A Great Friend

An assembly from the Culham St Gabriel archive

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To consider that Jesus was a good friend and showed this by helping others.

Preparation and materials

• Prior to the assembly, ask each class to decide upon their favourite Bible story about Jesus helping other people. Ask them to be ready to have a few children perform a quick sketch of the story or for someone to quickly tell or read the Bible story.

Assembly

1. Invite the children who are taking part in the assembly to come forward to perform their sketch or read/tell the Bible story.
   
   
2. Point out that in each of these stories, Jesus helps someone in need. Discuss how Jesus helps in each story and what effect this has.
   
   
3. Ask the children if they can think of any times when someone has really helped them.
   
   Listen to a range of responses.
   
   
4. Ask the children if they can think of things that they could do to help other people today. Suggest different people, such as parents, teachers, friends and so on.
   
   
5. Explain that Christians believe that Jesus can still help them today. They also believe that Jesus is a true and loyal friend who will stick with people through every situation in their lives.

Time for reflection

Ask the children to think back to their favourite story about Jesus helping someone.

Ask the children to decide to do something that they wouldn’t normally do that will help someone today.

Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for your promise that you will always be there for us.
Thank you that you keep your promises.
Please help us always to be on the lookout for ways to help other people.
Help us to care for others.
Help us to show love.
Amen.

Song/music

‘God has promised’ (Come and Praise, 31)