a united methodist congregation.

easter

Easter at Central--all I can say is…wow! From the art to the music to the procession of people of all faiths and beliefs, it felt like something glorious being celebrated. As Michael preached, resurrection is for the living, and I felt alive.  

 Even in our grand celebrations, being with God’s people, worshiping among the poor and excluded, we share their burdens, their angst and anxieties. At any moment, a person can feel closed in or too anxious or exhausted or afraid and need to leave the service abruptly, slamming a door, or calling out in the middle of the sermon; always to be soothed and acknowledged in some caring or affirming way by the staff and pastors. We bring our whole community into the sanctuary, and we hang on for the Christ, for the Kingdom, for the housing, for the job, all together.  

 This is why I return each week to Central, for this constant opportunity to experience the healing powers of solidarity, for myself and others. Being together can be discomforting and be compelling at the same time, and still be our way forward. Like the Easter sermon, our opportunity for resurrection.