Lesson 33 Going to Church Wondering and Learning We talk about “going to church.” But in a more important way, we—all of us—are the Church. The church is more than a building, and it is more than the destination where we end up on Sunday mornings. So when we “go to church,” where are we going? What are we going to? And what makes the church so special? In fact, what makes the church a church?

Growing in Faith In some ways, the church is much like God’s universe. The more we know and understand it, the richer and more wondrous it becomes. Young children are hungry for an understanding of how the world is put together. They want to make sense of the world. Perhaps that is why they like puzzles pieced together, Legos® made into grand structures, blocks stacked into buildings.

Where You’ll Find Today’s Theme In the Bible We recommend the New Revised Standard Version Bible. The story: Luke 2:41-51 (the boy Jesus in the temple) Other passages: Philippians 4:4-7 (“Rejoice in the Lord...”)

In Children’s Bibles If you plan to use a children’s Bible for storytelling, write the page numbers of today’s story in the space below.

In The Book of Common Prayer Catechism, pp. 854-855: The Church Prayer #7, p. 816: For the Church

In some ways, a child—or an adult—will eventually intuit the workings of the church. After some time in church, we will understand at some level how its worship flows, why we do certain things, what the important elements of church worship and church life are. But the more that we clearly understand, the more we can enter into church life with joy © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

2  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1

and encounter God with a joyful heart. That’s how we, along with Paul, can say, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.” We were made in the image of God, created as God’s beloved beings. We are made to be in loving relationship with God. The church helps make that happen by being a gathered community for this purpose. Jesus, the Son of God, proclaimed the reign of God to us, and we recognize Jesus as our savior and our redeemer. The church helps us to be agents of transformation, to promote the reign of God in this world as Jesus calls us to do. So in church, we learn to love God and to love our neighbors, which Jesus called the two greatest commandments.

Why do we come to church? We come to church to worship God. In large part, we think of worship in terms of the word of God and the Eucharist. But our worship of the Lord includes not only the words but also the whole experience of the liturgy: the ritual and music, the gathered community of the faithful, and the giving of ourselves in love and praise to God. Worship is not limited to the words that we hear; it encompasses the whole experience of being with God. Worship is an experience of being with God in an environment that engages all our senses: we see the stained glass, we hear the music and the word, we sing and say our responses to God, we feel the passed offering plate, we taste the bread and wine of communion. And worship is the experience of being the people of God gathered together for an hour to focus on God and God alone. This is the time that we are allowed to spend not thinking about how our friends treated us, or meals, or homework, but on renewing our relationship with God, talking to God, listening to God, getting to know God better.

What do children learn about being in church? We may not see the “results” of regular worship attendance for young children right away, or ever. The children may never articulate their experience and may never even think consciously about it. But the assumptions and the foundations of their faith being formed at this time will be ingrained into their hearts and minds and will stay with them throughout their lives. As young people and adults, they will always remember being welcomed at the table of the Lord. They will always remember that as children, they were accepted and loved in church by the adults. And they will see the church as a place where they can take their own children, because their own children will be welcomed and accepted, just as they were.

The Episcopal Thread The Episcopal Church has a unique heritage, so as Episcopalians our beliefs about church and our experiences in the church may be different from those of other denominations, even though we all share faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some distinctive characteristics of the Episcopal Church: ■■ We are a liturgical church. This means that our faith is centered on the worship of God in the church. In our worship, we create an atmosphere that enriches our experience of God. ■■ We are a sacramental church. We believe that sacraments are signs that communicate God’s presence to us, and we order our common worship around the various sacraments, especially the two main sacraments that Jesus himself commanded of us: baptism and Holy Communion (Eucharist). ■■ We are heirs to the tradition of the whole, universal Church, but we are also a member of the

© 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

3  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1

specific part of the Church called the Anglican Communion, whose heritage is the Church of England. A common feature of all churches in the Anglican Communion is the use of a Book of Common Prayer. And all churches in the Anglican Communion have a connection with the Archbishop of Canterbury. ■■ We talk about a three-legged stool upon which we base our faith: scripture, tradition and reason. This leads us to believe in balance and moderation in our beliefs and our practices. ■■ We believe that God’s creation is good, and so we honor created life. Jesus, after all, was born of a woman and became one of us. ■■ We believe in the ministry of all the baptized— that is, that all persons have a place in the ministries of the church. But we are also hierarchical, though not centralized, and we have specific orders of ministry including laity, bishops, priests and deacons. ■■ And we believe that our common life as Christians is important.

