Peace

To explore the idea of peace in our lives

by Ronni Lamont

Suitable for Key Stage 1

Aims

To explore the idea of peace in our lives.

Preparation and materials

• Familiarize yourself with the story and 'join-in' sounds.

Assembly

1. Tell the children that you are going to tell a story and that you need their help. Practise the following sounds, explaining that they are to join in with the sound when they hear the key words.
   
   Lake: Splash, splash
   
   Sleep/Asleep/Slept: Snore, snore
   
   Wind: Ooooo
   
   Waves: Crash! Crash!
   
   Frightened: Aaah!
   
   Drown: Glug
   
   
2. Tell the following story, allowing time for the join-in sounds:
   
   One day, Jesus and his disciples, his special friends, were down by the lake. Jesus was teaching them. Lots of people had come to hear Jesus speaking, and they began to press harder and harder, crowding round Jesus, so he stepped into a boat, and taught them from the side of the lake.
   
   When evening came, the disciples realized that they and Jesus needed to cross the lake, to get to the other side.
   
   The lake was very big; in fact it was known as the Sea of Galilee.
   
   Jesus was very tired, so as they set off, he settled down in the back of the boat, and went to sleep.
   
   The wind began to get up as they got out onto the lake. The waves began to get rougher as they got out onto the lake.
   
   The wind got stronger and stronger.
   
   The waves got rougher and rougher.
   
   The disciples got more and more frightened.
   
   But Jesus slept on.
   
   The wind got stronger and stronger.
   
   The waves got rougher and rougher.
   
   The disciples got more and more frightened.
   
   Help! They yelled at Jesus.
   
   We're going to drown and you're asleep!
   
   Jesus woke up, rubbed his eyes and smiled at them.
   
   Then he stood up.
   
   Peace, be still, he said. And it was.
   
   The wind stopped.
   
   The waves grew calm.
   
   And they travelled safely to the other side of the lake.

Time for reflection

Think about the times when it seems like you're in the middle of a storm; perhaps when there are arguments or when things seem confusing and difficult or when things are frightening. Think of Jesus being there, saying, Peace, be still. Take a moment now to hear those words, and enjoy the peace they bring.

Song/music

'Peace is flowing' (Come and Praise, 144)