Aim

To consider the concept of a life cycle and Christian beliefs about death.

Lesson

Begin by showing the children a collection of 'dead' items. This could be dead leaves, a bunch of dead flowers or a collection of broken toys.

Ask the children what has happened? Go through the life cycle of one of the items.

Inform the children that this process happens to all things. They are born/ created, they live/exist for a time and then they die/ are destroyed. This process can be seen in nature.

Sensitively discuss children's experience of this phenomenon.

Christians believe that God didn't create the world this way. It happened because of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. But, two thousand years ago, God came down to Earth to break this cycle.

Share with children the story of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44).

Discuss the story with the children.

Jesus said to Martha, "Whoever believes in me will never die." Many Christians believe this means that even though their bodies die, they will live with Jesus forever.