Aims

To understand the experience of shared beliefs.
To consolidate familiarity with Christian beliefs.

Lesson

Begin by reviewing what was discovered in the previous lesson about the Church. Remind the children that the church is a community - a community of believers. What do the children believe ?

Use the worksheet 'We Believe' to explore the children's beliefs. (In this exercise, it is important to stress that people are entitled to their beliefs.) Which beliefs are shared by most people in the class? Adapt list accordingly.

Inform the children that a list of shared beliefs is called a Creed. This list, then, is their Class Creed.

How does it feel to know other people share your beliefs? Conversely, how does it feel to have an unpopular belief?

To bring them closer together at a time when they were suffering terrible persecution, the early Christians wrote a list of their beliefs. Christians all over the world still share these beliefs today. What do the children think these beliefs might be?

In groups, children use the second worksheet to make a list of what they think Christians believe. Encourage them to comment on these beliefs.

Discuss their responses before reading aloud the words of the Apostles' Creed.

How accurate were the children's lists? Discuss.

At many church services, Christians say the words of the Apostles Creed together. Why do the children think this is done?

Conclusion

Conclude the lesson by reciting the words of the class creed.