The 2019 Lenten video study will feature the cabinet members of the Dakotas Conference and the book, "Renovate: Building a Life with God (The Connected Life),” by Jacob Armstrong. Order the book here.

Renovating a house can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, the act of renovation can often leave the house in a state of disarray, causing stress and frustration. In the same way, God wants to renovate your life by altering the "old you" and creating a "new you" with an improved heart. It's not going to be easy, and your life might experience some disarray, but renovating with God is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Using the Book of Nehemiah, popular author and pastor Jacob Armstrong explore the physical and spiritual renovation experienced by the nation of Judah. Nehemiah knew that his plan for renovating the wall and gates of Jerusalem would be hard work. However, equally hard would be the spiritual renovation of the Jewish people as they returned to their homeland.

Thankfully, spiritual renovation is not a do-it-yourself project. We need God's great power working through us to renovate our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Each week, starting on March 6, 2019, one of the six chapters will be highlighted in each video. The video series will begin with an Ash Wednesday message and end with an Easter message from Bishop Ough. Here are some ways to use the 2019 videos:

• Have weekly lunch and learn sessions—a small or large group gathering where people bring their lunch, watch the video and discuss their insights.
• Hold weekly informal worship gatherings—begin with song and prayer, play the video as the message for the evening, discuss the video and end with prayer.
• Use the videos as a conversation starter at coffee between services each Sunday during Lent. 
• Open (or close) worship each Sunday during Lent with the videos. 
• Download the videos and post the message with some intriguing questions to ponder during the week on social media.
• Download the bulletin inserts and make them available to everyone at worship or use them as a visitation tool during Lent.
• Have a weekly soup supper (or lunch) invite people from other churches and the community to view the videos and discuss them.

Join us this Lent. Tell the stories of what happens as you experience and encourage spiritual renovation. Post on social media with the hashtag #DakotasRenovate.