Walking in His Footsteps: Awana Children Experience Holy Week at Arbor Christian Fellowship

At Arbor Christian Fellowship, Holy Week is more than a lesson — it’s a full-sensory journey into the life, love, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This year, through the Awana program, children from preschool through 6th grade participated in age-appropriate, heartfelt, and hands-on experiences that brought the story of Easter to life in unforgettable ways.

For the Truth & Training (T&T) class — 3rd through 6th graders — a cherished tradition continued: foot washing on the Wednesday of Holy Week. This has become an annual practice, modeled after Jesus’ own humble act of service on the night of the Last Supper. Leaders lovingly washed the children’s feet, just as Christ did for His disciples, and in return, some of the children offered to wash the feet of their leaders and friends. It was a sacred, sweet time — full of tenderness, awe, and the unmistakable presence of God. In that quiet act, the kids experienced a living glimpse of what it means to be served in love, and to serve others in return — just like Jesus.

The Sparks class (Kindergarten through 2nd grade) also had a special pre-Easter lesson crafted just for them. Alongside a meaningful craft project, the children were guided through the importance of Holy Week — from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to His death and resurrection — in a way that was both clear and heartfelt. Through creativity and conversation, these young hearts began to grasp the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice.

And the youngest ones — the Cubbies (ages 3 to 5) — had an extraordinary time of joyful, playful learning that still pointed straight to the heart of the Gospel. This month, they’ve taken a “ride” on a donkey to reenact Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, waved palms during a Palm Sunday exercise, participated in a Jesus-in-Jerusalem obstacle course, and even experienced a child-friendly version of the Last Supper. They also spent time learning about Jesus' disciples and their heart-searching question at the table: “Is it I, Lord?”

Each activity, each story, each little moment this week was a stepping stone — helping children walk in Jesus' footsteps and draw closer to the heart of the Gospel. Through action and story, through laughter and quiet reflection, these children weren’t just learning about Jesus. They were encountering Him.

As we move toward Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate not only the risen Savior but also the seeds of faith being planted in the hearts of these young ones — seeds nurtured by love, truth, and the beauty of walking together through the story of Holy Week.

At Arbor Christian Fellowship, Holy Week isn’t just taught — it is lived.