2
Standing up for Peace
Aim
To relate the concept of peace to the previously explored concept of justice.
Lesson
Begin by revising what was taught in the previous lesson about forgiveness.
Share with children the full text of the final two Beatitudes.
Happy are those who work for peace,
they shall be called God's children.Happy are those who risk danger to do what is right,
they shall live in God's kingdom.
Discuss peace with the children.
- Can they define it?
- Is it more than just the end of war?
- Who are the peace makers in the class?
- How can the school become a more peaceful place?
Activity
Following discussion, groups of children could:
- read about Terry Waite or Martin Luther King.
- read the story of Jesus stilling the storm. (Mark 4:35-41)
- make a list of different definitions of peace.
- compose some peaceful music.
- design a peaceful space for the school.
- make a list of the qualities of a peace-maker.
- look at the different symbols of peace.
Conclude by informing children about the sign of peace which Christians offer each other during their Sunday services. Offer each other the sign of peace.
