Aim

To introduce the Holy Spirit as a force of change in the lives of Christians. To recognize a universal human striving for change.

Preparation

Before the lesson photocopy one worksheet for each child.

Lesson

Begin lesson by asking the children to describe themselves by completing the left hand side of the work sheet 'The person I am'. They are allowed to include physical attributes as well as personality traits.

Discuss their responses before asking them if they are completely happy with themselves the way they are. Are there any things about themselves which they would like to change? Invite suggestions.

Following brief discussion, invite the children to complete the right hand side of the work sheet, 'The person I could be.'

Discuss with volunteers which of their desired changes are achievable? How can these be accomplished? Have any of the children managed to change themselves? How did they do it?

Alternatively, have any of the children tried to change, but failed?

Christians believe that people cannot change themselves. They believe that only God has the power to change people. From their own experiences, do the children believe this is correct?

When people become Christians, they invite God to change them into the sort of person which He wants them to be. Sometimes the change is instant, sometimes it takes years and years. Christians believe that God changes people by coming to live inside them. What do the children think of this idea?

When God comes to live inside a person, Christians call this, 'receiving the Holy Spirit'.

Inform the children that over the coming term, they are going to be finding out all about the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

Conclude lesson with a period of silence in which the children can either commit themselves to working hard in order to bring about the changes they desire, or, they can ask God to change them.