Justice and joy
hope&courage Community,
Justice and joy in congregational life by Bishop Laurie Haller
second husband. After having been married for fifty-three years, Elaine fell in love again, married Jim, and they enjoyed fourteen years together. Elaine had tears in her eyes as she said, “I just don’t know how you can have such sadness ... and such joy.” Maybe that’s why
I
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6
I can hardly get through a funeral or memorial service without tears. When I look out at the congregation, I observe much more than grief. I see joy welling up from the depths of the human spirit. People surrounded by family and friends who have come from around the world to be present with those they love: to share happiness and sorrow, laughter
met her in the church narthex about a half hour before the memo- rial service for her
and tears; to remember how their loved one made a difference in the lives of others; and, above all, to express joy for God’s mysterious gift of life and death.
Surprised at joy At the very core of
Joy without justice
is a breeding ground for selfishness and isolation.
And justice without joy can lead to disillusionment and hopelessness.
congregational life is both justice and joy. Every day I found joy as a local church pastor, and every day I find joy as a bishop in The United Method- ist Church. Or rather, I should use C.S. Lewis’ phrase to say that I am surprised by joy every day because that joy often comes from the least expected places. Joy is the greatest gift that Chris- tians can offer our world. Our vocation as disciples of Jesus Christ is to be bearers of joy in a world that struggles every day with the capacity to bring hope to all those who live in despair.
January-February 2018 • WorshipArts •
www.UMFellowship.org
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
