Justin Reeves
The story of Easter is jam-packed with all sorts of drama and surprises. There are goodies and baddies from everyday people to rich and powerful leaders. Every Easter, I discover something new.
This year it’s Joseph – who lent Jesus’ family a tomb for Jesus – and the women who visited that tomb on Easter Sunday who have caught my interest. Those characters play an important role in the Easter story.
Two things that have grabbed my attention every year since I was about fve years old are Jesus’ death and resurrection. When I was fve, I watched a TV series called Jesus of Nazareth with my mum – it was so dramatic and powerful. Even
at that young age it really got me thinking about what Jesus did for me.
It blows my mind that Jesus – the King of Kings –died to take the punishment for the wrong things an everyday bloke like me has done. Because of that I know I can be forgiven for the mistakes and bad choices I make and have the opportunity to make a fresh start. Even better, because God raised Jesus back to life, I know that by choosing to live Jesus’ way I can one day live with him in Heaven for ever.
That’s true for you as well as me. I hope this Easter you know that Jesus loves you so much he was willing to die for you, so that you can live your best life with and through him.
STORY SWAP
Every year, during Holy Week, Christians remember the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Below is a muddled-up version of the key events of Holy Week – put them in the correct order.
A The crowd calls for Jesus to be crucifed
B God raises Jesus from the dead – Jesus is alive!
C Jesus shares a meal, known as the Last Supper with his disciples
D Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey and is greeted as a king
E Jesus dies
F Jesus is tried by Pilate
G Jesus’ disciples deny him and go into hiding
H Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested
I Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane
J Jesus visits the Temple and turns over the tables of the merchants
Answers on Page 2
Twists and Turns of Easter
Easter
CHECK OUT YOUR BIBLE – JOHN 19:38-42; MATTHEW 28:1-10
Steve English
My Identity in Jesus My Identity in Jesus
Did you know that when you become friends with Jesus he gives you a new identity? You’re a member of God’s Kingdom and with the help of the Holy Spirit, you now have the power to follow Jesus’ way of living.
I Am… ALIVE!
i n John 10:10, Jesus said, ‘I came to give life – life in all its fullness (International Children’s Bible). Not only did Jesus take the punishment for the things we’ve done wrong, but he also gave us life! Ephesians 2:6 says that when Jesus was raised back to life, we were raised to a new life with him.
When you trust Jesus, you’re able to receive a precious gift – your relationship with God is made new. God also gives you a teacher, the Holy Spirit, who’s always with you and helps you to follow Jesus’ way of living.
Your old ways of living are over and your life is now one of great adventure with God – flled with his love, joy, peace and blessings.
Every day this week, tell yourself ‘I am alive’. This will help God’s truth stay in your heart. Use the chart below to help remind you and tick each day once you’re done.
KA! JAM is the coolest Bible activity club around. As a member you’ll go on amazing adventures through the Bible learning about Jesus. Each activity sheet is filled with lots of great stuff about being a Christian. You’ll also receive our mini-mag, Chatterbox, which is filled with jokes, games and much more. And to top it off, there are loads of awesome prizes to be won! To join KA! JAM and complete the Bible activity courses online, go to salvationist.org.uk/kajam.
Or if you would like to receive the postal version, simply fill in the coupon below.
Name:
To join KA! JAM just fll in the application form and send it – along with two frst-class stamps – to: KA! JAM, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN. Applicants must be between 7 and 17 years old to join.
Date of birth:
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I, (signature)
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Do you attend a church, and if so, which one?
apply for membership of Kids Alive! Jesus And Me. I understand that joining KA! JAM doesn’t mean I have joined The Salvation Army and that it is not a free subscription to Kids Alive!
PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS.
Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday t to You!
To see your name and birthday printed in a future issue of KA! email your full name, address and date of birth to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk. Remember to type ‘Happy Birthday to You!’ in the email’s subject box.
6 April
Daniel Copland – age 12 7 April
Sophie Boor – age 7
8 April
Ellissa Blake – age 9
Ruby Gau – age 9 9 April
Imogen Beattie – age 12
Seòras MacLean – age 11
Leah Pearce – age 8 10 April
Olly Porter – age 11 11 April
Noah Pinhey – age 12
Pick Out Patch
I’ve been reading the pet fact file on page 11 and it’s inspired me to dress up as a cat today! See if you can spot this version of me on another PAGE IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE.
