Welcome
We begin today a little differently by using the traditional Easter responsive greeting. Before you begin, invite those gathered to go outside (or if the weather does not permit, around the house) and gather something that reminds them of new life – a flower, a leaf, water, a cross, the Bible, anything they think connects with resurrection – and place it in the center of the gathering after each repetition of “He is Risen Indeed!” Repeat as often as necessary.
One: Christ is Risen!
All: He is Risen Indeed!
(Place a sign of new life on the table.)
One: There are signs all around, Christ is Risen!
All: He is Risen Indeed!
(Place a sign of new life on the table.)
One: The old has gone and the new is come, Christ is Risen!
All: He is Risen Indeed!
(Place a sign of new life on the table.)
One: Because of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we can begin anew, Christ is Risen!
All: He is Risen Indeed!
One: We are here, Holy Spirit, show us new ways to be faithful
God sightings and prayer offerings
Invite each person to share where they saw or experience God this week. Invite each person to share something – a person, community, experience, event, etc. – for which they want to offer prayer.
Good and gracious God, we thank you for all the ways you were and are present in our lives and in the world … [invite each person to say aloud the sighting they named earlier]. We bring our prayers to you, prayers for … [invite each person to say aloud the prayer need they named earlier]. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Connecting with Scripture — Luke 24:1-12 (NRSV, CEB)
Read the Scripture aloud the first time using the New Revised Standard Version or the Common English Bible.
On Good Friday, we closed our eyes and imagined we were there when they crucified our Lord. Now, close your eyes and imagine you are at the resurrection as the story unfolds in Luke 24:1-12.
Connecting through story
Watch the story of Jesus’ resurrection as told by two different groups of children:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NWZ7bjNQXA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdn1R90kX9A
- What were the important parts or themes of the story that the children told?
- Why do you think they told the Easter story?
Connecting with our lives
Engage in dialogue
- How does Luke tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection?
- What are the most important parts according to Luke?
- What story did the women have to tell the disciples?
- Why do you think they responded with doubt?
- What was Peter’s response when he went to the tomb?
- What did Peter do after he saw the tomb was empty?
- What was the difference between what the women did after they discovered Jesus had risen and what Peter did after he discovered Jesus had risen?
- Why is the story of God raising Jesus from the dead considered “Good News?”
- What difference does it make to the world, the Church and to you that Jesus is risen?
- What story do we have to tell of the good news of Jesus’ resurrection?
- How will you tell the story of the good news of Jesus and the message of Easter?
Teaching Points that can be incorporated into your discussion
- In the Apostle’s Creed, we say that Jesus “descended into hell.” In this God, through Jesus conquered death and evil.
- Easter is the recognition and celebration of God’s glorious triumph.
- Every Sunday, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. So, in many ways, every Sunday is an Easter celebration.
- Of all the Gospels, I believe Luke is the greatest storyteller. He takes Mark, other sources, and his own experience and weaves a beautifully detailed story of God’s extravagant love for humanity and the Divine refusal to give up on us even as we rebel and do that which disappoints God.
- Luke’s Gospel also emphasizes the urgent need to take the good news of the grace of Jesus Christ, and that extravagant love of God, into the world as witnessed to through the Easter story.
- We are Easter people – resurrection people – who live in the assurance of God’s never-ending promise and the gift of grace, love and hope. Luke, the Gospel storyteller, compels us to become good news storytellers.
- This good news is too wonderful and transforming to keep to ourselves. Whether in the voices of children, youth or adults, We are to carry on and tell the story of God’s powerful act of redemption and ongoing work of love and justice in the world.
Write the Easter story in your own words and share it with at least one other person. You may even want to create a video of your telling of the Easter story and share it with others so they too may know…
Christ is risen!
He is risen, indeed!
Prayer
Close your time together by praying for one another, your neighbor, community and the world.
