Stewardship Nuggets for Families and Children
Blessing Others with Easter Baskets
By Janet Zimmerman

"In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
        — Acts 20:35, NRSV

Ask the children how they would feel if they did not receive an Easter basket on Easter morning. Most children would be very disappointed. Ask the children how they think children who do not normally receive baskets would feel if this Easter they received one. The children can be a part of making that happen!

A few years ago, we made Easter baskets for teen residents of a children's home. Rather than putting items in a traditional basket, we used baseball caps. We filled the caps with common items used by teens (for example, batteries, combs, hair products, fast food restaurant gift certificates, CDs, phone cards, and, of course, candy). Our "baskets" were a big hit with the recipients! We included a note with the "baskets" informing the teens that we were praying for them.

This project can be adapted to people of any age. Choose a group and develop a list of items that the people would enjoy receiving. You can make this a churchwide project and ask for donations from the congregation. (Note: If you are working with a specific community organization, be sure to ask if there are items that should not be placed in the baskets for safety or health-related reasons.)

We delivered our "baskets" as a group to the children's home and then participated in a tour of the facility. The tour guide shared the various issues and concerns facing the recipients. This was an eye-opening experience for our group. They learned a lot about the needs of the residents. This experience also helped them distinguish between our real "needs" and our perceived "wants."

Questions for Discussion

• In what ways were you blessed by participating in this project?
• How is your life different from and/or similar to the lives of the recipients?
• What are some specific ways you can keep these people in prayer? In what other ways can you help them?
• What are your real needs as opposed to your wants?

Janet Zimmerman is an ordained United Methodist deacon, who serves as Christian Education Director at Church of the Lakes in Canton, Ohio.

Copyright © 2004 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. All rights reserved. Any local church or United Methodist agency may reprint any or all of this document as long as the author is cited and the following copyright notice appears:
      Copyright © 2004 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. Used with permission.

Posted 3-9-04