Optical illusions use colour, light or patterns to confuse our brains – that means the illusions look different to what is actually there.
Hold your fnger out in front of your face. Close your left eye, then open your left and close your right. It looks like your fnger’s moving because your left and right eyes see things from different angles. But when both eyes are open, your brain combines what each eye sees to give you the full picture.
Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke? It might crack up!
Knock, knock! Who’s there?
Some bunny! Some bunny who?
Some bunny’s been eating all my Easter eggs! What
Wordfit Wordfit
Fit the five given words into the grid correctly to reveal a new word in the darker green column. Some letters have been inserted to help you. Clue: item made of thorns which was worn by Jesus at the Crucifixion.
What do you call a very tired Easter egg?
Eggs-hausted!
Locker
To celebrate Easter, have a go at drawing an Easter egg. To help you get started copy this Easter egg design (right) into the empty grid.
Crossword Clues
1 Holy day during Easter week: _ _ _ _ Friday. 3 When Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is celebrated: _ _ _ _ Sunday.
by Neil Locker
Why did the Easter egg hide? It was a little chicken! forgiveness jesus
What should you do to prepare for all the Easter treats? Eggs-ercise! god passover holy hot cross buns resurrection
17 Something planted in spring from which plants grow.
down:
1 What a footballer tries to score.
2 Paddle. 4 Fragrance. 5 Dairy product used to make pancake. 6 Fruit tree’s flowers seen in spring. 10 Encourages or entreats. 11 Forty day period before Easter. 12 Metal fastener. 15 Insect busy in spring.
What did the Easter Bunny say to the carrot?
‘Nice gnawing you!’
Where do pirates celebrate Easter? Where eggs marks the spot!
Amazing Animal Journeys, written by wildlife expert Philippa Forrester, you can get a fascinating and detailed look at the incredible journeys that happen in the animal kingdom. Join animals as they embark on large scale migrations and travel through the natural world. Read all about why animals travel far and wide –many are in search of food, some are looking for a mate, lots are heading to warmer climates and others are just seeking a new home. Discover the record-breaking fight of Arctic terns, birds that travel from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again every year. Find out about the sharks that follow plankton for enormous distances across the ocean. Learn about the monarch butter fies that use Earth’s magnetic feld to trace a path along the west coast of North America! Packed full of fun facts, statistics, maps and charts, this book is perfect for anyone who can’t get enough of wildlife and nature!
For your opportunity to win a copy of Amazing Animal Journeys, answer the question below and email your full name, age, address and answer to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk. Remember to put ‘Amazing Animal Journeys Competition’ in the subject box. Your entry needs to reach us by Friday 5 May when the winners will be chosen. You can also enter by lling in the details on the coupon below and posting it to: Amazing Animal Journeys Competition, Kids Alive! 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN.
What’s the name of the butterflies that use Earth’s magnetic fields to travel along the west coast of North America?
Name:
Address:
Happy Easter Colourings
In the Spring Special of Kids Alive! we featured a Happy Easter Colouring page. We’ve been thrilled to see lots of awesome colourings arriving in our email inbox, so we thought we’d share some of them with you in time for Easter. Aren’t they fantastic? Happy Easter, readers!
Matilda – age 7
Luke – age 9
Jessica – age 9
Gabriel – age 11
Esme – age 5
Emily – age 12
Constance – age 4
Alice – age 8
Living a healthy and an active lifestyle and caring for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
National Siblings Day
Do you have a brother or sister? Having a sibling can be great fun – you’ve got a playmate who lives in your house, someone to share holidays with and a friend for life. That’s why 10 April is National Siblings Day – a celebration of brothers or sisters.
Show the Love
If you want to celebrate Siblings Day, you can do something special with or for your brother or sister on Monday. You could get creative by making them a card, cake or picture to show them you love them. Or you could make an extra effort to share your toys with them while you play. Or how about a trip out to your favourite place – spending time together making memories is the best!
Sibs
Sibs is a charity for siblings of disabled children and grown-ups. Sibs recognises the valuable role siblings play in the lives of their disabled brothers and sisters. They are unique relationships that need to be recognised and celebrated, which is why Sibs is fully behind National Siblings Day.
Shine a Light
Siblings who grow up with a disabled brother or sister often spend lots of time coming second, third or even fourth behind the needs of others. Their day-to-day life might centre around their brother’s or sister’s routine or abilities. Time with their parents or carers can be a juggle and many children also help out more with home or caring tasks. It can be challenging.
