Summer Term 2

In the collective worship box each week

Cloth with the colour of the Church year ( this week is green)

• Bible
• Cross
• Candle

For this week –  2 lego figures to represent Jesus and John,  a bowl of water or some blue cloth to represent the river, a picture of a dove 

Making links

This connects with the concept of Gospel and panel 6 of the Understanding Christianity frieze you could include the gospel concept symbol in your box.  

Further resources

You could link back to page 6-7 of Bible infographics for kids that we used at the beginning of the year as a reminder about the Bible as a whole and the Old and New Testament

Here is a video version of the story you could use

Play Video

The Baptism of Jesus

You could use the Rhyming Bible ‘Fill in all the valleys’ version of the story 

Digging deeper and learning more

The Gospel of Luke provides the most detail about the birth of Jesus and his childhood, but even that it pretty sparse. Indeed in his record of Jesus’ life Mark chooses to omit any reference at all, opening with a very brief account of John the Baptist’s activities. John like the prophets before him sought to remind his hearers of their responsibility both to God and other people and to change direction. When Jesus appeared in the crowds John was perplexed, asking why he needed to be baptised as he had no need to change his behaviour. Jesus insisted and John obediently followed the ritual of dipping him under the water of the Jordan river, an action that symbolised the making of a new beginning. Some people standing by reported that they heard a voice proclaiming that Jesus was God’s son and saw a dove resting on his head. This symbolic act of obedience to God’s command marked the beginning of Jesus public ministry. No longer a carpenter Jesus embarked on his travelling teaching ministry.

Set up your worship table or centre of the class circle with the ordinary time (green) cloth and take out the Bible, cross and light candle.  

Opening responses

If you have school responses or opening words for collective worship say them together or say the following:

We take out the Bible 
And think about God the Father
We take out the cross 
And think about God’s son, Jesus
We light the candle
And think about God , the Holy Spirit

Setting the scene – Make connections 

Today we are moving to a new part of God’s big story – not only are we moving to a new book but we are moving to a new testament – the new testament.  Christians believe that the 27 books in the New Testament continue the story of God’s plan that was told in the Old Testament. Christians also believe that Jesus is the special person that the prophets (remember them!) spoke about and people were waiting for at the end of the Old Testament books.

The first four books, (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) focus on Jesus’ life and work and are told by people who were there at the time. These books are known as the ‘Gospels’ which means ‘Good News.’   We are starting our journey through the gospels and learning about Jesus in the book of Mark.  

We are joining the story of Jesus at the beginning of his public life.  (you could do some recall questions linked to Jesus birth and childhood to set the scene) 

If you are using this for class worship – take out the items in the box (see notes for the teacher) and place them in the centre

Big question – looking at the clues in the box, I wonder what our story might be about today?  

Read  Mark 1:1-11

The Lion Storyteller Bible – Jesus is baptised

You can use the items in the box to help tell the story.  As you read the story pupils could shout every time its says John shouted

A brief overview for the teacher 

John the baptiser was a prophet, recalling people to the proper worship of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He taught that people should not cheat, lie or steal and always honour God. Many went to see him and often, as a sign of their changed direction in life, they would choose to be baptised in the water of the Jordan river. When Jesus appeared in the crowds John was puzzled and at first refused to baptise Him as He had no need to change. But Jesus insisted and John duly ducked him under the water, a picture of new birth. Some people standing by reported that they heard a voice proclaiming that Jesus was God’s son and saw a dove resting on his head. This symbolic act of obedience to God’s command marked the beginning of Jesus public ministry. No longer a carpenter Jesus embarked on his travelling teaching ministry.

Wondering questions 

I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
I wonder what part of the story was the most important?
I wonder what John meant when he talked about the ‘kingdom of God’?
I wonder why some people might of thought John was the special one that God was sending that the prophets had talked about?
I wonder how John felt when he realised he was about to baptise Jesus, the son of God?
I wonder why Jesus wanted to be baptised?
I wonder how Jesus felt when he heard the words “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”?  ( in the story it is written as ‘well done son, I’m proud of you, you really are someone special’)
I wonder how Jesus felt knowing this was the beginning of his role in telling everyone about God?

