Courage

COURAGE 
Week 1 - Encouraging Others
Acts 25-27 Shipwreck 
Share other stories in which a character is brave or courageous. 
 
TASK: could the children make a Courage Rossette or medal to be awarded to someone of their choice. The older children could write why they would chose to give this person their award. It might be a person from history or someone they know. 
 
Prayer: Dear God, Help us when we face problems and difficulties to be courageous and determined. When people we know are struggling, may we be ready to encourage them and help them in any way we can. Amen 
 
Week 2 - Facing our Fears with Courage 
The Story of St George - George and the Dragon
Share the story 'A huge bag of worries' by Virginia Ironside 
 
TASK: could the child role play some of the worries that Jenny has in the story and how she could deal with them. Older children could be asked to write a reflective diary to keep a record of their thoughts. 
 
Prayer: Dear Father God, Help us to know that you are close to us at all times, but especially when we are worries or afraid. Amen
 
Week 3 - Facing Bullies with Courage 
The Story of David and Goliath 
 
TASK: older children could research figures from history such as Martin Luther King or other victims of prejudice. 
 
Prayer: 
Goodness is stronger than evil,
Love is stronger than hate.
Light is stronger than darkness,
Life is stronger than death.
Victory is ours through Jesus who loves us. 
Amen 
 
Week 4 - The Courage to Stand Firm 
Daniel and the Lions 
 
TASK: younger children could re-tell the story using finger puppets whilst older children look at news reports on any recent stories where people are willing to put themselves in danger for the sake of a cause they believe in. 
 
Prayer: Father God, Today we remember those who are not free to worship you openly. We [pray for people and organisations that work to keep the light of hope burning for those unjustly imprisoned. Give courage to be prepared to stand up for what is right. Amen. 
 
Week 5 - Courage to make the first move 
'The Selfish Crocodile' by Faustin Charles and Michael Terry 
 
TASK: make a card for a friend and say why they are special to them. Forolder children they could find out more about a charity; local or globally, that help to support others in need. 
 
Prayer: Dear God, Help us today to have the courage to show friendship to someone in school or in our community who might be lonely, Amen 
 
 
 
Bible Stories linked to the Value
Moses and the Burning Bush    -   Exodus 2-4
The Battle of Jericho  - Joshua 3,5,6
A Test of Courage  -  Esther 2-9
Spreading the Good News  -   Acts 9,11,13 
 
Fictional Books linked to the Value
The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside 
The Owl who was afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson 
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson 
The War of Jenkins Ear or Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo 
 
Buddhist Stories
Angulimala, the Robber
Hindu Stories 
Rama rescues Sita
Jewish Stories 
Judah saves the Jews
Sikh Stories 
The Donkey and the Tiger Skin