Gathering As the children enter the classroom, give them a few minutes to get comfortable and greet their classmates. With the younger children, you may want to gather them around and sing a familiar song together. Allow older children to simply visit with each other and enjoy being together.

a class picture. Have the children draw themselves, other people, the different areas of the church, etc. On pages 8-12, you’ll find several Gathering Activity handouts to use if you wish. When all the children have arrived and you are ready to begin the lesson, gather everyone together and say a simple opening prayer, such as: Lord, we thank you for your Church, and for the people in your Church who do your work. Bless those of us who are here today, and those who are absent. May we all learn to be your faithful followers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Telling the Story, Exploring the Theme Read aloud the story of the boy Jesus in the temple from a children’s Bible or tell the story in your own words. After this story, ask the children to sit quietly and think about Jesus in the temple. You may guide them just a little by suggesting they imagine themselves in the church, just like Jesus, but mostly leave the children to reflect on their own. Later, while sharing snacks, you can invite them to share their thoughts and ideas and talk about church. After a few minutes, move on to Prayer.

After a few minutes of this community-building, you might hand out sheets of paper and have the children draw a picture of their church—either the inside or the outside. For a fun activity, have them draw only the three most important things about their church. Alternatively, you could lay a large sheet of butcher paper on a table and have the children draw a single church. Each child can add to this drawing, making

© 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

4  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1

Prayer Set up a small worship center in your classroom.

Materials small table with a cloth to cover it 2 candles or a single large Christ candle matches Bible cross optional: flowers (real, fake or handmade by the children) Have the children set up a simple altar with the materials listed above. Invite them to place on the altar any drawings or crafts that they created during Gathering time. Then light the candles. Read a verse or two of scripture that will help the children connect the lesson with the Bible. If working with older children, you may expand the reading to several verses, though we suggest that you keep the reading short. For this lesson about the church, we recommend that you read a passage from the Sunday’s lectionary reading. This creates a connection between what the children are learning today about church and what the gathered church is learning in church. Or you may read a verse from today’s Bible story. Note: The church staff will be able to provide you with the lectionary reading for today. The reading can also be found in the Prayer Book under The Lectionary on pages 889-931.

Help familiarize the children with our liturgy by doing the reading as it is done in church. Read as follows: Reader: A reading from the book of (name of book): (Read the selected passage.) Reader: The word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Invite the children to sit in a circle and join in prayer. Say a brief prayer yourself then invite prayers from each child in the circle: ■■ Invite prayers of thanks for our church. Ask the children to think about what they like about their church and to give thanks for these things. It may be their friends in church, or the stained glass windows, or the friendly people, or the activities that they do. Help the children to notice or recognize their good thoughts about the church and its worship. ■■ Then invite prayers of thanks for God’s work in our lives. Allow children to share the ways in which they have been guided by God or have felt the presence of God during the past week. ■■ Welcome prayers of concern or petition. Children may offer prayers for themselves or for others in need or trouble. Help them to remember those beyond their small circle of family and friends and to pray for people in the larger community who may need our prayers and our help. ■■ Ask if anyone has had a birthday or celebrated a special day during the past week and give thanks for these special times. ■■ End the prayer time by praying together the Lord’s Prayer. Carefully extinguish the candles.

© 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

5  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1

Sharing Pass out snacks and say a simple grace, such as: God, we thank you for giving us the church, and for bringing us together as your people in this place. Bless us as we share this food together, and make us always thankful for all of the gifts that you give to us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. While sharing snacks, invite the children to talk about church. You may want to begin with the story of the boy Jesus, who wanted so much to be in his place of worship that he forgot to tell his parents where he was. You might ask: ■■ What do you think was so important to Jesus then? ■■ How do you think he felt inside the temple? Then you can talk about being in church. Ask questions such as: ■■ What do you notice about your church? ■■ What do you like about it? ■■ What do we do every Sunday in church?

