Wesley Study Notes

[Rev. Ellen Ely]

Friends,

 

Though we will not be physically together this Sunday, we will be united in Spirit, celebrating the Risen Lord! As you prepare your hearts for worship, please find these Wesley Study notes.

 

Just a reminder…. Your pastors are here if you need assistance. We are blessed to serve with you, serving God together.

 

Blessings

Ellen

 

Rev. Ellen Ely

Senior Pastor

First United Methodist Church

1101 Bluebonnet Dr.

Marble Falls, TX 78654

(830) 693-4341 Office

(830) 265-0761 Cell

 

Wesley Groups Study Lesson

Week of April 12, 2020 – Easter

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Theme: Christ is Risen! All is Well!

 

Opening Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the gift of resurrection we celebrate this week! Though things are definitely different, we also know that you are the same and that gives us great comfort! As we study your Word this week in preparation for the great celebration of Easter, open our hearts and minds to the power of your Holy Spirit, and what you have to say to each one of us through this lesson. Amen!

 

Overview:  This week we celebrate the Risen Christ!

 

Questions for reflection:

1. Read through this scripture lesson and discuss in your groups. Are you familiar with it? Does anything jump out at you as unusual or different?
2. Compare this lesson with the other Gospel accounts of resurrection. Do you notice anything different in the varying accounts? Do these lessons sound or feel different, in light of the pandemic we are enduring right now?
3. What is the significance of the women in this lesson? Why is that unusual? Discuss in your groups.
4. Given the powerful words of this lesson, how can we respond faithfully to the world around us, especially in these uncertain days? Do any verses stir your heart to make a difference here in the Highland Lakes? If so, which one(s)?
5. Personal challenge: How can we individually, proclaim that Christ is Risen and All is well? What actions can we take? What ministries could we support or start? Where is there a gap of services or ministries sharing Christ’s love with the world around us?
6. What difference does this lesson make in your own life individually? Discuss.

 

Closing Thoughts on Scripture Lesson: Discuss anything else that stirred your heart in the reading of this lesson, or one of the other Gospel accounts.

 

Sharing of Prayer Concerns & Celebrations

 

Closing Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of your Son our Savior. Thank you for the difference that makes in our lives every day, and especially in times like these. Help us not take that gift for granted. Since you were willing to give your only Son to die for us, help us not shrink back from things that make us uncomfortable, or unusual ways you might be calling us to serve. Stir our hearts with the power of the Holy Spirit, that we might not fear this pandemic, but be wise in how we relate to one another in its wake. Amen!