With very young children

Play materials: toy windmills, instruments to blow.

Mini Bible story with actions

Peace and joy

The disciples were hiding and afraid.
Head under arm.
Suddenly Jesus came, saying,
‘Peace be with you,’
Shake hands.
and showing them his wounds.
Touch hands and side.
They were filled with joy!
Dance.
He breathed on them,
Blow.
saying, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’
Raise arms.
But Thomas had been away.
Point.
He couldn’t believe that Jesus was alive again.
Shake head.
Jesus came again, and Thomas touched him.
Touch hands.
Now he could believe!
Nod.
Jesus said, ‘You are blessed if you
believe without seeing.’  
Touch head then cover eyes.

Repeat so the children can join in.

Believing without seeing

You will need: lidded boxes with different objects inside, e.g. a torch, a toy animal.

Show the boxes to the children. Tell them what is inside each box, and ask them whether they believe you, e.g. ‘there is a light in this box’, ‘there is a wild animal in this box’. Reveal the contents of the boxes, and invite them to play with them.

Peace be with you

You will need: paper, feathers, sparkles, glue sticks, paints, brushes.

Invite the children to choose materials to make a peaceful picture.

Prayer

You will need: a bubble machine.
Invite the children to enjoy the bubbles then repeat after you:
Prince of Peace,
breathe on us.
Fill us with the Holy Spirit.
Amen.