The Mayflower Voyage — Sailing to a New Land

Memory Verse "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord." — Psalm 107:23-24 (KJV)

Learning Objective

Students will learn about the Pilgrims' brave journey across the Atlantic Ocean on the Mayflower and why they left England.

Lesson Content

In 1620, a group of people called the Pilgrims wanted to worship God freely. In England, the king told everyone how they had to worship. The Pilgrims believed they should follow God's Word, not the king's rules about church.

The Pilgrims boarded a small wooden ship called the Mayflower. There were 102 passengers on the ship, including children! The trip across the Atlantic Ocean took 66 long days.

The ocean was rough and stormy. The passengers were crowded below deck. Many people got seasick. But the Pilgrims prayed and trusted God to keep them safe. They believed God was leading them to a new land where they could worship Him freely.

After more than two months at sea, someone finally shouted, 'Land!' The Pilgrims had arrived in America. They thanked God for bringing them safely across the ocean.

Hands-On Activity

Draw a picture of the Mayflower sailing across the ocean. Count to 66 to see how many days the Pilgrims were at sea. Can you imagine being on a small ship for that long?

Discussion Questions

  • Why did the Pilgrims leave England?
  • What do you think it was like to be a child on the Mayflower?
  • How did the Pilgrims show trust in God during their journey?
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