12 April 2026
Bible readings for today
Liturgical Colour: WHITE |
CollectEternal Father,
through the resurrection of your Son, help us to face the future with courage and assurance, knowing that nothing in death or life can ever separate us from your love. This we ask through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. E te Matua ora tonu, i roto i te aranga o tāu Tama, āwhinatia mātou kia aronui ai ki ngā rā kei te heke mai i runga i te māia, i te mōhio pū, me te mārama anō e kore te mate, te ora rānei e momotu i a mātou i tōu aroha. E īnoi ana mātou i roto pū i a Īhu Karaiti tō mātou Ariki. Āmine. |
Doubting Thomas (John 20:19-31)
This story looks at Jesus appearing to his disciples, and how Thomas doubted that he was really the resurrected Jesus.
Input for Leaders
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A reflection (Scripture Union USA) on 'Doubting Thomas'.
Gospel Conversations 2025 (Diocese of Dunedin): These resurrection appearance stories are familiar to most of us, and few are more appealing than this one. Thomas, courageously questioning; Jesus bringing peace to a place of fear; the link to those of us who have not seen and yet believe - there is so much to think about!
Gospel Conversations 2023 (Diocese of Dunedin) Year A Easter 2
The wonderful resurrection stories continue as Jesus meets with his bewildered and frightened and disheartened disciples in the upper room. Gospel Conversations 2022 (Diocese of Dunedin) Year A Easter 2
Jesus appears to his confused, scared, doubting disciples - 2000 years ago and still today! |
Intergenerational Worship
Look up, Look in, Look out! Doubting Thomas (Strandz)
Look up, Look in, Look out! Peace be with you (Strandz)
Interviewing Thomas
Write a script for a 'Resurrection Interview', where a journalist can interview Thomas. Thomas can describe the impact the resurrection had on the disciples and then on himself. You can do this sketch live, or prerecord it using a camera or phone. It is a great way to get young people involved in your all age services. Questions can include:
Talks
Questions
Pray it!Prayer is an opportunity to encounter God. It can involve words spoken in a group, art we hang on our walls, or a stroll in the park. Try this prayer from the Methodist Prayer Cards which offer 52 different prompts for creative prayer
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ActivitiesWhat is it? Have kids reach into bags blindfolded, and identify various items based only on touch, sound, or smell. Explain that sometimes we figure things out without seeing them visually.
One truth and two lies. Kids take turns describing three facts about themselves, one of which is true, while the others are made-up. Can the other kids guess which one is true? I doubt it game! (Easy Breezy Sunday School) A game with paddles and true/false questions. Each child gets an "I Doubt It" sign, which they use to respond to a list of unusual facts about the bible/life /the story etc.
Preschool playTell the story - simply from your favourite kids bible. Or thry this simple version...
It was evening. Jesus’ friends were hiding in a room because they were afraid. Suddenly — Jesus was there with them! He said, “Peace be with you.” Jesus showed them His hands and His side so they would know it was really Him. The friends were so happy — Jesus was alive! (OPTIONAL) One friend, Thomas, was not there. When the others told him, he said, “I want to see Jesus too.” Later, Jesus came again. He said to Thomas, “Peace be with you.” Thomas saw Jesus and believed. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who believe, even when they cannot see.” Jesus brings peace. Jesus is alive. Jesus is with us. Peace be with you You will need - Blocks, Duplo, boxes, blankets, cushions, toy people Invite children to build a “safe room” or “peaceful place.” Talk gently as they play: Jesus’ friends were hiding because they were scared. Then Jesus came and said, “Peace be with you.” Chat about - I wonder what makes you feel safe? I wonder what peace feels like? I wonder where Jesus would sit in your peaceful place? Touch and believeYou will need - Textured objects — soft fabric, smooth stones, playdough, sensory items. Let the children explore touching and feeling different textures. Chat about - how Thomas wanted to touch and see Jesus to believe. I wonder how we know Jesus is with us even when we can’t see Him? I wonder what helps you trust someone? What is it? Have a selection of boxes or bags that kids can reach into without seeing what is inside. Can they identify what is inside? Try sand, water, bananas, toys, a book. Talk about: How do you know what it is? How did the disciples know it was Jesus? Fact or fantasy? Young children can have difficulty distinguishing between fact and fantasy, so do not worry too much about explaining things that are not real to them in today's session. Brainstorm a list of things that we know are real, including things we can touch, taste or see, e.g.
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Media
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Peter preaches about Jesus (Acts 2:14, 22-32)
Inputs for leadersGospel Conversations 2026 - Acts 2:22-32 (Diocese of Dunedin): It's one of the quirks of the Lectionary that over the Easter season we abandon the Old Testament and instead launch into Acts. So, for the next few weeks our focus will be changing again! We leapfrog over the Pentecost story, which is kept for that festival, and enter the scene as Peter is preaching the Resurrection to a group of astounded Judeans. What is the significance of this story for us?
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