Reflection activity :

You will need dove outlines for each pupil.

Christians believe that the dove was a symbol that God through the Holy Spirit was with Jesus Guiding him as he embarked on this new journey and helping Jesus to do the right thing.

Who supports and guides you and helps you to do the right thing?

Write their name on the dove outline and if you want to say a thank you prayer for them.

Prayer

Dear God thank you for today’s story and the example of Jesus.  Thank you for the people in our lives that guide us and help us to do the right thing. Amen

In the collective worship box each week

Cloth with the colour of the Church year ( this week is green)

Bible

Cross

Candle

For this week –  some net, a toy boat, 12 Lego figures for the disciples, 1 Lego figure for Jesus, some paper fish, blue cloth for the sea

Making links

This connects with the concept of Gospel and panel 6 of the Understanding Christianity frieze you could include the gospel concept symbol in your box.  

Further resources

Here is a video version of the story you could use 

Play Video

Jesus Calls Peter

You could also use this video to introduce learning on the disciples

You can also use pages 48-49 of Bible Infographics for kids to explore the disciples

Digging deeper and learning more

As he began his ministry Jesus selected twelve companions, the disciples. Some like Andrew and John were fishermen, while Levi, also known as Matthew was a despised tax collector. During the three years that they travelled together Jesus taught them many things, but the gospel writers make it clear that they did not always understand what was happening, or was being said. As an itinerant preacher there was much interest amongst the religious community, but Jesus habit of mixing with ordinary people caused them much offence. The fact that many of his disciples were untutored was probably another issue that distressed them. It was Jesus’ teaching that caused them the greater problem. When, in a very crowded domestic setting, a paralysed man was lowered through a hole in the roof, Jesus immediately offered forgiveness. This shocked them as it was an implicit claim to divinity, you can imagine the consternation it caused when Jesus followed this up by curing the man who was able to walk away carrying the mattress that he had lain on.

Set up your worship table or centre of the class circle with the ordinary time (green) cloth and take out the Bible, cross and light candle.  

Opening responses

If you have school responses or opening words for collective worship say them together or say the following:

We take out the Bible 
And think about God the Father
We take out the cross 
And think about God’s son, Jesus
We light the candle
And think about God , the Holy Spirit

If you are using this for class worship – take out the items in the box (see notes for the teacher) and place them in the centre

Big question – looking at the clues in the box, I wonder what our story might be about today?  

Make connections 

Today we are continuing to learn about Jesus and the gospels but we are looking at a story in a different book, another gospel – can anyone remember what the word gospel means?  (good news)  Today our story is from the gospel of Luke.

In our story today Jesus chooses his helpers – called disciples – who will help him do his work sharing the message about God.  In this story we focus on Peter, James and John.  Jesus chose 12 helpers who might not be who you’d expect….

Read  Luke 5

The Lion Storyteller Bible – Jesus’ special friends

You can use the items in the box to help tell the story.  

A brief overview for the teacher 

The four gospels each offer a slightly different perspective of the life of Jesus, and often recall different events. Doctor Luke manages to record lots of details, apparently taken from eyewitnesses, and reports on Jesus gathering his twelve special companions. They came from many different backgrounds, Levi, or Matthew, was a despised tax collector employed by the Roman empire, while Peter was a fisherman on Lake Galilee. From the very start of his ministry Jesus showed his care for the poor and disadvantaged, healing those who were ignored by society. He even went out of his way to spend time with those that the religious leaders of the day despised. What really appalled their religious sensibilities was his willingness to proclaim God’s forgiveness. In order to emphasise this claim he cured a man who could not walk and had been lowered into a crowded room through a hole in the roof.

Wondering questions 

I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
I wonder what part of the story was the most important?
I wonder what Jesus meant when he talked about the ‘kingdom of God’?
I wonder what it would have felt like in the crowd listening to Jesus?
I wonder what Peter thought when Jesus asked him go and catch some fish?
I wonder why Jesus chose helps like Peter, James and John?
I wonder how they felt to be chosen by Jesus to be his helpers?

