EASTER SEASON RESOURCES
EASTER SEASON RESOURCES
2025 Easter message from President Oaks
Easter is the most important event in human history, yet it is often an overlooked holiday. Our goal as a ward this Easter season is to follow President Oaks' counsel to study the teachings of Jesus Christ and establish revenant Christ-centered Easter traditions, especially within our families.
Below are some resources meant as a starting point for your Easter season. There are lots of great ideas online, or maybe this sparks a new idea. For instance, I added Christ visiting the Americas as an Easter season holiday
Official church Easter page - Here you can find study guides, ideas, videos, and much more!
EASTER SEASON EVENTS
Shrovetide is a four-day period of reflection and repentance, a time to prepare for Lent by what changes one might want to make. It begins the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and concludes with Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). It is a day of preparation before the fasting of Lent begins.
Joel 2:12-13 – “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Matthew 6:16-18 – Jesus’ teaching on fasting
Feasting on rich foods before the fasting of Lent
Confession of sins (from "shrive," meaning absolution)
Prayerful reflection on changes you would like to make
Pancake dinner
Enjoy Shrove buns
Reflect on personal habits and what to pleasure, luxury, or sin you want to give up or take on for Lent
Or what you want to add to your life for the next several weeks (scripture study, more prayer, service)
Read and discuss Jesus’ teachings on fasting and repentance
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a six-week period of repentance and preparation for Easter; commemorating Christ’s 40-day fast, during which they give up a luxury or pleasure as an act of devotion
Genesis 3:19 – “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
Matthew 4:1-2 – Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness.
Church services where ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross
Ashes come from burning palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday
Fasting and abstaining from meat (especially in Catholic tradition)
Fast from sugar, caffeine, soda, chocolate, junk food, social media, or junk TV
Write down things to repent of and pray for strength during Lent
Begin a Lenten devotional or act of service as a family
Start a gratitude journal and write down something you’re thankful for each day of Lent
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Matthew 21:1-11 – The crowd waves palm branches, shouting "Hosanna!"
Zechariah 9:9 – Prophecy of the Messiah entering on a donkey.
Processions with palm branches
Church readings of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem
Make paper palm leaves and reenact Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
Read the Gospel story and discuss what it means to welcome Jesus into our lives
Holy Monday recalls Jesus cleansing the Temple and cursing the barren fig tree
Matthew 21:12-17 – Jesus drives out the money changers
Mark 11:12-14 – Jesus curses the fig tree
Reflection on the importance of true worship and spiritual fruitfulness
Discuss ways to “cleanse” your heart and home for God
Put household chores in a bowl and each family member picks out a chore to cleanse their home in preparation for Easter
This day remembers the Last Supper and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet; suffers in Gethsemane.
John 13:1-17 – Jesus washes the disciples' feet
Luke 22:19-20 – The institution of the Lord’s Supper
Luke 22:43–44; Matthew 26:36-46 – Christ suffers in Gethsemane
Communion services
Foot-washing ceremonies
Silent vigil remembering Jesus asking the disciples to watch and pray
Share a Seder or Passover inspired meal
Practice an act of humble service for one another
Take an evening walk or sit quietly in the backyard listening
Good Friday marks Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
John 19:16-30 – The crucifixion
Isaiah 53:5 – “By his wounds, we are healed.”
Silence and fasting
Reflection on the Passion
Observe a moment of silence at 3 PM
Read the Passion story together
Fly kites to commemorate Christ ascending to heaven
Eat hot cross buns
Sing hymns as a family
Holy Saturday represents Jesus’ time in the tomb
Matthew 27:57-66 – Jesus’ burial
Easter Vigil services
Spend time in quiet reflection
Light a candle and pray together
Do family history work
The celebration of Jesus’ resurrection!
Matthew 28:1-10 – The empty tomb
Sunrise services
Feasts and rejoicing
Decorate and hide Easter eggs
Include some Christ focused elements in the Easter basket like M&M poem
Enjoy a family dinner
Make Resurrection Rolls
A continuation of Easter joy, celebrated in some countries.
Luke 24:13-35 – The road to Emmaus.
Outdoor activities and family gatherings.
Go on a nature walk and discuss new life in Christ
Enjoy a picnic or evening in the park
Read about Christ's visit to the Spirit World
A continuation of Easter joy, celebrated in some countries.
3 Nephi 11 – Christ's appearance in the Book of Mormon
None
Read 3 Nephi
Ascension Day commemorates Jesus' ascension into heaven.
Acts 1:9-11 – Jesus ascends and the angels promise His return
Church services reflecting on Jesus' mission and return
Processions and prayers for spiritual strength
Read the Ascension story and discuss its meaning
Go outside and watch the sky, reflecting on Jesus’ promise to return
Talk about family preparedness
Celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Acts 2:1-4 – The Holy Spirit descends on the disciples
Special church services
Red decorations symbolizing the Holy Spirit
Read Acts 2:1-4 (Day of Pentecost)
Discuss gifts of the spirit
Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your family