Signs of the seasons: Lent.

This quarter, a Gather 'Round resource pack poster is helping Middler children learn about the seasons of the Christian calendar.

On the first Sunday of Lent, they will read that people use the 40 days of Lent to pray and fast and grow more loving toward others. They will also discover that pretzels have been used during Lent for more than a thousand years because their crossed pieces look like crossed arms--the prayer posture adopted by some early Christians.

Teachers can bring in pretzels for a snack (and there are even good gluten-free versions in stores) or, even better, use the recipe on the teaching aids page to make pretzels themselves.

-- Originally published in the "Roundabout" e-mail newsletter from Gather 'Round, a Bible-based curriculum from Brethren Press and MennoMedia that nurtures children, youth, and families in becoming followers of Jesus: people who know and love God, interpret God's word, belong to God's gathered community, and share God's good news. Order Gather 'Round from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712.

Source: 2/7/2013 Newsline