EASTERTIDE

Engagement Questions:

• Are there parts of you that you consider to be "rotten"? What are they? Are there ways that you can name them, bring them into the light?

• What are the "stones" in your life? What keeps you from experiencing new life, healing, restoration?

• Who has helped to "unbind you" and "let you go free"?

• Who have you helped to "unbind"?

Engagement Questions:

• We rely so much on thoughts and words in our faith. In what ways do you ache to physically experience Jesus and his Resurrection?

• Where can you celebrate the process of death and resurrection in your life?

• Is there something that keeps you from fully believing in the Risen Christ? What are your terms of surrender? Why?

• How might you show Jesus to someone who questions the Resurrection?

Engagement Questions:

• Who are your ancestors in the faith who remind you to have a voice of hope?

• Name a time you have felt Christ's absence.

• Was there a gift given out of this absence? What would sharing it look like?

Engagement Questions:

• When you look at your life, how have doubts taught you?

• What does it look like to be a "doubt companion?"

• God can handle our doubts. It is we who need to be more understanding in the face of them. What does mean to you?

• How do you relate with Thomas, his friends, or Jesus in this story?

Engagement Questions:

• The "breaking of the glass" in a Jewish wedding ceremony reminds us that as we are surrounded by love, and that we are not to be disconnected from the rest of humanity. What helps you stay connected to the rest of humanity?

• Have you said something similar to "we had hoped" Have you ever walked away from something you thought would pan out differently? If so, what do you remember? Did you feel alone, or companioned? Was God recognizable to you?

• The two disciples in the story stayed together as they walked along.

• Why is staying together during tough times helpful?

Use the QR Code to offer suggestions or ideas that we as Alongsiders can implement in regards to walking with one another during the celebrations and the hardships life brings.

Engagement Questions:

• What can we learn from Peter's life in this story?

• How do you handle the memory replay from past moments in your life?

• The steadfast love of God is relentless & generous. God does not love us if we change, God loves us so that we can change. When you read this, is this helpful for where you are currently? Yes or no? Why or why not?

Share your thoughts from today here: (Use QR Code)

Engagement Questions:

• Our experiences with our biological mothers and mother figures can shape the deepest parts of us. What are some feelings that emerge as you think of your mother (s)?

• Did you feel a particular resonance with any part of Tabatha's story? Consider journaling, sharing or praying about this connection point.

• What has been your experience with "Father"
  God? What is your reaction to Julian of Norwich's notion of "God, our Mother?"

Engagement Questions:

• What has been your experience/encounter with the Holy Spirit? How is that impacting your life today?

• What might it look like for you to intentionally wait on the Holy Spirit in this coming week?

• What person or place comes to mind where you could be a witness for Jesus? How might the Holy Spirit help you?