Peter's travels

Raising of Tabitha, Guercino, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

READ: When the gift of the Spirit was given to the followers of Jesus, they did amazing things, just as Jesus had done. They came together to share food and resources, to study scripture together, and to pray. Some people were healed by the disciples. They did amazing things in Jerusalem, in Samaria, and in other towns, too.
In the town of Joppa there was a believer named Tabitha who had also received the gift of the Holy Spirit, she did what Jesus would do, but in her own special way. Tabitha helped the widows and the poor. She made clothes for them. Many people loved her.
One day Tabitha got very sick, she was dying. After she died, her friends were sad. The women she had helped took water and cloth and washed her body, and then they placed her upstairs. Other disciples sent for Peter. When he arrived, people whom Tabitha had helped were crying. They told stories about how much she had given to others and showed him the clothes she had made. Peter was moved by this, and he began to pray. He turned to her and said, “Tabitha, get up!” And she opened her eyes. Peter took her hand and helped her up. 
​When everyone saw she was alive, many people believed in Jesus and began to follow the way that was the kingdom of God.  (Acts 9:36-42)
WONDER: I wonder why Tabitha helped people in need? 
I wonder how the people were feeling when Tabitha was dying?
I wonder how Peter felt when he saw her friends crying?
I wonder what it was like to see that God made Tabitha alive again?
I wonder what the people will do in their own special way to show their love for God?
I wonder what is the most important part of this story?
SAY: In this story we see that the Holy Spirit helped people learn to follow Jesus, by doing things which help others. Tabitha followed Jesus by helping those in need. Peter followed Jesus by teaching and healing others. And when people saw Tabitha and Peter following Jesus, many wanted to follow Jesus, too.
PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us learn to help others, just as Jesus did. Amen.
EXTEND

• I wonder which part of this story you would like to remember? Using your favorite art materials depict the part of this story which captures your attention.
• Our congregation helps people who need permanent housing by providing housewarming baskets each month with supplies they might need. There are a few items which still need people to donate. See the list at Signup Genius. Talk with your family about giving to this project or other ways you can help those in need.​
• Read Saving Strawberry Farm by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Rachel Isadora. The book tells the story of a community coming together during the Depression to help a neighbor keep their farm. How do communities support people in need?