This R.E. lesson plan looks at:
a) What could be in a place of Christian worship?
b) Does the design of a Church building create a certain atmosphere?
c) What does a church service look like - role play through some of the main elements of a service.
1. There are 3 alternatives for this Lesson
[1] Pretend that the classroom is a church and run through
some of the elements that make up a church service.
[2] Organize a visit to a local Church. (These can be found in
the yellow Pages under 'Places of Worship’.)
[3] Visit:
www.request.org.uk/main/churches/buildings/buildings.htm
then click on the menu which says: 'Church Buildings' and
follow it right through to it's end by pressing the 'next'
buttons. (It's got a lot of good pictures showing the
comparisons between an Anglican Church and a Baptist
Church). Then follow 'Things you may find in a Church
Building.’
Also you could use Worksheet 3. This has pictures of some
things which may be found in a Church building and has a
Church layout.
Teachers note:
Topics we will look at
See more Free Lesson Plans at: https://notmanywise.uk
Places of worship free lesson plan keystage 2
[i]
2. Take note:
'Church' is
not only a
building but a
group of
Christians
meeting
together.
Christians can
worship God
anywhere, so
a church
building is
not essential
to worship.
Does the design of a Church building create a certain atmosphere?
[ii]
3. Set out part of the classroom
like an Anglican Church
We need some participants:
A vicar
A steward
Musicians
The congregation
1) The Vicar is in the vestry (a room next to the main church area).
2) The musicians are playing some music.
3) The congregation comes in through the porch and are greeted by the steward.
4) The people sit on the pews. (Many churches don't have pews, they have ordinary chairs instead).
5) The Vicar walks from the vestry and welcomes everyone from the front.
6) The Vicar will now lead the Service.
(The order of the Service may be taken
word for word from a Prayer Book by the
Vicar or person taking the service, or just
a few items can be read and the rest will
be more informal and not set.
A regular custom is for the wording in
plain type to be said by the leader, and
bold type said by the congregation)
[iii]
4. [iv]
7. The Vicar could say a declaration:
“Christ the light of the world,
has come to dispel the darkness of our hearts.
In his light let us examine ourselves
and confess our sins.”
8. A song or hymn can be sung by everyone.
The next slide has a hymn from YouTube.
(You don’t have to play all of it.
After it has finished, press the ‘Escape’ key and then carry on with the slides).
Everyone tends to stand up to sing the songs:
5.
6. [iv]
9. A Creed can be said by the congregation (which is a declaration of faith).
Many people stand up to say a Creed. This is an example of a Creed:
“Let us declare our faith in God.”
“We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God;
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.”
7. 10) The Vicar gives a talk (known as a sermon or message), which should be
based on a reading from the Bible.
In the past, this sermon was given from the pulpit, but often now the Vicar
remains where he or she is.
11) Many churches are family friendly and have a children’s talk which you
can listen to on the next slide from YouTube:
Also, there can be a children’s song. One is on
the slide after the children’s talk:
[i]
[v]
10. [i]
12) The Vicar ends the service. Here’s an example prayer:
“Be with us Lord, as we go out into the world.
May the lips that have sung Your praises, always speak the truth;
may the ears which have heard Your Word, listen only to what is good,
and may our lives as well as our worship, be always pleasing in Your sight,
for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen ”
13) Everyone leaves the church.
Often everyone goes to have a drink,
biscuits and a chat!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
[vi]
11. [vii]
Roman Catholic Churches tend to be very
ornate, they have a lot of visual things like
statues and the services are very formal
and set, being written in a book.
Some Anglican Churches can be very similar
to this, whilst others have fairly plain
buildings and may have informal services.
How different Churches do things:
12. [viii]
The Methodist, Baptist, United Reform Churches (and others) tend to meet in buildings which
don't have a spire or tower, and often the building is known as a 'Chapel’.
The services are not read from a book, although many are very set by traditions, whilst others
have informal services.
Many new, non-traditional, Christian groups
meet in schools and halls with very informal
services.
In other words, there are many different
Churches which do the same things
in different ways!
13. [ix]
How should you behave in a place of worship?
Show respect to
God
You should be
able to express
joy
Show excitement
Be sorrowful in
quietness
Aim to not
offend other
people
14. All imagesunder CC BY-SA-NC
[i] File:Taney Church, Dundrum, Ireland.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
[ii] https://pixnio.com/free-images/architecture/cathedrals-churches/anglican-
christ-church-corner-stirling-highway.jpg
[iii] https://www.gettysburgdaily.com/the-candlelight-program-at-
gettysburg%E2%80%99s-christ-lutheran-church-the-stories/
[iv] Vicar (Anglicanism) – Wikipedia
[v] 5 Tips To Help Parents Improve Their Children’s Academic Performance
(romancemeetslife.com)
[vi] Revive & Rejuvenate: Competition: Harvest Festival Bake-off!
(reviveandrejuvenate.blogspot.com)
[vii] church-altar-1351681789JjZ.jpg (1920×1440) (publicdomainpictures.net)
[viii] Billingshurst Unitarian Chapel - Billingshurst Unitarian Chapel – Wikipedia
[ix] 5206722465_b71e0a8357_b.jpg (1024×683) (staticflickr.com)
Photo credits: