Notes

Christians use the word 'church' in many different, but related, ways. 'Church' can refer to - a building, a service, a particular group of Christians or the world-wide Christian community.

A visit to a church building or a visit from a member of a local Church community should greatly enhance learning within this topic. The children may also wish to interview a visiting minister on his or her role within the Church.

Lesson 1

During this topic, it is important to remember that Christianity is a world-wide movement. Currently, the fastest growing churches are in countries such as Brazil, South Korea and sub-Sahara Africa. Within Britain, the expansion of Black churches contrasts sharply to the decline of those churches with a more conventional image.

Lesson 2

Younger children will be better able to relate to images of church buildings within their own locality.

Lesson 3

You may wish to start a Prayer book, in which children can record those things for which they want others to pray.

Lesson 4

The cassette tape which accompanies A Gift to the Child includes songs and choruses featuring the phrase 'Allelulia'.

Lesson 5

If children are already familiar with the words of the Lord's Prayer, you may wish to introduce them to some of Jesus' more famous sayings, for example: 'Love the Lord God with all your heart and soul and with all your strength and all your mind. Love your neighbour as yourself' or 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of Heaven'.

Lesson 6

The communion meal should be an opportunity for children of all faiths to express themselves fearlessly within their class community.

A Primary Vision resource provided by Stockport Christians in Schools Trust