Aim

To explore the concept of Heaven.

Preparation

Before the lesson photocopy one worksheet for each child.

Lesson

Revise what was taught and shared in the previous lesson about 'justice'.

Inform the children that following the death of Faithful, Christian was accompanied on his journey by another pilgrim, Hopeful.

Together, they managed to escape a few tricky situations, like being held as prisoners in the Castle of Doubt, until, finally they came within sight of the Celestial City.

But before reaching the city, they had to pass through the River of Death.

What are the children's opinions of death?

Ask children to complete the worksheet. One child acts as a scribe.

Allow children time to share their responses with the rest of the class.

Following discussion, conclude the story of Christian's journey through the River of Death and into the Heavenly City.

If not already covered, discuss children's ideas about Heaven and the after life.

As the children discovered last term, the Bible describes Heaven as a city - a city in which people live together in peace, where all evil has been banished forever and where God reigns with justice.

What would such a place be like?

Activity

Using the guided fantasy script, take children on a trip to their Utopia.

Allow time for a debriefing session.

Conclusion

Conclude by encouraging the children to think of ways in which they can bring 'a little bit of Heaven' into the lives of people they know.