© 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

6  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1

Activities: Arts, Crafts, Games, Drama, etc.

Activities for This Week’s Session

After Sharing, begin an activity to supplement and enhance today’s lesson. Suggested activities are provided at the end of this lesson on pages 8-20. Additional activity ideas can be found on pages 3-8 in the Appendix (also available for download) where we’ve provided suggestions and directions for a variety of general activities that can be adapted to any lesson. Also included are outreach and service projects that can be done at any time.

© 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

7  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1

Memorization If you want to encourage memorization, have the older children begin to learn the five promises of our Baptismal Covenant, found in the Prayer Book on pages 304-305. Children may memorize one or two questions each week.

Weaving Our Faith Our faith is woven as we integrate our love of God into our lives and as we grow further in understanding the love of God in Jesus Christ. During these weeks of learning about the church, we will also grow in faith as we grow in understanding about our church and how we belong in the church. When we understand fully how we are such essential parts of the Body of Christ in the church, we deepen the foundations of our faith.

Closing Prayer Before the children leave, say a closing prayer to send them into the church worship service or back to their homes with God’s love and blessing. The prayer can be very simple, such as this one: God our Creator, you gathered us together in your church, one people of God, one Body of Christ. All of us are your beloved children. Send us now into the world so that we can do the work that you want us to do, as your people—to serve people and to bring people closer to you. And help us to be closer to you this week, as we go about our daily business of school and family and friends. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. End the class with a dismissal that is used in church, such as: ■■ Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord. The children respond with gusto: ■■ Thanks be to God!

Before the closing prayer, take a few minutes to help the children begin this weaving process by asking them a few questions. The questions will help them summarize the lesson and say what they learned today. Ask questions such as: ■■ What did you learn today about the church? ■■ Who belongs in the church? ■■ What are the most important things we do in church? Encourage the children to remember key words from today’s lesson such as: church, worship, Episcopal Church.

© 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

G at h e r i n g Acti v ity W h at W e D o i n C h u r c h for Intermediate

We do a lot in church! Find the words listed below. What do you do in your church?



R K W I M H C S T S W P M Z C

O D Z O K B X L S N Y E A T E

R O G O R P M E K E O E O A L

R N Q U C S F Y X T Q T W E E

K F G B B N H C N S M Y U F B

E N B F O D R I B I N S C Z R

Z S I C Z E O L P L Z J Z R A

Y B P R C S B B H G J U E O T

O N F Z D I R T F N M D K E E

W U Z K U N X E V M B D W X N

F K M P H G C U A N R A E L W

J A N N X F J G Q D W I Y X P

W W E M B W B A P T I Z E R B

J H H A D J R N F F L R A H D

BAPTIZE  •  CELEBRATE  •  CONFESS  •  DRINK  •  EAT LEARN  •  LISTEN  •  PRAY  •  READ  •  SING  •  WORSHIP

8  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  | gathering activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

W N G X Y K C C Q N I Y S F M

G at h e r i n g Acti v ity T a k e M e to C h u r c h for Primary, Elementary

Find the quickest way to church. Don’t be late!

9  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  | gathering activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

G at h e r i n g Acti v ity T a k e M e to C h u r c h for Elementary, Intermediate

Find the way to church, before you’re late!

10  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  | gathering activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

G at h e r i n g Acti v ity W h at ’s i n C h u r c h ? for Elementary, Intermediate

The church is full of things that help us learn about and worship God. Find these words below. Are there any items missing from this list? Write them at the bottom of this page.



K S K E P L P B D X D G H F G

I O N I A R D P C Y O T L W L

O I O N D O I O Y K G O G E E

W Z M B C S I E Q H W S X Z K

R Y M R R B I S S E T M Y K B

H I O P R E S D R T S W N Y E

Z S L R S P Y S Q V D G B J T

S I C A C R R A J F S G R S P

P S Z Y V R E R R Y L X E X D

U J S E L D N A C P Z P A U F

C J N R I M E T B Y Q L D B A

P E W S K H K L Q S L D Y A T

P E O P L E Y A B M P K S S U

L N A G R O F K K I S Y Y C W

ALTAR  •  BIBLE  •  BREAD  •  CANDLES  •  CROSS FLOWERS  •  GOD  •  HYMNAL  •  KIDS  •  ORGAN  •  PEOPLE PEWS  •  PRAYER  BOOK  •  PRAYERS  •  PRIEST  •  WINE

11  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  | gathering activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

D V E T L A J H O Q B B T C D

G at h e r i n g Acti v ity W h at B e l o n g s i n a C h u r c h ? What do you think belongs in a church? Circle these things in the list below. What is usually NOT part of a church? Cross these things out in the list below. Could some things possibly be both? Put a question mark beside these in the list below.

Wine

Cross

Candle

Knife

Boat

Dancing

Hamburger and fries

Legos®

Cat

Skateboard

Bible 12  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  | gathering activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

B u ild Y o u r C h u r c h for Elementary, Intermediate

Children imagine they’ve just entered a brand-new land—say, on Mars. After building homes, they want to build a church so they can give thanks to God for their safe arrival. Together, they design the church that fits their group.

Materials: butcher paper crayons or markers optional: scissors, glue

Directions: You may ask a variety of children to draw the various items during this exercise. Give the children these directions: 1. Discuss and decide what kinds of things your church will need. Think about the architecture and what materials you’ll need to build it. Then think about the inside: Where do you want people to sit—in pews, on chairs or even on the floor? What about windows, crosses and other things or symbols that tell people this is a church? Where will people go for Sunday School? 2. Discuss and decide where to put the different things in the church. Where should the baptismal font go? What about the altar? the pews or chairs? Where would you put the cross? 3. Draw a large picture of the outside of your church (or any church) on the butcher paper. 4. On another sheet of paper, draw a picture of the different areas—worship, Sunday School, etc. 5. Say a prayer to dedicate your new church! Variation: Children can also draw and cut out pictures of various items that belong in a church, and then glue these in the appropriate places on the drawing.

13  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  | craft © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

H o w W e ll D o Y o u R e m e mb e r Your Church? for Elementary, Intermediate

We go to church to worship. Children discover how much they notice and remember when they’re inside the nave (the worship space) and compare their pictures at the end of the exercise.

Materials: paper, 2 sheets per child crayons, markers or pencils

Directions: Give the children these directions: 1. On one sheet of paper, draw a picture of the outside of your church (or any church). 2. On another sheet, draw the inside, where you worship. 3. (When everybody is finished, share with each other.) What did you draw that’s the same? Did anyone notice something new or different?

14  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  |  activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

Sc av e n g e r H u n t for Intermediate

Children move through the church, looking for items on a list. (This game should be played in an empty church, so people who come to pray or meditate aren’t disturbed. Alternatively, the game can be played silently—with no words, just pointing.)

Materials: “Church Scavenger Hung List” (page 16) pencils

Preparation: Make a copy of the list for each child.

Directions: The game can be played individually, as a single team, or with children divided into groups. Distribute the list of church items and a pencil to each child. 1. Instruct the children to cross off each item as they find it. Tell them it’s okay if they’re unable to find some things, and to just move on to the next item. Before they leave, remind them to be reverent (walk and use indoor voices). It may be advisable to give them a time limit. For younger children, it’s suggested that the teacher accompany, help look for the items and teach them the names of various things—altar, kneeler, etc. 2. When all items have been found, or when the allotted time is up, meet the children at a prearranged location and congratulate them on their successful search.

15  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  |  activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

C h u r c h Sc av e n g e r H u n t L i s t Directions: As you find each item, cross it off the list.

Altar

Bible

Kneeler

Candle

Hymnal

Episcopal Church shield

Flowers

Pew Baptismal font

Cross

Chalice Organ

Prayer Book

Paten Piano Altar Book

16  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  | Activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

C h u r c h “ X - r ay s ” for Elementary, Intermediate

Children create a church in transparent “layers,” somewhat like an X-ray.

