The Easter story is the foundation of our faith as followers of the risen Christ. The gift of the gospel witness is the way in which we see how this story and the power of this event directly impacted the lives of those first followers. Their stories are ones of shame, doubt, rejection, and despair. Yet the resurrected Christ stepped into these stories and changed their trajectory forever. Two thousand years later, Jesus is still doing the same in the lives of those who encounter him.

In this six-week study, Bishop Tom Berlin uses his gifts of storytelling and understanding the Scriptures to connect the reader to the experiences of several individuals around Jesus in his final days, focusing on new life and redemption rather than loss. Join Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they feel the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study traces events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives.

To accompany this resource, our Dakotas District Superintendents along with the chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry and two Elisha Interns have prepared devotional video reflections on each chapter. Discussion questions, prayers, and suggested hymns are provided as a resource for small groups or worship gatherings. 

RESOURCES

Purchase the book from Cokesbury here. 
View all the videos here.
 

Ash Wednesday message, Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Download a transcript of this message | Direct link to the video (Available Feb 21)

Chapter one, Mary Magdalene, Rev. Katie Ricke, chair of Dakotas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
Download a transcript of this message | Chapter one study guide | Direct link to the video

Chapter two, Simon Peter, Rev. Dan Bader, Southwest District Superintendent.
Download a transcript of this message | Chapter two study guide | Direct link to the video

Chapter three, Thomas, Rev. Brandon Vetter, Southeast District Superintendent.
Download a transcript of this message | Chapter three study guide | Direct link to the video

Chapter four, Emmaus, Joel Winckler, Northwest District Superintendent.
Download a transcript of this message | Chapter four  study guide | Direct link to the video

Chapter five, Paul, Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, Northeast District Superintendent.
Download a transcript of this message | Chapter five study guide | Direct link to the video

Chapter six, Jesus, Anna Mutzenberger and Nate Meyers, Dakotas Conference Elisha Interns.
Download a transcript of this message | Chapter six study guide | Direct link to the video

Easter message, Bishop Lanette Plambeck, resident bishop, Dakotas-Minnesota Area, The United Methodist Church.
Download a transcript of this message | Direct link to the video (Available by April 10)