A New Start

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, “What is a meaningful Easter memory? Why do you think it has stuck with you over time?” 

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read the texts before responding to the questions below. Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10

• Ask two different people to read these two gospel stories of the Resurrection aloud: John 20:18 and Matthew 28:1-10. How do these two testimonies differ? How are they similar?
• Matthew and John share two testimonies of the Resurrection, and so do Mark and Luke. Each contributes to how we talk about the resurrection of Jesus. What do you think is the contribution of the Matthew story? What about the John story?
• Read Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24. This psalm would have been used by the Hebrew people when entering the Temple at Passover or during other ceremonies. Why does it make a good Easter psalm? How do you see new life or Resurrection in the words?
• Read Colossians 3:1-4. How do you understand setting your heart on “things above, where Christ is”?
• The Preaching Note for April 5 says,
  “When we embrace the new start, we taste life differently. We experience joy differently because Easter has come, and we live in that new reality. So, join us at the starting line. The journey of living begins again with joy and hope.”
  • How often do you consider the “new start” that Jesus offers us? Aside from Easter celebrations, how can you experience intentionally living in a new reality that life in Christ brings?
• Just One Thing: What is one way to “set our heart on things above, where Christ is” in the week ahead?
• Going Deeper on Your Own: This week, consider studying one of the other lectionary texts in the following pattern:
  • Prayerfully ask God to open your eyes to the scripture. (Psalm 119:18)
  • Read the text [Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6 ; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24;  Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10)] out loud.
  • What do you notice about the text?
  • What questions arise?
  • What do you think God might be saying to you in this text?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately. 

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer: 

Jesus, we confess that we can feel like the disciples who were confused, scared, or in despair. And yet, your Resurrection means that new life is possible. Will you forgive us when we do not have the eyes to see you and the restoration that you bring? And will you help us set our hearts on things above, on you? In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray, Amen.

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Rev. Dr. Ashlee Alley Crawford, Director of Adult Discipleship, an elder in the Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, served in campus ministry for twelve years and in leadership with the Great Plains Conference for over a decade. She has a passion for connecting people with resources and encouraging them to nurture their faith and walk in step with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. She has a D.Min. in spiritual direction from Asbury Theological Seminary. Ashlee also has a Certificate in Discipleship Coaching through Discipleship Ministries.