St. Paul  June 2008

By Anne Neuberger

This year, we celebrate St. Paul, one of the most influential saints of all 2000 years of Christianity. For preschoolers, this may mean hearing about him for the first time. Use the story and the related activity to introduce your children to this great saint.

This story lends itself to many actions on the part of the storyteller. Enjoy being animated and encourage the children to join you in the actions. Some examples are: displaying a determined facial expression, shaking a finger when Saul disapproved of Christians, shading the eyes from the bright light, act out writing when Paul writes his epistles, swaying from side to side while speaking of the shipwrecks.

The text is below. We have a free coloring book in PDF format for you to print out, assemble by stapling on the left-hand side, and let the children draw, color and read. Download it here»

(Title) A Determined Man

Long ago, there was a man named Saul. He was very smart. He was also very determined.

(Discuss the meaning of the word ‘determined’ (someone who does not give up) so children truly get a picture of a determined individual)

Saul heard of Jesus and about what Jesus had taught. He didn’t like what he heard.

“This is not a good idea!” Saul said. “I must do something right away!”

Remember, Saul was a very determined man!

Saul decided to go see Jesus’ friends. He’d tell them to quit talking about Jesus!

But as he traveled, he suddenly saw a light so bright, he had to cover his eyes. He even fell down!

“Saul! Saul” a voice called. It was Jesus!

Saul couldn’t see anything, but he now understood that Jesus was calling him to teach others the good things Jesus had taught.

So Saul changed. He even changed his name to Paul. Now he understood that Jesus was good and what he taught was right. Paul became a teacher and a writer.

But one way he did not change: he was still determined!

Paul traveled for years, teaching others about Jesus. He had some amazing adventures!

One time, he had to escape from people who disagreed with him. He hid in a big basket and his friends snuck him away.

Sometimes people who were against Jesus put Paul into jail. Still determined to keep teaching, Paul wrote letters to people about Jesus’ teachings while he was in jail.

He traveled on ships and three times the ship got wrecked! But determined Paul kept going!

So Paul went on for years, teaching and showing hundreds of people how to live as Jesus taught. For Paul was a very determined man!

Download the PDF coloring book here»

Anne E. Neuberger writings for children can be found at www.anneneuberger.com