This Advent, join together with United Methodists from across our connection in a weekly, online Advent study led by our own Bishop Lanette Plambeck utilizing the new book from author Amy-Jill Levine, titled “A Child is Born”; Cokesbury publishing describes this Advent study resource in this way:

“Discover the fascinating connections between ancient birth stories and the Nativity of Jesus in this captivating four-week Advent study. The book discusses the births of Isaac and Ishmael, Samson, and Samuel to reveal how they foreshadow and enrich the timeless Christmas story in the final chapter. Author Amy-Jill Levine brings her expert knowledge of Scripture and careful consideration of the Christian story to show readers how Scripture’s earlier birth stories anticipate the story of Jesus’s birth and how the birth resonates and gives new meaning to those earlier stories. Transform your Advent season with fresh insights and inspiration from A Child is Born.”

In recent Advent studies, Bishop Lanette led participants through books and discussions that brought new insights into the Christmas narrative. Individuals and groups are encouraged to participate in the way that fits their schedule best, whether live on Monday evenings, or by using the webinar recording as a resource for a group that gathers at a different time. Last year, one such group met at Plankinton UMC in Plankinton, South Dakota.

Shirlee Weich, a Plankinton UMC layperson, offered these experiences. “We did the study on the Sunday morning, because our group prefers to meet during our adult group time.  We held our own discussion with our small group. We feel like the Advent studies help us focus on more depth than just the four candles, etc.  We really love Amy J. Levine– we've done two of her studies already in our class.  I have ordered the leader's guide and books– I pull key points to support the video.  I'm hoping we can use Amplify Dakotas for that.”

It’s simple to join the live conversation, whether you are alone or gathered together with a group in one space. Conference Staff from the Dakotas and Minnesota will send registered participants a link via e-mail each week, beginning December 1st. Staff will also be available to assist you if something doesn’t go as planned. A link to each recording will be sent out each Tuesday for those who are unable to attend the live session or who may want to utilize the resource on a different day and time.

Pastor Sharla McCaskell of Rapid City Knollwood Heights UMC described her church’s past experience joining a past Advent study live. “We did it as a group on the night and we had a really good turnout. We just gathered at church and set up to watch it together in kind of a relaxed mode. This year we decided to pay $10 towards every book so every person just pays four bucks. It was nice to have the Bishop be the teacher and then we would discuss it after she was done. It turned out people participated that normally don't take part in some studies."

Being a part of the larger UMC connection across the DK-MN Area gave her group a greater sense of community. "When you're looking at the screen and you see all these other churches from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota joining together –it was a time that really we’d come together as United Methodists and it made the Advent special because we were sharing it with others.” 

What to Expect

During the Monday evening online gatherings, Bishop Plambeck will greet participants with a brief hello, a gathering prayer, and then share her thoughts on the current section of the book, A Child is Born, by Amy-Jill Levine. Participants will also view a brief video from Levine. Following the video, partipants will be placed in small group "Zoom rooms" to discuss questions posed by Bishop Lanette.  If you are joinging as a group at an in-person gathering, you will discuss the questions in-person while your sound is temporarily muted.

When the allotted discussion times are up, everyone will be brought back into the meeting room with Bishop Lanette, and individuals or groups will have a chance to share your insights with everyone if they would like.

Another leader appreciated having someone else (Bishop Lanette) lead the Advent study at her church. Beate Ferris, Pierre First UMC in Pierre, South Dakota said, “I hosted a small group at my local church, and it was a great experience for those who joined in-person. They were able to have conversations with the people in the room at the church as well as engage with folks across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area. It gave folks who are leery of technology the opportunity to be included without the pressure of using a method of connection they may not be comfortable with. As a local church leader, it was lovely to be able to participate in, but not be required to prepare for, an Advent study. I was able to engage more fully in the study as a participant and not a leader. It is a gift!”

This Advent, be a part of something bigger, something that might re-ignite your faith in a new way, connecting with others across our three-state area, or those at your local church. This study begins Monday, December 1, 2025.

If you haven't done so already, be sure to order your book or e-book, and then register here. 

Here's a preview from author and professor Amy-Jill Levine: