Easter message from the Methodist President

In his Easter message, the Revd Leo Osborn, President of theMethodist Conference, considers the different ways in which peoplecame to Christ on the first Easter Day.

The full message follows:

I wonder how you will be coming to church on Easter Sunday? Maybeby car, train, bike or on foot? I hope to be arriving at church byboat as I meet with a congregation on the Amazon River in Brazil!Some of you may be "coming to church" in your own home throughradio, TV, or internet.

But how will you really come? On the first Easter Day:

• John came running, eagerly, filled with amazement and, later,with joy.

• Peter came stooping, wondering: If the tomb was empty where wasJesus?

• The two on the road to Emmaus came puzzling: "We had hoped . . .. but . . . "

• Mary came weeping, grief stricken: "They have taken my Lord awayand I don't know where they have laid Him."

• Thomas came doubting: "Unless I see ….. I will notbelieve".

But, however they came, sooner or later they met with the RisenLord. And, however you come, I pray that The Risen Lord will blessyou with His living presence and lasting peace.

Happy Easter! ENDS