In her Watch Night message to begin 2024, Bishop Lanette Plambeck wrote that the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer "describes the Jesus way of self-giving and self-emptying love" and that "this way of living and loving is possible only in a community centered in the life and mission of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ."

Now, as we prepare to turn the calendar to 2025, Bishop Lanette is encouraging United Methodists across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area to commit to this centering — as individuals and as a community — by immersing ourselves in the accounts of Jesus and the missional response of the early church found in the scriptures.

Beginning in January, Bishop Lanette invites clergy and laity across the Area to join in a journey through Luke and Acts, reading one chapter each week. This shared experience will foster a sense of encouragement, challenge, and community as we delve into the seamless story of Jesus' life, ministry, death, resurrection, and the Spirit's work through the early church. Comprised of 52 chapters together, they provide a natural framework for intentional spiritual practice through the year.

We will share resources and journal/discussion prompts through our weekly conference emails and social media platforms to help participants engage the text starting the week of January 5^th. Check out our website later this month for reading guides and graphics. Bishop Lanette will provide a breakthrough prayer each month, inviting the Holy Spirit to form and transform us through this communal practice. Our hope is that these resources not only encourage your personal journey into these passages of scripture and provoke you to new steps of faith, but also support you as you invite and lead others to do the same.

Additionally, to help spur one another on, we invite you to share ways in which you and/or your congregations are participating in this discipleship journey as a means of growing in Christlikeness and being renewed in our commitment to be sent into the world to share the hope and Good News of Jesus Christ.

“This journey is more than reading,” said Bishop Lanette. “It’s about growing as disciples; finding alignment in heart, mission, and ministry; and discovering how the Gospel can inspire us today. By walking through these scriptures together as an Area, we center our lives on Christ’s teachings and create space for the Spirit to work in new and powerful ways—renewing our faith, reaching new people, and offering healing to a world in need.”