Reflection activity : 

In today’s story Jesus chose his 12 friends to help him with his work.  There are always times in life when we make new friendships. What makes a good friendship? 

Look at the fish laid out on the floor and choose five qualities or characteristics that you think help make a good friendship. You can write your own on a blank fish if you would like.   

Spend a couple of minutes quietly thinking about the qualities you show as a friend and how you can be a good friend this week.

Dear God,

Thank you for today’s story on how Jesus chose his friends and helpers.  Help us to be good friends this week and show the qualities we’ve spoken about today.  Help us to look for opportunities to help each other this week.  Amen

In the collective worship box each week

Cloth with the colour of the Church year ( this week is green)

• Bible
• Cross
• Candle

For this week –  a picture of a centurion or a lego figure for the centurion and Jesus.  

Making links

This connects with the concept of Gospel and panel 6 of the Understanding Christianity frieze you could include the gospel concept symbol in your box.  

Digging deeper and learning more

When John wrote his life of Jesus he deliberately structured it around seven miraculous events, the other three gospel writers appear to record events in what appears to be some sort of chronological order. Luke recounts many of these incidents, reporting how a Roman commander, presumably seen as an enemy by many Jewish people, not only asked or help, but acknowledged that Jesus did not even have to be present. His servant was healed. In a world where disability and illness were usually accompanied by financial hardship the healing miracles of Jesus frequently focused on the poor and disadvantaged. Widow’s were dependant on their sons, the death of that child was therefore a double tragedy, it was appropriate therefore to raise that son to life again. During his time in the wilderness the temptation was for Jesus to use his powers to gain popular support. Though some of his reported miracles were clearly public demonstrations, like feeding a large crowd with a child’s picnic, they were always a response to need, rather than self-publicity.

Set up your worship table or centre of the class circle with the ordinary time (green) cloth and take out the Bible, cross and light candle.  

Opening responses

If you have school responses or opening words for collective worship say them together or say the following:

We take out the Bible 
And think about God the Father
We take out the cross 
And think about God’s son, Jesus
We light the candle
And think about God , the Holy Spirit

Big question – looking at the clues in the box, I wonder what our story might be about today?  

Make connections 

Today we are continuing to learn about Jesus and the gospels and we are looking at a story in the same gospel as last week – the book of Luke.  You could ask pupils to remind you what the word gospel means – good news.

Today we are learning about Jesus’ miracles. Jesus performed many miracles.  The gospels describe 35 times when Jesus performed miracles and tell us that there were also many more than these not written down. 

In the gospels miracles are seen as signposts that point to who Jesus really is and the power that he has. There were often many eye witnesses to the miracles and more than half of the 35 miracle were about Jesus healing the sick.

 In today’s story, Jesus performed a miracle.  He heals a centurions servant.  A centurion is a roman soldier and Jesus was a Jew.  At the time the Romans had invaded Judea and were now in charge.  Yet in this story we see that the centurion trusted Jesus and Jesus showed compassion. 

If you are using this for class worship – take out the items in the box (see notes for the teacher) and place them in the centre.

Read  Luke 7

The Lion Storyteller Bible – The centurion’s servant

A brief overview for the teacher 

It is quite possible that many more miracles were performed by Jesus than any of his biographers recorded, the one we read about are their personal selection. Luke tells of the Roman commander who sent friends to Jesus asking that he heal his servant. Even while he was on his way the message reached Jesus that his presence was not required, just his word of healing. The servant did indeed recover at that very moment; a member of the occupying army appeared to have greater faith than the religious leaders of the time. Similarly Jesus took pity on a grieving widow and restored her son to her, dealing both with her grief and financial hardship. Jesus dined with a religious leader who himself showed Jesus scant respect. When a notorious woman chose to cry at his feet, Jesus publicly offered her God’s forgiveness offending many who did not think such people deserved any consideration.

You can use the items in the box to help tell the story. 

