In Sympathy: Lynn Everitt Longenbaugh
Rev. Dr. Lynn Everitt Longenbaugh, a retired member of Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on June 6, 2024.
"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!
Rev. Dr. Lynn Everitt Longenbaugh, a retired member of Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on June 6, 2024.
Rev. Dennis M. Oglesby Jr., a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Rev. Cheryl Weaver, Wisconsin Conference’s benefits officer, will also serve Northern Illinois Conference in this capacity, beginning June 1.
Rev. Philip A. Bergstrom, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 17, 2024.