Imagine being gathered behind locked doors, afraid of what might be waiting outside.

That's where we found the disciples in John 20:19–23. Their world had been turned upside down, and fear had replaced their confidence. Yet Jesus stepped into that room, stood among them, and spoke words they desperately needed to hear:

“Peace be with you.”

But Jesus didn't come simply to make them comfortable behind those locked doors. He came to send them beyond them.

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

This Sunday, Pastor Heath reminded us that being Called to Be the Church means more than gathering together. It means stepping beyond the safety of familiar places and people, carrying the hope of Jesus into the world around us.

And that world isn't necessarily somewhere far away. It's our workplaces, neighbourhoods, friendships, families, and everyday conversations.

Sometimes, though, we build our own locked rooms. Not with doors and keys, but with fear, discomfort, busy schedules, or the temptation to surround ourselves only with people who think and believe as we do.

Jesus doesn't call us to hide from the world. He sends us to love and serve the people in it.

And He doesn't send us empty-handed. Just as He offered the disciples His peace and promised the Holy Spirit, He equips us to step forward with courage, compassion, and hope.

So here's a question worth carrying into this week:

What door might Jesus be asking you to unlock?

Because the Church was never meant to remain behind closed doors. We are called to go beyond them.

Being sent into the world doesn't necessarily mean travelling somewhere new. Sometimes it simply means approaching someone we might otherwise pass by.

This week, identify one person or situation where you've been keeping a little distance.

Maybe it's a neighbour you've never really gotten to know, a coworker you rarely speak with, or someone whose life looks different from yours.

Then take one small step:

• Start a conversation. Ask a genuine question and take time to listen.

• Extend an invitation. Share a coffee, a meal, or a few minutes of your day.

• Offer kindness. Look for a practical way to encourage or help someone without expecting anything in return.

Before you do, take a moment to pray:

“Jesus, thank You for Your peace. Help me recognize where You're sending me, and give me the courage and compassion to step forward.”

You don't need to have all the answers or the perfect words.

Just be willing to open the door.

After all, Jesus didn't tell His disciples to wait until the world felt comfortable. He sent them into it, with His peace and His power.

A little correction from last week!

We had a mix-up in last week's Little Seeds update. We shared Worship as the lesson theme when our Kids' Church was actually learning about Commitment. To get everyone caught up, we're sharing both last week's and this week's lessons from The Prayer Covenant for Children.

Last Week | Lesson 6: Commitment

Commitment Prayer Card

Bible Story: Peter Wasn't Perfect (Luke 22:54–63)

Following Jesus doesn't mean we'll always get everything right. Through Peter's story, our children learned that even when we make mistakes, we can choose to keep following Jesus and allow Him to change our hearts.

Their Prayer Covenant continued with:

“Jesus, I want to follow you as my Lord. Change me any way you want.”

This Week | Lesson 7: Dependence

Bible Story: The Comforter (John 14:15–31)

This week, the focus shifted to learning that we don't have to follow Jesus on our own. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our Helper, someone we can depend on for guidance, strength, and encouragement.

As we learn to trust the Holy Spirit, His presence helps us grow in love, joy, peace, patience, and the other fruits of the Spirit.

The next line of the Prayer Covenant is:

“Fill me with your Holy Spirit. I want to know your plans for me.”

Take It Home | Two Little Conversations

Commitment: Ask your child, “What do you think it means to follow Jesus, even when it's difficult?” Talk about one choice you can make this week that reflects your faith.

Dependence: Ask, “When do you need help, and how can you ask God to help you?” Remind your child that we can pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in everyday moments, big or small.

A little prayer for the week:

Jesus, help us follow You, even when we make mistakes. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us, strengthen us, and help us grow. Amen.