Easter 2

16 April 2023

Bible readings for today

Acts 2:14,22-32
Psalm 16:1-11
1 Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31

Liturgical Colour: WHITE

Collect

Eternal 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)

Today's story looks at Jesus appearing to his disciples, and how Thomas doubted that he was really the resurrected Jesus.

Peace be with you!

You can read today’s story in John 20:19–23, and the Jesus Storybook Bible p. 318-321

Look up! ‘Peace be with you!’ Jesus says this to his friends twice, so it must have been really important! God’s peace can calm, reassure and comfort us when we are fearful. If you are worried about something, ask God for His peace.
Look in! Do you hold grudges? Jesus talked about forgiveness, and how the Holy Spirit can help us forgive others. If you need help to forgive someone for hurting you, ask God to show you how.
Look out! When we worry about something, we can feel like the disciples – stuck (in a locked room!) and scared. God’s peace changed the minds of the disciples, and they were ‘overjoyed.’ Pray for a friend who is worried and ask God to send them His peace.

From 'Journey to Pentecost' by Strandz

Doubting Thomas

Look up! Even though he was one of Jesus’ closest friends, Thomas had big doubts and questions about whether Jesus was really alive again. God is not disappointed by our questions or doubts! Write down any questions you have about God, and find someone to talk to about them.
Look in! Even though Thomas didn’t believe the other disciples were telling the truth, they still remained his friend. We can disagree with people, and still love them. Pray for someone you have disagreed with recently.
Look out! Thomas’ friends showed they could be trusted, by telling him the truth about Jesus. Being a trustworthy and honest friend can show others what God is like. How can you be a trustworthy friend this week?

Reflection questions

In small groups discuss

Which was your favorite part of the story?
Why did you like that part?
In the story the disciples felt afraid, very happy, disbelieving and faith fulled. Which of these feelings do you related to most at present?
Why do you think that is?
What do you think God might be saying to us today through this story?
Pray for one another.

Doubting Thomas game

A game with paddles and true/false questions
Here is a game from the Easy Breezy Sunday School website, found here
See the website for instructions on how to make the paddles. Each child gets an "I Doubt It" sign, which they use to respond to a list of unusual facts about the bible/life etc. If they doubt the fact, they show the 'I doubt it' side, but if they believe the statement, they do nothing. Give the correct answer and award a point
Possible statements could include:

The disciples were hiding in the room because they were afraid of dinosaurs (false)
Jesus appeared and all the disciples were in the room (false)
Thomas wasn't there when Jesus appeared, but he believed everything that his friends said (false)
Thomas wanted to see Jesus for himself before he believed his friends (true)
Jesus showed Thomas his ears and fingers (false)
Jesus showed Thomas his hands and his side (true)
When Thomas saw Jesus' wounds, he replied, “You are my Lord and my God!” (true)
Even if we haven't seen Jesus, we can still believe in him (true)

Gospel Conversations

Gospel Conversations from the Diocese of Dunedin
In the first of these the Diocesan Ministry Educator converses with Katie Marcar (Otago University Programme and All Saints’, North Dunedin), Tony Martin (St Paul’s Cathedral and Emergency Management Otago) and Richard Johnson (Dean for Rural Ministry and Interim Priest, Winton) as they turn their eyes on the Risen Jesus as he encounters St Thomas and each of us in an upper room in Jerusalem (John 20: 19-31).

Resurrection Interview: Thomas

In the Scripture Union resource, All-Age Lectionary Services: Year C, they give a great example of a drama retelling you could do. In a 'Resurrection Interview', Thomas describes the impact the resurrection had on the disciples and then on himself. You can do this sketch live, or prerecord it using a digital camera or phone. It is a great way to get young people involved in your all age services, as is second nature to them!
You can adapt and change this interview to suit your congregation and needs. Let us know how you get on.
You need:

Actor for Thomas, with answers prepared
Actor for Interviewer, with questions
Microphone
Camera or phone to record, if you're prerecording this as a media element in your service.
Costumes

Interviewer: Thomas, where were you when Jesus appeared to all your friends? Why weren't you there too?
Thomas: I know, I know. Everyone keeps giving me a hard time about that — I was out getting some food! The others were too afraid of the jewish leaders and wouldn't leave the room. I had to check on a few friends so I went to get some dinner at the same time. How did I know that something like that would happen while I was away?
Interviewer:  What did they tell you happened?
Thomas: They told me that Jesus appeared to them in the middle of the locked room, and showed them his hands and his feet, and his side. I couldn't believe it
Interviewer:  Why didn’t you think they were telling the truth?
Thomas: I mean, I saw Jesus die. How could he come back to life again? It sounded like a cruel joke. I told them I had to see him myself to believe it.
Interviewer: What happened next?
Thomas: For a week I thought they were pulling my leg, having me on that Jesus had appeared to them. They were all so convinced though, I didn’t know what to think. A week later, Jesus appeared again in the locked room. He greeted all of us, and then he turned to me and said, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!” I couldn’t believe it! It was just as they had said. He had hole marks in his hands from the cross, and a mark on his side from where the soldier stabbed him with a spear.
Interviewer: What did you say to him? Did you believe him
Thomas: Of course! It was definitely Jesus! I said “You are my Lord and God!” I was as convinced about Jesus being alive again as my friends had been.
Interviewer: Some of the other disciples have come up with a new nick-name for you — "Doubting Thomas." Do you thinks is fair, and do you think it will stick?
Thomas: Sure sure, I know I didn't believe at first, so i suppose it's fair. I don't think it'll stick though. I'll be remembered for far more exciting things yet to come!
Interviewer:  Thanks for joining us Thomas, it was great to hear about this exciting story first hand
Thomas: Thanks. I'd better go — there are other people to tell!

Spinning, appearing Jesus!

What you need: A copy of the template for each child, double sided tape/glue stick, kebab skewers, felts and crayons for decorating.
What to do:

Cut out the template.
Fold down the centre line as marked.
On the wrong side of the template, either spread glue or double sided tape all over.
Place the kebab skewer on the placement line.
Fold the template with the skewer on the inside and seal it making sure the glue/tape has stuck!
Decorate!

How to use:
Hold the bottom of the skewer between your hands, and have the template at the top.
‘Spin’ the picture really fast by rubbing the skewer between your two hands.
If you are doing it fast enough, the two pictures on the template will look like they are combined, and Jesus will
‘appear’ to the disciples in the locked room!