CoreGroup Guide | Easter 2026

April 4th, 2026
by Sarah Hines

CoreGroup Guide | EASTER 2026
Written by Jenny Huffman

Welcome

Happy Easter, Friends! For the past five weeks our church has wrestled with the question: “Why Did Jesus Have to Die?” – To free us, to redeem us, to show us how to love, to forgive us, to expose us, or maybe some combination of all these theories. While we may never truly understand this mystery of our faith, today we turn our attention to Easter, to the Resurrection, to Christ’s victory over sin and death. Christ is risen; He is risen, indeed!

Ice Breaker

An age old Easter question: What’s best – jellybeans, chocolate bunnies, Cadbury eggs, or marshmallow Peeps? Can you guess the favorite of others in your group, just based on vibes?

The Head

Each of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) recounts some version of the Easter story. The gospel according to Matthew tells the story in a particularly dramatic fashion. Read this scripture from Matthew 28 together, imagining what it would have been like to be there with Mary and Mary as they went to see the tomb that day.

Matthew 28:1-10

28 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

What words, phrases, or imagery stand out to you in this account?
There are several mentions of fear or being afraid. What do they all have in common?
Describe a time when you experienced “fear and great joy” at the same time (verse 8). How did Jesus meet you during that time?
When the woman encountered Jesus after he rose from the dead, Matthew 28:9 says, “they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.” How does this act of worship compare to our Shared Practice of worship at The Gathering?

The Heart

The Resurrection is one of the most powerful parts of our Christian faith. The dictionary defines Resurrection as, “the state of one risen from the dead.” Synonyms include: Revival, Rebirth, Renewal, and Revitalization. What does the word Resurrection mean to you?

Which of the synonyms listed above resonates most with your understanding of the Resurrection, and why? Share examples!
Have you ever witnessed something or somebody rise from the dead? This could be in a literal sense, an example from nature, or something more metaphorical. Describe the experience. How did this situation impact your understanding of resurrection?
Reflecting on our Lenten sermon series, do you believe Jesus really had to die in order for us to experience the hope and healing of the resurrection? Why or why not?
What prevents you from fully experiencing the power of the Resurrection?

The Hands

Spend some time as a group meditating on the words of 2 Corinthians 5:17 –

“So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived."

Is it possible to experience new life without first experiencing death? What informs your response to this question?
What are the new things that you long for in your life?
What are some old things you can let go of in this season? These could be habits that no longer serve you, relationships that have become toxic, memories of past hurt that still cause you pain, places of guilt, shame, or resentment you carry with you, and so on.
How can your CoreGroup be praying for you as you live into this new creation?

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for your ministry here on earth, for your death on the cross, and for the gift of the resurrection. Thank you for the opportunity to gather together today and for the promise of a new creation. Help us to believe in what we cannot see, to make sense of what we cannot comprehend, and to experience the hope of new life, even after death. Amen.

From Pastor Charity

Take a moment to invite your CoreGroup to our One CoreGroup One Day event happening on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 6:30-8:30pm at the McCausland Site. This will be the third time that all CoreGroup members, leaders, and coaches will convene! Experience the energy of being in one place, celebrate the highlights of CoreGroups, and look ahead to the fall. Expect food, worship, prizes, pictures, and so much more. Please encourage group participants to sign-up at the link above before leaving your group today.

CoreGroup-Guide-_-EASTER-2026.pdf

Posted in CoreGroup Discussion Guides, CoreGroup Leader Hub