Methodism and May Day: Intertwined in History
May Day, May 1, is internationally recognized as a day to lift up voices in the struggle for labor rights. Born with John Wesley’s care for coal miners and oppressed workers, Unite…
"Empty Easter"
This Easter may feel empty for many of us as we all are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our churches are empty. No lilies nor hyacinths wafting their strong sweet smell. No pews filled with people dressed in their best clothes. No choirs singing the alleluias or trumpets sending chills down our legs just hearing the introduction to “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.” Our tables are emptier than we would like; we have empty chairs that friends and family would otherwise be filling.
But all these things are external to the true meaning of Easter. They’re important but they’re not really what Easter is. Each of these things serves to tee up, if you will, our senses, emotions, and hearts to receive the good news that Christ is risen, He’s risen indeed!
The tomb is empty so that our hearts and lives may be full to overflowing with God’s grace and love. Wherever there is emptiness this Easter Sunday, look and see where God is speaking and working in and around us everywhere.
Please watch my Easter video message below...and may you have a blessed Easter!
May Day, May 1, is internationally recognized as a day to lift up voices in the struggle for labor rights. Born with John Wesley’s care for coal miners and oppressed workers, Unite…
The Northern Illinois Conference has decided to discontinue The NIC Reporter. Survey feedback, declining readership, and budget constraints made it necessary to shift resources toward more wid…
About 40 youth and adults from across Northern Illinois took part in the “Who Is My Neighbor?” interfaith bus tour on April 18, visiting several places of worship in the…
About 40 United Methodists from across Illinois gathered at the state Capitol on April 15 for an advocacy day organized by the Northern Illinois Con…