AGE:
Infants and Juniors |
THEME:
Ascension Day |
BACKGROUND: |
The Christian calendar follows a pattern of festivals that commemorate significant events in the Jesus story. The events surrounding the end of Jesus' life are of such importance to Christians that there is a whole season of festivals to mark these. For Christians, the season of Easter comes after a long period of preparation during Lent. After Holy Week and Easter, the season continues until Ascension and Pentecost, the festivals that round off this central period in the Christian Year.
Christians celebrate Ascension Day 40 days after Easter. The name 'ascension' comes from the accounts in the Bible in Mark's Gospel and Luke's Gospel that tell of Jesus being taken up into heaven - he ascended. You will find the Biblical accounts of the Ascension in Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:6-11. This act of collective worship focuses on the Christian celebration of Ascension Day. Christians believe that Jesus was taken into heaven by God but, through the power of the Holy Spirit, The Comforter, Jesus still gives them guidance and strength.
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PREPARATION: |
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You will need:
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SUGGESTED APPROACH: |
| LEADER: |
Have you ever watched young children taking their first steps? At first, they cling on to you as you help them along. They are often very uncertain and then gradually they become more confident and learn to walk on their own.
Can you think of some things you have learned to do for yourself?
(If appropriate, ask children to offer examples from their own experience. You could sum up by saying...)
We sometimes say that when we learn to do things for ourselves, it's like learning to stand on our own two feet.
On Thursday 1st May this year, Christians remember the time when Jesus finally parted from his closest friends and followers. The Bible tells how Jesus commanded his disciples to continue his work of preaching and teaching and then he was taken up into heaven to be with God. This is why Christians call this special festival Ascension Day.
Jesus' disciples now had to face life without their teacher and friend. They were beginning a new adventure alone. They would have to remember all the things he told them if they were to carry on his work. They could no longer go to him and ask for help. As the saying goes, they would have to stand on their own two feet.
Even though Jesus was no longer alive amongst them, they had many memories of the times they had spent together. They remembered the many stories Jesus had told, they remembered the miracles they had seen, and his words of comfort and encouragement were still fresh in their minds. In a mysterious way, it was as though Jesus was still with them, just as he promised he would be.
Christians continue to remember Jesus in many different ways. Sometimes they light a candle like this one.
Place a large candle in a central position. Light the flame.
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| READER 1: |
Jesus said to his friends, "I will be with you always." |
| READER 2: |
When the flame is burning, Christians say, "Jesus is alive."
Place a snuffer over the flame and let the smoke rise from the candle. Watch the smoke curling upwards for a few seconds in silence.
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| READER 3: |
Christians believe that Jesus went away but that, somehow, he is still with them. This is the mystery of Ascension.
Relight the candle.
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| LEADER: |
As we watch the candle flame, let's wonder together...
I wonder how Jesus' friends felt when he went away.
I wonder if they kept looking for him?
I wonder how they knew Jesus was still with them.
How do you remember your friends when they are not there?
Who gives you the confidence to do things on your own?
(The wondering can be done aloud, or these questions can be used for a silent reflection.)
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READING: |
| As an alternative to the wondering questions, read Matthew 28:16-20. |
MUSIC: |
'Lo, I am with you', a setting of Matthew 28:20, Track no.26 in Lord of All Life, CD-CM2019, Focus. Available from The Administrator, Holy Trinity Church, Eltham (020 8859 6274).
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