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.
Gospel ConversationsJesus appears to his confused, scared, doubting disciples - 2000 years ago and still today! Joel Stutter joins Michael Godfrey and the Dunedin Diocese 'Gospel Conversations' team for the first time, with James Harding and Trish Franklin, as we move deeper into the joyful season of Easter.
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:
For a script of something similar, see the All-Age Lectionary Services: Year C from Scripture Union Telescope CraftOne of the key messages in today's passage is in John 20:29b -- Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed
We may never see Jesus face to face on earth, like his disciples, but we are reassured that we will be blessed by believing in what we have not seen. What you need
Doubting Thomas gameA game with paddles and true/false questions, from the Easy Breezy Sunday School website. 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:
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Preschool brainstormYoung 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.
Activities
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