WAYS TO BEGIN: Gather for coffee and small talk. Then form a circle to begin the lesson. If you are not having a church-wide party, allow time at the end of class for birthday cake.

THE THEME: Jesus' final meeting with his friends in which He give them his peace and empowers them with the Holy Spirit.

THE STORY: John 20:19-23. Read the passage aloud.

SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT:

1. What would the peace Jesus wishes his disciples mean to you if He were to personally greet you with these words?
2. What do you think Jesus sent the disciples to do? What does He send us to do? Discuss.
3. Consider the poem by Madeleine L'Engle printed above for the Older Children's Lesson. Read the poem aloud and if possible pass out copies to the class. How is peace understood in this poem?
4. In the Gospel passage the Coming of the Holy Spirit is linked with forgiveness. How are we empowered by the forgiveness of sins, both our ability to forgive and the occasions of our being forgiven? What happens to us as a church when we retain the sins of others (i.e. not forgive someone or some group)? How is peace, being sent and forgiveness linked in your mind?
5. What is God sending the Church in our time to do?