Memorial Service “Hints” of Heaven
By Ellen Johanson
We, United Methodists, are a people of tradition. It’s an important part of our heritage and a key part of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral – so it’s fitting that each year at Annual Conference we remember and celebrate the lives of those saints who have gone before us. This year we remember and honor 33 people including bishops, pastors, spouses and beloved laity who died in 2012-13. We also remember the closure of Highland Park United Methodist Church.
Luke 24:36-48 tells the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his crucifixion. This scripture passage formed the basis for Bishop Hagiya’s sermon titled “Hints of Heaven” in which he states that there is more to Jesus’ death than mere death. “The authentic Christ is the one who is wounded and suffers and is raised from the dead. Like the disciples we see death with a limited view but God can see in entirety what we can only glimpse in part.
Do you choose to believe this? The scripture says that repentance and forgiveness is to be preached in Jesus’ name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem. Do you choose to believe this good news?
Ellen Johanson serves as the manager for The Regional Media Center.
