Workshop 11: Christianity 1 Part of Building Bridges In This Section Introduction From Building Bridges For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John 3:16 (KJV) Introduction This workshop introduces Christianity, the largest religion in the world. A branch of the Abrahamic line, Christianity... Spiritual Preparation From Building Bridges Spiritual preparation for the two workshops on Christianity may be challenging, particularly for those with Christian "baggage." It is important to be at peace with your own history in order to fairly present this material and effectively facilitate youth's understanding of Christianity. This... Welcoming and Entering From Building Bridges Materials for Activity Several copies of Leader Resource1, Patron Saints Scissors Safety pins, straight pins or clips Preparation for Activity Print a copy of Leader Resource 1, Patron Saints, for every two or three participants. Description of Activity Participants examine a sampling of patron... Opening From Building Bridges Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Chalice, candle, lighter or LED/battery-operated candle Leader Resource 2, Christianity Background Preparation for Activity Post two sheets of newsprint visible to all participants.... Activity 1: Story - The Life of Jesus of Nazareth From Building Bridges Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Story, "The Life of Jesus of Nazareth" Blank rubber or silicon wristbands, available online at RubberBraceletsTheAwristocratWristbandWarehouse... Activity 2: Jesus, the Storyteller From Building Bridges Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 3, Parables Optional: Box of costumes Preparation for Activity Cut apart the parables. If your congregation has a box of miscellaneous costumes, make it available. It is best if groups have private space to rehearse.... Activity 3: The Sermon on the Mount From Building Bridges Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 4, Beatitudes Handout 1, Lord's Prayer Preparation for Activity Cut the chart in Leader Resource 4 into pieces by cutting along all the lines. Keep the slips from Column A separate from Column B. Description of Activity Participants... Activity 4: The Good News is Spread From Building Bridges Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 5, Pentecost and Damascus Preparation for Activity Read Leader Resource 5, Pentecost and Damascus, until you are comfortable presenting it.... Activity 5: Fact Sheet From Building Bridges Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 3, Christianity Fact Sheet A poster of the Principles Preparation for Activity Note that in this workshop, the group has a short time to review the fact sheet. In the second Christianity workshop, they will have more time.... Activity 6: Time Line From Building Bridges Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Religions Time Line Sticky notes and fine point markers World map or globe Preparation for Activity Hang Religions Time Line visibly in the meeting space. Have map or globe. Create sticky note saying, "Christianity, 30 CE." Keep it out of sight. Closing From Building Bridges Activity time: 2 minutes Materials for Activity Poster with closing words Chalice Taking It Home handout Preparation for Activity Reproduce Taking It Home. Put up poster visible to all participants if needed. Description of Activity Distribute Taking It Home. Invite participants to form a circle,... Leader Reflection and Planning From Building Bridges How did the workshop run? Did the activities work well with your group? Was there reluctance to participate in certain types of activities? Did the youth seem to grasp the concepts involved?... Faith In Action: Catholic Charities From Building Bridges Materials for Activity Paper and pens A list of Catholic service agencies in your area Optional: Computer with Internet access Preparation for Activity If you have a computer and Internet access in the meeting space, set up and test the equipment before the activity.... Alternate Activity 1: Engagement From Building Bridges Activity time: 90 minutes Preparation for Activity Arrange with a Catholic or Orthodox Church for your group to attend a Mass. Find out if services are in Latin, English, or another language. Ask if there is anything they particularly think your youth should know before attending. Instruct... Alternate Activity 2: The Jefferson Bible From Building Bridges Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Several copies of the Jefferson Bible, enough for everyone to look on and share-available through the inSpirit Book & Gift Shop Copies of a traditional Bible, such as the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.... Alternate Activity 3: From Minority to Majority From Building Bridges Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 2, Brief Overview of the Crusades Description of Activity The history of the early church is explained. Christianity begins with the birth and death of Jesus.... Alternate Activity 4: A Pentecost Play From Building Bridges Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 6, Acts 2 Red construction paper Optional: Costumes and props Preparation for Activity Construct the "tongues of flame": these are sometimes symbolized as red rose petals. Cut rose petal shapes from the red construction paper. Taking It Home From Building Bridges For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John 3:16 (KJV) DURING TODAY'S WORKSHOP... we started our exploration of Christianity by talking about Jesus: his life and words. We acted out parables... The Life of Jesus of Nazareth From Building Bridges Adapted from Christian scripture, New Revised Standard Version.Jesus of Nazareth, baby of a poor Jewish family, was born in a stable in Bethlehem in the region of Galilee. His parents, Mary and Joseph, had traveled there as required by law for the Roman census.... Handout 1: Lord's Prayer From Building Bridges Adapted from Christian scripture, various editions.Matthew 6:9-13 9 This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.... Handout 2: Brief Overview of the Crusades From Building Bridges The Crusades (1095-1291 CE) were a series of military campaigns by Christians primarily against the Muslims holding Jerusalem. The purpose was to regain control of Jerusalem—called the "City of God" by Christians—the city where Jesus had taught and was crucified. Muslims were equally determined... Handout 3: Christianity Fact Sheet From Building Bridges Founded/Created: 30 CE (crucifixion of Jesus) Adherents: 2.1 billion — 1.13 billion Catholics; 225 million Orthodox; 970 million Protestants Ranking: First; the most populous religion on earth. Catholicism alone would be second, behind Islam Prophets: Jesus of Nazareth, called Jesus Christ Texts:... Leader Resource 1: Patron Saints From Building Bridges One unique feature of Catholicism is its saints. Thousands of people have been sainted by the Catholic Church, meaning they are officially recognized as exemplars of Christian faith, having exhibited the power of God in their lives in remarkable ways.... Leader Resource 2: Christianity Background From Building Bridges (Label a sheet of newsprint "Christian Beliefs.") Ask participants what Christians believe. List their responses on newsprint. Remind participants if necessary that we are not critiquing the beliefs. Make sure the following are included: One God — the God of Abraham Trinity -- does not appear in... Leader Resource 3: Parables From Building Bridges From Christian scripture, New Revised Standard Version. 1. Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) "He put before them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of... Leader Resource 4: Beatitudes From Building Bridges From Christian scripture, New Revised Standard Version. A B Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after... Leader Resource 5: Pentecost and Damascus From Building Bridges Part 1: Pentecost The most sacred season of the Christian liturgical year surrounds the story of the resurrection of Jesus. Holy week, the week before Easter, chronicles Jesus' triumphant return to Jerusalem, his Last Supper with the Apostles, his betrayal by Judas, his trial and his execution on... Leader Resource 6: Acts 2 From Building Bridges Acts 2: 1-24, 32-33, and 36-47, New Revised Standard Version. Here is an excerpt of the scriptural story of Pentecost: When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.... Find Out More From Building Bridges Study Jesus has Christian stories and study guides. The Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship is an organization for UU Christians. Visit their website to get more information about the relationship between these two religions. Well researched commentary on what the Bible says about helping... PREVIOUS: Find Out More About Buddhism UP: Building Bridges NEXT: Introduction Download all of Building Bridges (Word) to edit or print.