Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024, marks the beginning of Lent. We will be marked with ash, be reminded of our mortality, and know that from dust we came and to dust we shall return. It is time to ponder and expand our relationship. Where will you meet God? The culmination of Lent, Easter Sunday, is March 31, 2024.

Everyone tries to make sense of the world and how the world works. Our world needs love during these desperate days of radical polarization and division. Our United Methodist churches yearn to embrace love more completely because God first loved us.

Our “faith” (including doctrine) is important; Christian “hope” (including renewal) is important; “love” of God and neighbor is more important. Multiplying Love: A Vision of United Methodist  Life Together, by Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote, underscores what matters most and stands in contrast to divisive misreadings of essential Methodist teachings. Chilcote helps us embrace anew the Wesleyan vision of love of Jesus as central to what we believe and how we live.

Join Bishop Lanette Plambeck and  the Dakotas and Minnesota Conference Cabinets in this study this Lent. Explore the power of the Wesleyan approach to the gospel.

Here are ways you might consider using the videos and resources:

• Small group study: Gather a group in your congregation to read the book, then watch and listen to the vidoes. Use the resources and discussion questions to spur your thoughts and conversations. 
• Repost the videos and graphics on your social media account with a question or two for engagement. Invite people to share their thoughts and ideas by responding to your post. You could even host a Facebook Live session.
• Create an opportunity for spiritual growth and formation. Use the book, videos and resources for learning and information with youth, new members, discipleship groups, or your leadership team. 
• Incorporate the book, vidoes and resources into worship on Sunday or during a midweek worship service as an alternative message or sermon or add a time for interaction before or after worship.

Take this opportunity to journey with us and invite others to be grow in their love of God and our neighbors. 

RESOURCES

Purchase the book from Cokesbury. View all the videos. Access all the study guides, social media grahics, suggested copy for social media Word, suggested copy for social media PDF, transcripts and bulletin inserts. 

Introduction, Our Purpose (Ash Wednesday), Rev. Dan Bader, Southwest District Superintendent, Dakotas Conference.
Download a copy of this message | Introduction study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic | Direct link to the video

Chapter one, Always Renewing, Rev. Laurie Kantonen, North Star District Superintendent, Minnesota Conference.
Download a copy of this message | Chapter one study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic| Direct link to the video

Chapter two, Love Is the Highest Gift, Rev. Rebecca Trefz, Southeast District Superintendent and Director of Ministries, Dakotas Conference.
Download a copy of this message | Chapter two study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic | Direct link to the video

Chapter three, Why We Need to Embrace Unity, Rev. Joel Winckler, Northwest District Superintendent, Dakotas Conference.
Download a copy of this message | Chapter three study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic | Direct link to the video

Chapter four, The Peaceable Reign of Christ, Rev. Michelle Hargrave, River Valley District Superintendent, Minnesota Conference.
Download a copy of this message | Chapter four  study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic| Direct link to the video

Chapter five, The Opportunity Before Us, Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, Northeast District Superintendent, Dakotas Conference.
Download a copy of this message | Chapter five study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic | Direct link to the video

Chapter six, The Church as a Community of Inclusive Love and Grace, Rev. Cynthia Williams, Twin City District Superintendent, Minnesota Conference.
Download a copy of this message | Chapter six study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic | Direct link to the video

Chapter seven, Discovering Love Again for the First Time (Maundy Thursday), Rev. Cindy Gregorson, Director of Connectional Ministries and Clergy Assistant to the Bishop, Minnesota Conference.
Download a copy of this message | Chapter seven study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic | Direct link to the video

Chapter eight, A Vision for the Refreshed United Methodist Church (Good Friday), Rev. Woojae Im, Southern Prairie District Superintendent, Minnesota UMC.
Download a copy of this message | Chapter eight study guide | Bulletin insert PDF | Bulletin insert Word document | Social media graphic | Direct link to the video

Easter message, Bishop Lanette Plambeck, resident bishop, Dakotas-Minnesota Area, The United Methodist Church.
Download a copy of this message | Direct link to the video