Aim

To help children understand the purpose of a Christian wedding ceremony.
To help others keep promises.

Preparation

Before the lesson prepare mock wedding ceremony.

Lesson

Begin by discussing the topic of promises with the children.

• Have they ever made a promise?
• What was it?
• Did they manage to keep it?
• Who or what helped them keep their promise?
• What promises might they make when they get older?

Many Christian men and women make special promises to one another when they get married. Discuss with children their experiences of weddings.

• What happens?
• Who attends?
• What special promises are made by the couple getting married and by the rest of their community?
• How do the children think it feels to be a bride or a groom?

Activity

If possible, recreate a Christian wedding ceremony in which all the children participate. An order of service is provided. To maintain discipline, it is best if you assume the role of minister.

Following the ceremony, remind the children that the friends and family of the couple getting married promise to help them to stay married. Staying married can often be very difficult and married people need all the help they can to keep their promises to each other.

Conclusion

Conclude by encouraging children to help others within their class community to keep their promises.