Wondering questions 

I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
I wonder what part of the story was the most important?
I wonder what surprised Jesus in the story and why?
I wonder what this story teaches us about trust?
I wonder what this story teaches us about compassion?

Reflection activity :

 Have some pipe cleaners – enough for each pupil.  You could do this activity using play dough or plasticine instead.

Think about someone you know, someone in your family or a close friend. Maybe you know someone who needs help at the moment, or who is unwell? As you think about what makes this person special to you, make a model of them out of pipe cleaners and if you want to, say a silent prayer for them. You  could think about how you can show compassion to them and others this week.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for today’s story of the healing of the centurions servant.  Thank you we can still learn from the stories of Jesus today.  Help us to trust like the Roman Centurion did.  Help us to show compassion for others and respect people who are different to us like Jesus did. Amen

In the collective worship box each week
Cloth with the colour of the Church year ( this week is green)

• Bible
• Cross
• Candle

For this week –  different items of different value eg a watch, a book, some bread, a picture of a house or car, 2 small coins.  A bag of gold coins, a basket.

Making links
This connects with the concept of Gospel and panel 6 of the Understanding Christianity frieze you could include the gospel concept symbol in your box.

Further resources
Here is a video version of the story you could use

Play Video

The Widow's Coins Mark 12:41-44

Digging deeper and learning more
On a few occasions the gospel writers record extracts of Jesus’ teaching that have been labelled sermons, didactic monologues, but often he simple responded to questioning. It seems that religious scholars delight in debating the minutiae of belief and doctrine, parsing things down to the smallest detail. Jesus often encountered people whose questioning seemed to point to their own sophistication, demanding answers that could be very divisive, and thus turned against him. When it came to a complex question about the status of a marriage after death, the response was quite blunt. God is concerned with the living, not the dead, responded Jesus. Equally, when he was challenged to rank the ten commandments, Jesus did not engage in debate, he simply restated the Old Testament principles on which they had been formed; honour God and care for others. His teaching would frequently cut through the hypocrisy and cant of religious zealots while commending the action of the poor who offered genuine worship, as opposed to meaningless grand acts designed to enhance their status. 

Set up your worship table or centre of the class circle with the ordinary time (green) cloth and take out the Bible, cross and light candle.  

Opening responses

If you have school responses or opening words for collective worship say them together or say the following:

We take out the Bible 
And think about God the Father
We take out the cross 
And think about God’s son, Jesus
We light the candle
And think about God , the Holy Spirit

Make connections 

Today we are continuing to learn about Jesus and the gospels but we are looking at a story in a different gospel from last week –  we are going back to the book of Mark – you could ask pupils to remind you what the word gospel means – good news.

Jesus was called ‘Rabbi’ by some people.  The word Rabbi means ‘teacher’. Jesus taught people about lots of different areas of life and Jesus used stories to teach people about and help people understand God.  These stories are called parables.  

If you are using this for class worship – take out the items in the box (see notes for the teacher) and place them in the centre

Big question – looking at the clues in the box, I wonder what our story might be about today?  

You can use the items in the box to help tell the story.   Start by having some different items of different value eg a watch, a book, some bread, a picture of a house or car, 2 small coins.  Ask pupils to which has the most and least monetary value.  They could rank them.  

Today’s story is all about a question Jesus asked – who gave the most…but the answer might not be as simple as it seems. 

Read  Mark 12: 28-34 Luke 21 1-4

The Lion Storyteller Bible – the widow and the coins – also read Mark 12:28-34

A brief overview for the teacher 

Jesus wanted to ensure that people understood the truth about God and would often offer his teaching to others. One tradition of learning was in question and answer sessions, a sort of seminar; that way the teacher’s knowledge and understanding were examined and probed. His views of taxation would indicate if he was a Roman sympathiser or a nationalist; equally his perspective on the ten commandments would readily betray his view of society. In both cases Jesus chose to turn the question back on his audience, challenging their loyalty to God while still respecting the reality of the politics of the time. He quickly cut through theological arguments with a reminder that the true worship of God was all that really mattered. Much religion, then as now, was taken up with fruitless speculation about the future, again Jesus reminded his hearers that what was really important was how they lived each day

Wondering questions 

I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
I wonder what part of the story was the most important?
I wonder why Jesus told this story?
I wonder what we can learn from this story?
I wonder what this story teaches us about generosity?
I wonder who was the most generous in the story?
I wonder What question you would have asked Jesus if you were listening to him speak when he was on earth?

