Road to Rome- 2011-2012 Church School for Grades 4 and 5.

LIFE IN THE EARLY CHURCH & PAUL'S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS

In today's world, it can be difficult to understand how first-century believers had to live and worship in secret. This creative program helps children experience the drama and daring of living in such dangerous times. Road to Rome is a fun, interesting way to learn about the early church, Paul & the Epistles.

Road to Rome invites participants into the life of the early church and introduces them to Christians who helped spread Christianity. The children will learn about Paul and his companions, where they traveled and how they contributed to the spread of the faith throughout the region.

They will also meet Cleon, a slave boy who escapes from his master and is taken in by a Jewish family that is in the process of becoming Christian in the face of the danger that creates for them. This story invites the children to reflect on our own culture's experience with slavery and the ways in which we experience difficult ethical decisions in our daily lives. They will also be invited to reflect on slavery in the Bible, in history and in our lives today.

Finally, The children will look at how Paul and early Christians dealt with persecution and how the church grew under their leadership. They will look at how Christianity is spread today and how they can be Christ-bearers in their own lives.

Road to Rome includes drama, meals or snacks, Jewish and early Christian worship, building a diorama, playing games and much more. It is a fun, interactive experience that teaches the Scriptures, theology, ethics and engages participants in mission and sharing the Good News in their time. Parents and adults, who are unlikely to attend adult education forums are encouraged to join the children in this adventure! This lively and engaging program makes it easy to invite friends to join the program.