Despite the challenges, many siblings love the unique connection they have with their disabled brother or sister. National Siblings Day is a great opportunity to shine a light on these important relationships.
This Year’s Events
Last year Sibs encouraged siblings to share their stories, photos and memories online and become part of their sibling community. This year they’re hoping celebrations will be bigger and better! The theme for this year is Sibling Strengths and there are lots of ways to get involved.
Young Sibs
If you’re a child aged between seven and seventeen with a disabled sibling, check out the Young Sibs section of their website –sibs.org.uk/youngsibs. Ask your parent or carer to book you on to one of the free creative art sessions taking place on Saturday 15 April. You can also enter a competition to win a copy of the book Me and My Sister or the flm Wonder
Parents or Carers
Parents or carers can get involved by sharing their children’s Sibling Strengths online. This could include the little sibling moments that have made their hearts burst with pride or the amazing qualities they’ve developed.
Schools and Churches
Would you like your school or church to raise awareness for siblings of disabled people? Talk to your teacher or church leader about classroom sessions, sponsored events or assemblies. Even if your school is closed for the Easter holidays, you could organise something for a later date.
You can also raise money for Sibs by fundraising for the charity. Whether you plan a bake sale, sponsored event or challenge, get in touch with Sibs to let them know. Your parents, carers, teachers or church leaders can donate any money raised at sibs.org.uk/donate
You can read more about National Siblings Day and Sibs at sibs.org.uk/nsd. There are also activity sheets and other resources to download.
Jasmin
Age? 19.
Favourite colour? Burgundy.
Favourite food? Spaghetti Bolognese!
Favourite sport? Softball.
Favourite bit of Kids Alive!?
The jokes of course!
Favourite Bible story and why?
David and Goliath, because it’s a great story. It reminds me to be courageous and resilient. I know that if I trust in God he can help me fight all my giants.
Favourite TV programme?
Heartstopper.
What do you want to be when you’re older? My dream job would be acting and singing, but I love studying human geography. So maybe something that helps others and makes the world a better place.
Pets? I don’t have any pets (but I’d love to have a cat!)
Hobbies? I love to write music and act, and I play softball.
Tell us a joke. What do you call cheese that doesn’t belong to you?
Nacho cheese!
What special skill or talent do you have? I can crochet (it’s like knitting, but cooler!)
You might have noticed that the photo on the left is from someone that’s a little bit older than our usual profles. That’s because we want to tell you more about some of the people behind Right Tracks – some new upbeat, popstyle songs from The Salvation Army. You can check out Jasmin’s super singing skills by listening to the song ‘God Came Down’. Listen to all the Right Tracks tunes by visiting salvationarmy.org.uk/right-tracks or searching for them on streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube.
Check out next week’s Your Space to find out about another of the artists behind Right Tracks
G e t I n
T o u c h !
Tell us something interesting about yourself. I really enjoy making music with my friends. It brings us all together and we always have so much fun doing what we love.
The Kids Alive! team loves to hear from its readers. And guess what –other readers love reading your news! So why not get in touch? You can email or post your own colourings, drawings and letters. Or you could ask your Sunday school, church or corps leaders to email us or write to us with any news about the fun stuff you’ve been doing at your church or corps.
Email: kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk
Post: Kids Alive! 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN
This is Isla, who is fve years old and attends her local Salvation Army church. On Commitment Sunday she wanted to sign her commitment card along with all the grown-ups. She also lit her Christingle as an act of worship and told everybody about how much she loves Jesus. When she hurt her back one week, she also asked her nan to pray over her. Isla loves taking part in Salvation Army meetings and giving out biscuits afterwards. She’s a fantastic example of a child who believes in the power of prayer and truly loves Jesus!
Meet Isla Amelia
Age? 10.
Favourite colour? Pink.
Favourite food? Spaghetti Bolognese.
Favourite sport? Swimming.
Favourite bit of Kids Alive!? The comic.
Favourite Bible story and why? Joseph and his brothers, because he gets a rainbow coat. Favourite TV programme? Teen Titans Go!
New Junior Soldiers
A junior soldier is a young member of The Salvation Army Harry, Rutherglen; Leah, Stowmarket.
What do you want to be when you’re older? Scientist. Pets? None.
Hobbies? Looking at the stars.
Tell us a joke. What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear! What special skill or talent do you have? I can sing really good. Tell us something interesting about yourself. I love ducks.