 You will need the coin template with enough coins for each pupil.

Have the verse ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength… love your neighbour as yourself’ displayed

I wonder how the story helps us to understand ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength… love your neighbour as yourself’ ? 

What does it mean to be generous to others?

How can you love your neighbour as yourself this week?  Write your reflection on the coin and display it in the reflection area as a reminder this week. 

Prayer – read this  prayer by St. Ignatius Loyola

Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to seek reward, except that of knowing that I do your will. Amen 

In the collective worship box each week

Cloth with the colour of the Church year ( this week is green)

• Bible
• Cross
• Candle

For this week –  some gold coins / toy money,  the numbers 5, 3 and 1

Making links

This connects with the concept of Gospel and panel 6 of the Understanding Christianity frieze you could include the gospel concept symbol in your box.  

Further resources

Here is a video version of the story you could use

Digging deeper and learning more

Three of the gospels record many of the parables that Jesus used in his teaching, John’s gospel has a much less linear structure and chooses not to use any of them. It is accepted that there are around thirty of these pithy tales, though they were rarely followed by a detailed explanation. Although these stories were originally used to illustrate a single truth over the years teachers have delighted in teasing out every last detail. The gospel writers indicate that Jesus preferred to let each individual niggle out the truth and in the light of that understanding apply it to real life. For example the parable of the three servants is part of Jesus teaching about the inevitability of God’s judgement and the need to not only be prepared but to make the most of every life opportunity offered. Other parables focus on the joy in the recovery of lost items, or guidance about how we relate to other people.

Set up your worship table or centre of the class circle with the ordinary time (green) cloth and take out the Bible, cross and light candle.  

Opening responses

If you have school responses or opening words for collective worship say them together or say the following:

We take out the Bible 
And think about God the Father
We take out the cross 
And think about God’s son, Jesus
We light the candle
And think about God , the Holy Spirit

Today we are continuing to learn about Jesus and the gospels but we are looking at a story in a different gospel from last week – we are going to the book of Matthew  you could ask pupils to remind you what the word gospel means – good news.

Big question – looking at the clues in the box, I wonder what our story might be about today?  

Make connections 

Link back to last week.  Jesus was called ‘Rabbi’ by some people.  The word Rabbi means ‘teacher’. Jesus taught people about lots of different areas of life and Jesus used stories to teach people about and help people understand God.  These stories are called parables.  Today we are going to listen to another parable and its all about money again…

If you are using this for class worship – take out the items in the box (see notes for the teacher) and place them in the centre

Read  Matthew 25:14-30

The Lion Storyteller Bible – big bags of money

You can use the items in the box to help tell the story.  

A brief overview for the teacher 

Jesus often answered questions with a story, many of which the gospel writers wrote down – stories that contained truths about God and how he wants us to live. The story of the bags of gold (or parable of the talents) takes us into another culture that we may not recognise, but the warning remains the same – are we ready. If Jesus came back today, would we be happy for him to see the way we live our lives? Jesus often used images of the sorting out between the wise and the foolish, sheep and goats, weeds and wheat. This is no random process, it is God seeing how we have kept the two great commandments – worshipping the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and caring for the rest of humanity. In God’s classic phrase, “Anything that you did for the least important you did for me.”

Wondering questions 

I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
I wonder what part of the story was the most important?
I wonder how the servants felt when they were given the bags of money?
I wonder what you would have done with the money?
I wonder what this story teaches us?

Reflection activity :

Christians believe that, like the servants in this story, we have all been given gifts. Like the servants, we too can decide whether we use them or not. 

We all have gifts that we can give to others… talents, skills, characteristics, things that we are good at.
What are your gifts? (You might want to talk about this with the person next to you.)
If you want to, you can draw or write your gifts onto the money outline as a way of saying that you will try to use your gifts to help others.