Materials: white paper, 1 piece per child transparent plastic sheets, at least 2 per child permanent colored markers (won’t rub off the transparent sheets) hole punch paper fasteners

Preparation: For each child, place one sheet of white paper on the bottom, followed by two transparent plastic sheets on top. Punch a hole in one corner of all sheets and secure with a paper fastener.

Directions: Distribute one set of paper/transparent sheets to each child and invite them to make an “X-ray” of a church. Give the children these instructions: 1. On the white paper, draw an outline of the outside of your church (or any church). 2. When you’re finished with the outline of the church, draw the furnishings of the church—pews, altar, cross, etc.—on the clear plastic sheet that’s directly on top of the white paper. 3. Then, on the second clear plastic sheet that’s on the very top, draw the people in the church. Variation: Children may add more transparent sheets for additional “X-ray” pictures.

17  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  | Activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

To u r Y o u r C h u r c h

for Preschool, Primary, Elementary, Intermediate Children take a tour of the church.

Preparation: You could ask members of various ministries to lead mini tours; for example, someone from the Altar Guild could show children the sacristy, after which a church docent (if available) could talk about the stained glass windows, etc. Alternately, you can lead the children on a tour of the church.

Directions: Tell the children they’re going to learn about some interesting things/places in their church, including (as available): ■■ nave ■■ chancel ■■ altar ■■ sacristy ■■ vesting room ■■ chapel(s) ■■ kitchen ■■ any “hidden” places (for example, an old gym)

18  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  |  activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

C h u r c h “A e r o bic s ” for Preschool, Primary

We move around a lot in church. This game helps children practice church “aerobics.”

Materials: Church “Aerobics” Script (p. 20)

Preparation: Put chairs in a circle before the children arrive.

Directions: Give the children these directions: 1. In church, we move up and down a lot. We stand when we sing and when we’re praising God. We sit when we’re listening to a sermon, lesson or story. We kneel when we pray and also when we go to the altar for the bread and wine. (In many churches, people stand when praying or receiving communion; say and do according to your church practices.) So now we’re going to practice. Are you ready? 2. (After giving children instructions, read from the Church “Aerobics” Script. Instruct children to kneel, sit or stand, as directed. You may need to remind them what to do.) 3. Now we’re going to do it all over again—but faster! 4. And now we’re going to do it a third time, but even faster, so watch carefully and try to keep up! Variation: You may read the script again, but this time only showing them what to do, rather than saying “sit,” “stand” or “kneel” at the appropriate times.

19  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  |  activity © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

C h u r c h “A e r o bic s ” Sc r ipt Here we are in church, sitting in our seats. But listen! The organ is playing, and we’re about to sing a hymn. (“It’s time to stand!”) Now the music is over and we’re praying and praising God: “Glory to God in the highest!” (Remain standing.) Now it’s time for the first lesson. Someone is reading from the Bible. (It’s time to sit.) But listen—another hymn! (Stand.) Now we’re about to hear a story from the Gospel. (We stand when we hear stories from the Gospel.) After the Gospel reading, the priest gives a sermon. (Time to sit again.) Then we say the Nicene Creed. (Stand.) After the Creed, we all pray the Prayers of the People. (Kneel or stand, depending on your church.) Now it’s time to confess our sins. (Kneel or stand.) Then it’s time for the Peace. (Stand.) The Peace of the Lord be always with you! After we give each other hugs and handshakes, we sit down while our offerings are being taken. (Sit.) When these are brought up to the altar and it’s time to begin Eucharist, we stand up again. (Stand.) The priest says the prayer. (Keep standing.) After, we sing, “Holy, holy, holy.” Now the priest says the big prayer we call the Eucharistic Prayer. (Stand or kneel, depending on the individual, the church, or church custom.) Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us! Now it’s time to go up to the altar for the bread and wine. (Stand or kneel.) Then we go back to our places to pray and thank God for giving us this food. (Stand or kneel.) The priest blesses us, and listen—it’s the last hymn! (Stand.)

20  |  Lesson 33  |  Going to Church  |  Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1  |  activity continued © 2010 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.