Today’s Lesson: Sunday of Thomas
Sunday Coloring Page »
A Children’s Story about Doubting Thomas »
For the entire family
Music
We continue singing “Christ is risen” all the way until the Ascension – check out this introduction to the hymn and music.
This page also presents a variety of sources for listening and singing experiences with Greek Orthodox hymns, especially for youth. Compiled for use at home, Church School, and during youth activities.
Hymn-Singing for Young People »
From the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians
Preschool
Coloring sheet
St. Thomas Sunday, from St. Paul the Apostle Orthodox Church »
Page 1 of the PDF
Elementary school
Discussion questions for Gospel reading
After Jesus was crucified and then resurrected on the third day, he went and visited his apostles. Which apostle was not there? (St. Thomas)
Eight days later, all of the apostles gathered again. What did Thomas do after he saw Christ? (He touched the wounds on Jesus’ side where he was pierced and on his hands where the nails had been, and he believed!)
Although we cannot physically touch Christ as Thomas did, how do we experience him every Sunday? (Through Holy Communion)
Craft: Proclaiming Our Faith
Have children create and decorate signs that say “Christ is risen!” to display in your home. These signs can include or take the shape of crosses, Easter eggs, or other seasonal items. The Paschal season is a time to proclaim our faith in the Resurrection, even though, like Thomas, we did not witness it ourselves.
Activity: Trust Fall
Set up a mini “trust fall” by having a person cross their arms and fall backwards without looking, into the arms of the person behind them waiting. This would work best with a parent being the one to catch the falling person.
Ask: How did you know that your parent would catch you?
Explain: This is similar to having Faith. We can’t see God, but we know that he is there! Remind them that Christ said: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
For older children, teens, and beyond
Video
Live the Word #30: “How Should the Church Deal With Doubt?” »
Video discussion questions:
We normally associate Thomas with doubt. Is that really fair?
What does that mean about our doubts?
Video:
Be the Bee #32: “Faith and Doubt” »
Video discussion questions:
Read the story of Thomas’ doubts about the Resurrection of Christ, John 20:24–29. How did Jesus react to Thomas’ doubts?
When have you had doubts about your faith? What were those doubts? How did you resolve them, or how are you working to resolve them?
How has working through doubts helped you grow as a person?
Give an example that shows how faith and knowledge are different.
Before you end your Sunday School session
Light a candle and pray for those who are sick and suffering; those who are needy; those who are well; and our church family, that we may all be together again soon to worship in our beautiful church
Gospel Reading
John 20:19–31
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.