Give each child a fist sized ball of clay. Teach the children how to form a pinch pot and then widen it to become a bowl. Let these dry. The outside can be decorated with paint or markers or may be left plain. Send the children home with their pots and the following directions.

ON ASH WEDNESDAY: Place the pot in a special place where it can't be missed - perhaps the center of the family table. It reminds us that Lent is here but remains empty for the next few days.

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT: A small heart cut from construction paper is placed in the Prayer Pot during the main meal to remind everyone of God's love for us and that we should show our love for, and be kind to, others.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT: A small seed (any kind - sunflower, pumpkin) is placed in the pot to remind us that God's love for us constantly grows and that we should try hard to do more for other people.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT: Place a small rubber band in the Prayer Pot as a reminder that God always stretches His patience with us and we need to do the same for others even when it isn't easy.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT: A marble or small game piece is placed in the pot to remind us that we need to remember to take turns, to share.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT: Add a little band-aid to remind us to help other people when they are sad or hurt. PALM SUNDAY: Place a tiny piece of palm to remind us that Jesus is our King and we always need to remember to say our prayers to him.

EASTER SUNDAY: The last item is a tiny piece of egg shell to remind us that Jesus will always be with us and is always ready to hear our prayers.

With thanks to Debbie