Aim

To introduce the act of worship known as 'The Stations of the Cross'.

Lesson

Begin by reminding children what was taught in the previous lesson about worship. This half-term, they are going to be thinking about other different ways in which Christians worship God. Invite children to suggest some of these other ways. These might include - ritual, art, music, singing, dance, drama, architecture, poetry, etc.

Inform the children that as Easter is approaching, they are going to be concentrating on one form of worship to do with this most important time for Christians. During Lent and Holy Week, many Christians in Britain and elsewhere in the world, take part in a ritual called 'Visiting the Stations of the Cross'.

(Note: This ritual is not as important as Holy Communion, but it lends itself beautifully to an exploration by all the different art forms.)

Share with children the texts and an illustrated set of the Stations of the Cross. The following texts are provided.

• The Stations of the Cross
• The 14 Stations of the Cross
• Stations of the Cross in the Bible

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could:

• create one Station of their own design.
• consider other images of Jesus.
• choose the Station which most appeals to them and write about it.