During my time as a youth leader, I taught confirmation classes with the clergy of the church. My second year teaching I worked with Rev. Blaine Rader who enjoyed teaching the youth about resurrection. Resurrection, he said, does not just mean life in the world to come. People experience resurrection when their lives are changed by their understanding of who they are in Jesus. I remember him referencing that when people overcome addiction, they experience resurrection. For me, that was a new way of experiencing my own faith.
Our story of resurrection for this week is one such story of a person experiencing resurrection. After years of addiction and homelessness, Ron Williams is now a chaplain. He is offering hope to others who are struggling with addiction. I hope his story can be an inspiration to you.
As we look forward to the coming vote on April 21 for the merger between Irving Park and Berry United Methodist Churches, it is my hope that our new congregation will live out the call to be people of resurrection. We are not simply called to continue as we have been. God is indeed doing a new thing. I hope that you can find a way to join in.
Peace,
Matthew