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank you for the story we have listened to today and thank you for the gifts of talents we each have. Help us all to use our gifts and talents to the best of our ability and help us to help others use their talents too.
Amen.

In the collective worship box each week

Cloth with the colour of the Church year ( this week is green)

Bible

Cross

Candle

For this week –  footsteps (symbolise journey), a torch (bright light) a blindfold

Making links

This connects with the concept of Kingdom of God and panel 8 of the Understanding Christianity frieze you could include the Kingdom of God concept symbol in your box.  

Further resources

Here is a video version of the story you could use ( first minute for the story but you can continue and learn more about Paul)

Play Video

God's Story: Paul

Digging deeper and learning more

Jesus had completed his ministry leaving it to his followers to continue the work, small groups of Followers of the Way met and began to reach out into the wider community. This was perceived as a threat to Judaism with the potential of disturbing the delicate political balance in Israel. Saul, a trained theologian, was keen to end this schism and embarked on his mission to find and imprison as many of these heretics as possible. Journeying north to Damascus his progress was halted by a vision in which he heard the voice of Jesus speaking directly to him. Blinded by the vision  he was cared for by Ananias who taught him more about Jesus’ teaching. This encounter turned his life right round and after a period of reflection and study he became one of the foremost proponents for this new faith, whose followers were being called Christians as a term of derision. As a symbol of his changed priorities he changed his name to Paul, describing himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus.

Set up your worship table or centre of the class circle with the ordinary time (green) cloth and take out the Bible, cross and light candle.  

Opening responses

If you have school responses or opening words for collective worship say them together or say the following:

We take out the Bible 
And think about God the Father
We take out the cross 
And think about God’s son, Jesus
We light the candle
And think about God , the Holy Spirit

Today we are moving to a new section of the New Testament and the story continues after Jesus death and his followers are travelling and continuing to share his teachings.  Today we are going to hear about a man called Saul.  He didn’t like Jesus followers very much until one day something unexpected happened…..

If you are using this for class worship – take out the items in the box (see notes for the teacher) and place them in the centre

Big question – looking at the clues in the box, I wonder what our story might be about today?  

Read  Acts 9 1-19

The Lion Storyteller Bible – On the road to Damascus

You can use the items in the box to help tell the story.  

A brief overview for the teacher 

Jesus had been seen alive by hundreds after his crucifixion and had returned to his home with God. His followers were no longer a handful of fearful people, now there were thousands with a God-given confidence boldly proclaiming their message of salvation. This not only disturbed the careful balance with the Roman authorities but challenged religious orthodoxy. Saul, trained as a religious scholar felt it was important to take action against these misguided people who were beginning to be nicknamed Christians. Armed with valid arrest warrants he set off towards the city of Damascus, but his progress was stopped by a light filled vision of Jesus who challenged all his carefully nurtured prejudices. Slowly he began to understand the teaching of Jesus and the meaning of his life on earth; after a long period of reflection and study he became Paul and joined the team of disciples who were promoting this life changing faith.

Wondering questions 

I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
I wonder what part of the story was the most important?
I wonder what Saul thought when the saw the light and Jesus spoke to him?
I wonder how Saul felt as he waited those 3 days?
I wonder what Ananias thought when Jesus told him the plans he had for Saul?
I wonder why Saul’s name was changed to Paul?
I wonder why Paul decided to follow Jesus?

Reflection activity :

Place a small cross and a basket of footsteps.  Allow some time for pupils to reflect on the following questions ( you could print them on to a larger footstep to display in your reflection area)

Have you been unkind or unfair towards someone? Have you done or said or even thought mean things about someone?
If you want to, pick up one of the footsteps and think about saying sorry to that person.
If you want to, you can also say sorry to God.
Take your footstep and put it beside the cross as a way of saying sorry.
(When you next see the person, you might want to say sorry to the person too.)

Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for today’s story Help us to recognise when we make mistakes and help us to put things right.  Give us the courage to change the way we think about others and help us to treat everyone with respect.  Amen

In the collective worship box each week

Cloth with the colour of the Church year ( this week is green)

• Bible
• Cross
• Candle

For this week – a scroll and a quill,  quotes from Colossians, Kingdom of God symbol from Understanding Christianity 

Making links

This connects with the concept of Kingdom of God and panel 8 of the Understanding Christianity frieze you could include the Kingdom of God concept symbol in your box.  

Further resources

Find out more about Paul in Bible Infographics for Kids Vol 1 pages 50-51

Digging deeper and learning more

The Good News of Jesus spread through the Mediterranean basin with small communities of followers established in many towns. Paul travelled extensively encouraging and sharing his knowledge, like others he also wrote letters that dealt with specific issues. Although addressed to the Christian community in a particular location it seems that these epistles were passed around more generally. These texts established the doctrinal beliefs of the faith and contain some of the earliest credal statements. Colossae was a thriving town in modern day Turkey where a small group of activists were attempting to revive some practices of Jewish ritual worship. Paul stood strongly against this, maintaining the core belief of Christianity that salvation, a right relationship with God, depended on faith alone. Although observing God’s rules was important it was not simply about following a code of religious behaviour. Paul, writing from prison, no stranger to suffering himself, warned that following Jesus could be costly. He encouraged individuals to stand firm for what they believed, reassuring them that their future with God was secure.   

Set up your worship table or centre of the class circle with the ordinary time (green) cloth and take out the Bible, cross and light candle.  

Opening responses

If you have school responses or opening words for collective worship say them together or say the following:

We take out the Bible 
And think about God the Father
We take out the cross 
And think about God’s son, Jesus
We light the candle
And think about God , the Holy Spirit

If you are using this for class worship – take out the items in the box (see notes for the teacher) and place them in the centre

Big question – looking at the clues in the box, I wonder what our story might be about today?  

Make connections 

Today we are still learning about Paul but moving to a new book in the New Testament – Colossians.  I say a book,  it’s actually a letter….When we left Paul last week he had just committed to following Jesus and telling people how to follow him.   Paul travelled to lots of places telling people about God and Jesus and this led to him being treated badly and he even ended up in Prison.   On his travels Paul wrote letter to encourage other Christians as they tried to follow Jesus even when they were being badly treated.  Some of these letters are now books of the Bible and today we are going to look at Paul’s letter to the Colossians

In Paul’s letters, he was encouraging Christians to follow Jesus and live by his example.  

Let’s look together at some things Paul said to Christians in Colossae when he wrote them a letter….

Read  take the quotes out of the box and ask different pupils to read them out (select quotes suitable for your class.  You may want to choose one or two and talk about what the words and what pupils think it means)

Wondering questions 

I wonder which you like best?
I wonder which you think is the most important?
I wonder how the people of Colossae felt when they received Paul’s letter?
I wonder what these words help us to think about?
I wonder what people might do differently if they put these words in to action?

A brief overview for the teacher

As the followers of Jesus spread around the Mediterranean, small groups of people sharing the same faith in Jesus came together. These groups met in homes and open spaces which became known as church, an assembly of like-minded people, not a building. Letters of encouragement and teaching were sent around from church to church, uniting Christians in their beliefs. Paul, wrote to the Christian community in the Turkish town of Colossae. His concern was that they did not dilute the Christian faith with a selection of different practices from other traditions. He was especially keen that they did not add extra requirements to a simple faith in the risen Jesus; things like following the correct diet or performing particular rituals. His ambition was that people should come to a mature personal faith that enabled them to treat others in the correct way and to worship the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob with honesty.

Reflection activity :

Write a letter:

Encourage pupils to spend some time thinking about the qualities they think are important, they might take some from the quotes in Colossians for example being patient or forgiving others.  If they want to pupils could write a short letter to the school community encouraging them in ‘how to live well together’  you could display these in your reflection area.

Prayer

Dear God

Help us to make decisions wisely and think about the words we use and the actions we take. Help us to show patience, kindness and gentleness this week.  Amen