Pause for Thought: Not a Ghost Story
The story of Thomas
by Bob Hartman (video recording by Vita)
Suitable for Whole School (Pri) - Church Schools
Aims
To consider the story of Thomas and the Christian belief that Jesus is alive.
Preparation and materials
- You will need to have the means available to play the video below. It is 1.46 minutes long.
- Bob Hartman’s Rhyming Bible is available from: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/bob-hartman-s-rhyming-bible
Assembly
Time for reflection
Remind the children that Christians believe that Jesus died on a cross, but then came back to life and is still alive today. This is what Christians celebrate at Easter. They believe that Jesus went back to heaven and is alive there today. Jesus going back to heaven is called the ascension and this year, it will be celebrated on Thursday 21 May.
It isn’t surprising that in the story, Thomas wanted to see Jesus for himself before he believed that he was alive. It’s always good to ask questions when we find it hard to understand something.
You may wish to use the following prayer.
Prayer
Dear God,
Help us to ask questions and to seek answers to things that we don’t understand.
Thank you for people who teach us.
Thank you for people who listen to us.
Thank you for people who are always there for us if we have fears or doubts.
Amen.
Extension activities
- Various craft ideas connected to the story of Thomas are available at: https://ministry-to-children.com/doubting-thomas-craft-ideas/
- It’s good to ask questions, so why not make a question jar or box? First, find a jar or a small box and decorate it. Next, place a few pieces of paper and a pen beside it. Whenever you think of a question, jot it down on one of the pieces of paper and put it in the jar or box.
Once a week, you could open the jar or box and carry out some research to find out the answers to the questions. Perhaps you could call an older relative who might be able to help you with the answers.
