We stood outside the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, taking in the beauty of the place and the power of the moment. Observing the open tomb before us, we heard our British guide explain the argument for this place as the actual grave site of Jesus. As we found ourselves surrounded with the garden’s lush vegetation in the midst of death’s reminders, we listened intently. Engulfed by our guide’s explanation as to why this site should be regarded as the authentic burial place of our Lord, he continued articulating his case. It was at that moment he spoke words I have never forgotten. Putting the final exclamation point on what he had to say, he followed with these words.
He said, “Now, I say all of that to simply say this. If you’ve come to Jerusalem to find proof of the resurrection in an empty tomb, then you’ve come to the wrong place. Here in Jerusalem, empty tombs are a dime a dozen. The greatest proof of the resurrection isn’t in the existence of an empty tomb but in the changed life of the person standing next to you.”
That is the story of the Bible, and as such, it is the story of Grace United Methodist Church in Clinton. As John 3:17 says, “God did not send God’s Son into the world to condemn the world, but through him, the world may be saved.” From the earliest days of Genesis to the conclusion of Revelation, God has been about the business of restoring all of creation and all of humanity along with it.
The world has changed considerably since the cornerstone was laid at Grace. However, the call from God has never changed. The Gospel is still the means through which lives are being changed, and destinies are being altered. Whether is it through the ministry of the preschool or the invitational worship services, the purpose for which Grace United Methodist Church in Clinton first emerged in the community is the reason she still stands. Making disciples brought Grace UMC into being, and it remains our desire.
Rev. Francis Daniel serves as the pastor of Grace UMC in Clinton, NC.
Our theme for this year’s Lenten reflections is Graceful Hospitality. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Ten Dollar Club, now known as the New Room Society. We give thanks for our Conference’s ongoing commitment to co-creating new places for new people to gather in communion with Jesus Christ and extending graceful hospitality to all of God’s children.