The Sunday after Easter, April 11, has been designated as Second Chance Sunday which recognizes our ministry with persons who have been incarcerated and also how redemption is available to all through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Grace, peace, and joy to you Easter people.
We bear forth the Easter spirit into the world. As we approach Sunday and hear the appointed text from the Gospel of John, hear these words, “They were again in the room. Thomas was with them this time. Jesus came and stood again among them.” Our vision is taken into that place where Thomas was previously absent but is now present. Jesus comes back. Thomas receives a second chance.
Sunday is designated as Second Chance Sunday across the North Carolina Annual Conference. I hope you’ll be a part of a virtual worship service. In this service, we will celebrate our ministries with persons who have been incarcerated in jails and prisons across the expanse of our Annual Conference. We are called as John Wesley was long ago to be engaged in ministry with persons in prisons and in jails. As we do so, we see the very face of Christ, and we are, through the means of grace, given new hope and faith and love. It’s our great privilege to welcome those who are released from incarceration and to, side by side with them, walk together in newness of life.
May Christ be with you, with us all, as we worship together on Sunday, and may we give thanks to God that we and all people are always given second chances.