Submitted by
S. Daly

Age Group
8-11

Aim
To share some research into the lives of saints
To learn about some modern messengers and witnesses
To learn the difference between a messenger and a witness

Faith Group
Christian

Resources
Information books, the internet

Time of Year
After Easter
Pentecost

Other Details
Before the assembly, the children should do some research into saints, (for example a saint connected to the school or the local area), or modern witnesses, (such as Mother Teresa, Gladys Aylward etc.) The internet would be a good place to do such research.

Script
1. We have been learning about messengers and witnesses.
We learned that the Apostles witnessed the work of Jesus.
They were there. They actually saw and heard what he did.
After the resurrection, Jesus then gave them the job of being his messengers, of passing on the good news to people who did not witness what Jesus did or said. (Read Acts 1. 6-9)

2. Jesus said this to the Apostles,

JESUS: "I want you to go everywhere and tell everyone what I have
done. I have shown you how you should live. Now you must teach others to do the same."

2. He is also saying it to us today.

3. The Apostles are now dead, so we are the messengers.
Jesus trusts us to continue to pass on the message that God loves everyone.
We pass this message on by showing God's love to others, in what we say and in what we do.
This is sometimes difficult, so the Holy Spirit helps us, if we let him.

4. Lord, send your Spirit to make us witnesses before the world to the good news proclaimed by Jesus. Amen.

5. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
Enkindle in them the fire of your love.

6. We have done some research into saints and present-day Christians.
They are God's messengers, just like the Apostles were and like we are now.
They spread God's message of love and forgiveness.
Here are some things we have learned about saints and present-day Christians.

Children share their research.

7. Let us now sing "Lord, the light of your love is shining" by Graham Kendrick. (Celebration Hymnal for Everyone number 388)