Bible Stories for Kids - The Early Church

After Jesus went up to heaven, His friends, the disciples, didn't know what to do. But Jesus had told them to wait in Jerusalem for a special helper. One day, while they were all together, something amazing happened! Suddenly, there was a noise like a very strong wind. Little flames of fire appeared above each person's head, but no one was burned or hurt. This was the Holy Spirit, the helper Jesus had promised!

Filled with joy and bravery, the disciples began telling people about Jesus. Even though they spoke different languages, everyone in the crowd could understand them because the Holy Spirit helped. Many people believed in Jesus that day, and the first church began!

The new believers shared everything. They ate meals together, learned about Jesus, prayed, and helped anyone who needed it. The early church was like a big, happy family. They showed God’s love to everyone around them. More and more people wanted to join and follow Jesus, and the church kept growing!

## Activity

**Craft: Make Your Own Church Family Paper Chain**

Materials:
- Colored construction paper
- Scissors (child-safe)
- Glue stick or tape
- Markers or crayons

Instructions:
1. Take a strip of construction paper (about 2 inches wide and 8 inches long).
2. Fold the strip back and forth like an accordion so you have several layers.
3. Draw a simple outline of a person on the top layer, making sure the hands reach the edges of the paper.
4. Cut out the shape, cutting through all the layers—don’t cut the connecting folds at the hands!
5. Carefully unfold the paper creased chain to reveal your “church family” holding hands.
6. Color and decorate each person to represent yourself, your friends, or people from your church.
7. You can make more paper chains and link them together to show how the early church grew.

## Reflection Questions

1. How did the Holy Spirit help the early church?
2. What are some ways you can help or show kindness to others like the early church did?
3. Who would you put in your church family paper chain, and why?