The incarnation of the Son of God in Jesus of Nazareth—his suffering, crucifixion, and rising from the dead—is an endlessly deep well. It’s a well of truth and theology, but also of hope and transformation that reaches into every part of our lives and relationships.

There is always more to discover. There is always more for us to receive. So, over the next four weeks, we’re going to stay with this

theme.

Beginning this Sunday, April 19, we’ll launch a new series called Encounters: When Everything Changes.

In this series, we’ll step into the stories of several people who met the Risen Jesus. We’ll look at what changed in their lives—and

what their encounters might mean for us today.

On Easter Sunday, we focused on the Apostle Peter. We saw the dramatic change the resurrection made in him. In the gospels, he is a frightened disciple who denies even knowing Jesus. But after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4), he is a bold witness, willing to suffer for Christ.

Peter, with all his flaws, takes a central place in the Early Church—and his encounter with the Risen Lord is at the heart of that

transformation. But Peter is not the only one whose story matters. In the coming weeks, we’ll walk with:

• Mary Magdalene – the first to see the Risen Jesus and to carry that news to the disciples (John 20.1–18). 
• Two disciples on the road to Emmaus – grieving and disappointed as they walk away from Jerusalem (Luke 24.13–35).  
• The Apostle Thomas – wrestling honestly with his doubts, when Jesus meets him without condemnation (John 20.19–35). 
• The disciples at the ascension – receiving a clear mission that will shape the rest of their lives (Matthew 28.16–20)—and ours.

Even from this brief overview, we see how the Risen Christ meets some of our deepest human experiences: grief, despair, doubt, and a lack of purpose. In each encounter, Jesus brings something new—comfort in grief, hope in despair, patience in doubt, and a calling that gives life meaning and direction.

I hope you will join us—online or in person—as we explore how the Resurrection continues to change everything.