27 April 2025
Bible readings for today
Liturgical colour: WHITE NZ Schools start again for Term 2 tomorrow. "The theme for the day and the season is clear, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each passage speaks to and about this theme. If last Sunday was 'the day' of resurrection, a day to reflect on the momentous discovery of the empty tomb and the initial reactions to that, then this Sunday is a day to reflect further (or deeper) on the resurrection. We might, as one instance, reflect on what the resurrection means for individual believers (what inspires us, what challenges us). For another instance we might reflect on where the resurrected Jesus is today (e.g. the body of Christ on earth, the church).But John's Gospel passage opens a wide open door to several possible sub-themes under the general theme of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Bishop Peter Carrell
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CollectE te Atua Kaha Rawa,
nā te aranga whakamīharo o tāu Tama o Īhu Karaiti kua whati i a koe te kaha o te mate, kua kūmea mai te koiora me te ora tonu ki te ao mārama; tukua mātou kua ara nei me ia kia toa ai i ngā whakawai katoa kia koa ai hoki i te tūmanako ki te korōria mutunga kore; ko Īhu Karaiti hoki tō mātou Ariki. Āmine. Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light; grant that we who have been raised with him may triumph over all temptation and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Seeing is believing (John 20:19-31)
This story looks at Jesus appearing to his disciples, and how Thomas doubted that he was really the resurrected Jesus.
Visio Lectio
Visio Lectio
A beautiful image from the Visio Lectio project, created by the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. © Sarah West. All Rights reserved, shared with permission. Download Terms of Use |
Gospel Conversations 2025: Coming soon...
Gospel Conversations 2022: Jesus appears to his confused, scared, doubting disciples - 2000 years ago and still today! Watch here.
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Intergenerational WorshipA collection of resources and ideas, written and compiled by Rev Katherine Ruhl Intergen Australia. Bible references: Acts, John
Interviewing ThomasWrite 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:
Preschool Fun
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? Wind-power station Set up a space with various 'air' props. Try folded paper fans, pinwheels, an electric fan with ribbons tied to it, a small tub of water with sailboats on it, a paper plane - anything that can be moved by air or help you feel the air. Talk about: What can you feel? What moves the fan/boat/ribbons? How do you know? 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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Kids Talks
Games / 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.
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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