Grade 5 CRE The Church – The Early Church Notes
The Early Church
Subject: CRE — Topic: The Church — Subtopic: The Early Church (for age 10)
1. What was the Early Church?
The Early Church was the first group of Christians who followed Jesus after he rose to heaven. They met to pray, learn from the apostles, and help one another. Much of what we know comes from the book of Acts in the Bible.
2. Important events (short and simple)
- Pentecost: The Holy Spirit came to the believers (Acts 2). They began to speak and many people became Christians.
- Apostles preaching: Peter and other apostles told people about Jesus. Many people believed.
- Sharing and caring: Christians shared food and helped the poor.
- Choosing helpers: Deacons were chosen to help the leaders (like Stephen).
- Mission work: Paul travelled to many places to tell others about Jesus.
3. How they lived and worshiped
- They met in homes and in the Temple.
- They prayed together and sang songs.
- They learned from the apostles' teaching.
- They "broke bread" (shared meals, including the Lord's Supper) and helped people in need.
4. Leaders of the Early Church (simple)
- Apostles: The first leaders who learned from Jesus.
- Elders/Presbyters: Older Christians who taught and cared for the church.
- Deacons: Helpers chosen to look after the daily needs and the poor.
5. Problems they faced
The Early Church grew fast. Some people were afraid and some arrested Christians. But the church kept growing because people kept telling others about Jesus.
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6. What the Early Church teaches us today (in Kenya)
- Meet for worship: Many Kenyan churches meet on Sunday for ibada (worship) and Sunday school.
- Help others: Like the Early Church, Kenyan Christians share food and help neighbours in need.
- Learn from the Bible: Children go to Sunday school to learn stories from the Bible and sing songs.
- Work together: Church leaders and helpers serve the church and the community.
7. Memory verse (short)
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship." — Acts 2:42
(In Swahili: "Walikuwa wakiishi pamoja, wakifundishwa na mitume..." — simple idea for kids.)
8. Small activities for class or home
- Draw the fish sign (Ichthys) and write "Jesus" inside it.
- Role-play: One child is an apostle telling a friend about Jesus.
- Make a kindness list: 5 ways you can help someone at home or in church.