Religious Education Unit: Primary

The Coming of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost

(Acts 2:1-13)

Resources and Links

Print material

A. Picture story books

Sammy Spider’s First Shavu’ot. Sylvia Rouss and Katherine Kahn

On-line Links

  1. Learning and Teaching activity links

Venn Diagram

All the powerpoints are available on the Westminster tab at:

B. YOUTUBE Clips:

A Pentecost story:

Use to compare to Luke’s account in Acts. What has the producer included that Luke does not have? What beliefs does this video explicitly state?

  1. Paintings

C. Songs

(suitable for prayer for staff and pupils)

Worksheets

  1. Acts of the Apostles: The Coming of the Holy Spirit(NRSV version) Acts 2:1-13
  2. Bewildered, amazed and astonished
  3. Ruach: the Spirit
  4. Y chart
  5. Webquest on the message of Jesus around the world
  6. Speeches: information for teachers and task for pupils
  7. Natural elements and the Spirit
  8. Readings for Pentecost Sunday
  9. Prayers of Intercession, Pentecost Sunday
  10. What does Luke tell us about the Spirit?
  11. World Council for Churches week for Christian Unity
  12. Structure of an argumentative essay.

Worksheet 1:

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-13

This text comes from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

5Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ 13But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

Worksheet 2

Bewildered, amazed and astonished

Luke describes the crowd in verses 5-13 as bewildered, amazed and astonished. What did they see and hear? Record what the disciples told them.Needs drawings
Worksheet 3

Ruach: The Spirit….from the First Testament.

For Jewish people God is the Spirit and the Spirit is God – there is no separation in either the language or concept.

Jesus would have spoken of the Spirit as ‘ruach’ a Hebrew word meaning ‘breath’ or ‘wind’. Hebrew, like French, gives gender to its nouns, and ruach is a feminine word so some people call the Spirit, ‘she’.

In Hebrew, the Holy Spirit is Ruach ha kodish – the Spirit which is holy or sacred.

In Genesis, the Spirit (translated in some Bibles as ‘wind’), hovers above the chaos before creation begins (Genesis 1:2).

In Isaiah it is the Spirit who will rest on God’s chosen one bringing wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear (awe) of the Lord. (Is 11:2).

Which image do pupils prefer? What does each one teach us about the Spirit?

The image of the Spirit as wind which blows beyond our control at its own will, filling every corner of creation and leaving no part untouched by its power…..

OR

The image of the Spirit as breath, which breathes life into us; life which enable us to think, speak and be different?

Draw, paint, or sculpt the Spirit in these two scenes.

Worksheet 4

Y Chart

Feels like

Sounds like Moves like

The Spirit is like…… because it……

Worksheet 5

Where has the message of Christ gone in the world?

Webquest!

This worksheet requires pupils to access the internet. You may be able to link this activity to Maths or IT.

Key Question: Who are the World Council of Churches?

Research sites: What does the WCC believe and do?

What is the WCC symbol?

Scroll over the map of the world and find the eight regions. Divide the class into pairs and allocate a region to each pair. (Some pairs will be working on the same region.)

Each pair should:

Identify the REGION they are working in.

For each REGION, choose one COUNTRY. (pairs working on the same region do different countries)

Find out what percentage of the population of the country are CHRISTIAN

Find out how manyChristians in that country are CATHOLIC

Choose one WCC member church in that country, go to their website and find one piece of information about them (their logo; motto; a statistic etc)

Discuss:

  • What country has the biggest/smallestPERCENTAGE of Christians?
  • What country has the biggest/smallest NUMBER of Catholics?
  • What similarities and differences are there between ChristianChurches around the world?
  • What common beliefs do all Christians share?

Worksheet 6

A Speech: Information for teachers.

In the ancient world an author used a speech to communicate more deeply to their audience. In a speech they could explain what was happening or talk about the implications of what was going on. They could even predict what would happen in the future.

There were two rules when writing a speech:

  • Make sure that the speech suited the character and their subject (language and tone)
  • Show off your writing skill!

Luke’s use of speeches

Luke uses speeches throughout his Gospel and the book of Acts. In Acts they allow Luke to comment on what is going on and to explain why it is happening.

Usually, Luke’s speeches explainthe present and predictthe future. They also allow him to state what he believes.

Examine Peter’s speech to the crowd immediately after the Coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14b - 36

Peter’s speech is written carefully to explain and persuade (iejustify or prove his point of view!)

Versus 14b-15 Peter rebuts the rumour that the disciples are drunk!

Verses 16-21He explains what is happening. To prove his case he uses a quote from Joel.

Verses 22-24He reminds them of what has happened

Verses 25-28He quotes from King David as his evidence that this was expected

Verses 29-31More explanation

Verse 31Another quote from King David

Verses 32-33Explanation

Verse 34A final quote from King David

Verses 36Peter sums up – and states his belief

Use the sheet below to have pupils write a speech.

Speech writing!

Use the scaffold below to help write a speech for Luke.

Write as if you have been with the disciples throughout the ministry of Jesus and that you were there when the Spirit came.

There are only two rules:

  • Write as if you were a disciple (someone who believes Jesus was God in human form)
  • Show off your writing skill!

1. Rebut the accusation that the disciples are drunk!

2. State what has happened – the ‘facts’

3. Link what has happened to something Jesus said was going to happen (use a quote if you can)

4. Explain what has happened (why did it happen)

5. Sum up! What does all this show about Jesus? ….use the phrase, ‘and so we know now that Jesus….’

Worksheet: 7

Natural Elements and the Spirit

Genesis tells us that the Spirit was present before and during creation. The Spirit is present in all of creation – fire and wind being only some of the ways we could think of the Spirit. Look at the images in creation on the powerpoint and decide what they tell us about the Spirit.

Part of Creation / How is the Spirit like this? / How is the Spirit different? / What do we learn about the Spirit from this part of creation?

Worksheet: 8

Readings for Pentecost Sunday

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103:1. 24. 29-31. 34. R. v.30

Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:3-7, 12-13ORGal 5:16-25

(These letters are from Paul to the communities at Galatia and Corinth.)

Gospel: Jn 20:19-23ORJn 15:26-27; 16:12-15

What new information to we get from these readings?

  • About the Holy Spirit?
  • About how we should act after receiving the Holy Spirit?

Worksheet: 9

Prayers of Intercession Pentecost Sunday

Adult version:

Reader:That the Church will hear and proclaim, in every language, Christ’s message of hope to all peoples.

In the Spirit we pray:

All:Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader:That those who seek peace will more actively promote unity and reconciliation.

In the Spirit we pray:

All:Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader:That those who hunger for spiritual meaning will have their hearts opened by the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.In the Spirit we pray:

All:Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader:That those who have been sealed with the Holy Spirit will live out their baptismal commitment of love and service.In the Spirit we pray:

All:Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader:That Christians will work to become one in the body of Christ.In the Spirit we pray:

All:Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader:That those who serve this community in liturgical ministry will be renewed and strengthened.In the Spirit we pray:

All:Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader:That the sick will be comforted by Christ’s peace, including N ...In the Spirit we pray:

All:Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader:That the dead will inherit the promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus, including N ...In the Spirit we pray:

All:Lord, hear our prayer.

Children's Version

We pray for our world, for all those who do not know God, for the church and all who believe in Jesus.

We pray for those who are sad, lonely, hungry or neglected.

We ask that the Holy Spirit fill our world and our hearts with joy and hope and peace.

Worksheet: 10

What does Luke tell us about the Spirit?

Read Acts 2:2-3 where Luke describes the arrival of the Spirit. Luke tells us that:

  • The Spirit comes…..suddenly…
  • From…..heaven…
  • Like…a violent wind…
  • And …..divided tongues of fire…

As a result of the Spirit’s arrival, the disciples were moved to act: specifically to preach.

Your task:

Think of our world now and find some spirit filled people. In an extended piece of writing, identify this person, describe what they do, why they do it and what it tells us about the spirit.

Finish your writing with a rewriting of Acts 2:2-3.

In the life of……..the Spirit comes ______, from ______, sounding like______and

looking like______.

Worksheet: 11

WCC week for Christian unity

The WCC Week for Christian Unity in the northern hemisphere is in January. In the southern hemisphere it is the week of Pentecost. Here is part of the prayer all ChristianChurches use that week.

For the Church, the Body of Christ, that we might truly live the unity we receive through the Holy Spirit. God our strength: C:Change us by your grace.

L: For the leaders of our churches that they may be faithful to the unity to which all Christians are called. God our strength: C:Change us by your grace.

L: For the nations of the world, that they may live in peace with one another and promote justice for all. God our strength: C:Change us by your grace.

L: For all people, that we may be good stewards of the earth. God our strength: C:Change us by your grace.

L: For the people of our society, that we may be transformed to live as caring neighbours to each other. God our strength: C:Change us by your grace.

L: For the sick and suffering, that they may be transformed by your healing presence. God our strength:

C:Change us by your grace.

L: For all families and households, that their struggles and joys may find their fulfilment in your love. God our strength: C:Change us by your grace.

L: For the dying, that they may be comforted by your presence.God our strength: C:Change us by your grace.

L: Lord, stand in our midst and grant us unity and peace.

C:Amen.

Worksheet 12

Structure of an argumentative essay

1. An argumentative essay begins with a statement of what the writer believes with regard to the topic.

Christians sometimes call Pentecost the Birthday of the Church. I do not think this is a good title.

2. Then it contains two or three paragraphs giving reasons or evidence for the position taken. It might also say why arguments against the position are not considered accurate.

eg

At a birthday we….

In Acts, Luke tells us that …

When we celebrate Pentecost at Church now we….

Pentecost is different from a birthday as it...

3. An argumentative essay concludes by restating the position

Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. It should not be called the birthday of the Church because….

NOTE: To achieve AT 1 (i) Level 5, pupils must engage with two or more sources. EG They must have one paragraph which describes and explains the Scripture passage in Acts and another paragraph which describes and explains our celebration of Pentecost now. They must use both these sources to argue their point.

The paragraph on the Pentecost liturgy could be used to assess AT 1 (ii). Depending on what is included, it could be Level 2, 3 or 4. (See Agreed Understandings)

© Acts 2: 1-13 The Diocese of Westminster. March 2012