11 April 2021

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Bible readings for today

• Acts 4:32-35
• Psalms 133:1-3
• 1 John 1:1-2
• John 20:19-31

Collect

Alleluia! 
God of calm, you bring peace in the midst of distress; still our troubled hearts 
when we struggle to believe, give us the courage to doubt, give us peace in believing. Through Jesus Christ, 
who is alive and reigns with you now and forever, 
and in the strength of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

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? 

Media

Saddleback Kids: Jesus appears to Thomas

Doubting Thomas (Mina Munns from Flame Creative)

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).