Dear United Methodists of EPA and GNJ,

On the first Easter morning, the women went to the tomb and wept (John 20:11).

I, too, have wept this week. Tuesday was the anniversary of my mother's death. Wednesday, my Aunt Barbara died. Thursday, we celebrated the life of one of our active pastors, John Suh, who died too young from cancer. This weekend, my cousin Tom, who also died too young, will be memorialized. Additionally, Nicola Mulligan, assistant to the Bishop, will travel for her mother's funeral.

The women at the tomb, myself, and many others this week find ourselves weeping. Weeping not only over the loss of loved ones but weeping over war, division, racism, discrimination, political strife, disease and poverty, and many other challenges that face us.

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
1 Corinthians 15:55

The sting of death is all around us, but the victory of death does not prevail.

God’s answer to death is resurrection.

Resurrection is not a Hallmark moment but the conquering of the grave, the raising of life, and the renewal of joy.

“Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.”
Psalm 30:5

The greatest testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ is embodied in living your life as though it counts, demonstrating love for God and our neighbors, rising up in the face of adversity and injustice, and embodying hope and joy. Thank you for your faithfulness in rising up and being bearers of the resurrection.

Beverly and I wish each of you a Happy Easter and joy that comes with the morning.

Bishop John Schol