What do Easter eggs and Jesus have to do with each other?
Find the answer to this question and more on UMC.org . This month, we have stories and features that will touch, inspire, teach and tickle you. Don’t miss:
The Importance of Eggs - Children and Easter
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Experts from the age of five to ten, as well as The Rev. MaryJane Pierce Norton from the General Board of Discipleship, talk about the traditions of the Easter egg -- from hunting eggs, to coloring them, to the egg as a symbol of new life. The egg became associated with Easter somewhere near the 400s and was often a food that was given up at Lent. According to Rev. Norton, “In some of the early church traditions, people brought their eggs to the church to be blessed before they ate them, as the first joyful food of Easter.”
Please also enjoy “Outtakes” and other cute stuff we couldn’t fit into the video.
SCRIPT:
Finn and Fiona: When we find Easter eggs and eat the candy inside them.
Katie: There’s a treat inside usually.
(Interviewer’s voice) What’s inside them?
Geoffrey: Candy. And sometimes if I get lucky, money.
Full Screen Graphic: The Importance of the Egg: Children and Easter
Rev. MaryJane Pierce Norton, General Board of Discipleship: The egg was used in a lot of the early civilizations to talk about even the forming of the world. It was adopted by the Christian faith so that it became the symbol then of the new life that we received in Christ.
(Jake during Easter egg hunt) Where’d it go?
The Rev. Norton: The Easter egg hunt probably started partly because it was a fun thing for children to do.
(Cadence laughs during egg hunt)
The Rev. Norton: The eggs were more likely to be connected to what they really are, which is food.
Chanz: And then when we was done with them, we ate them.
The Rev. Norton: Children would take their hats or their bonnets or even a cardboard box and decorate it and would put it outside to make a nest for the Easter bunny to come and lay the eggs.
The Rev. Norton: With so many Easter traditions, we look at them from the eyes of faith and we say, Wow, there’s something about going to hunt the eggs just as we might go to hunt for Jesus in the tomb.
Geoffry: Except the Easter eggs are more than one, so it would be like looking for multiple Jesuses.
The Rev. Norton: And when we find them it’s that joy that the women had when they reached the tomb first and found that Jesus was no longer there.
(Jake during Easter egg hunt) Get back there little egg!
FULL SCREEN: How do you color Easter eggs?
The Rev. Norton: With the painting of the egg, one of the earlier traditions says that they were first painted red because red is a color of joy.
Finn and Fiona: But when they’re all different colors it’s kind of easy to find them.
The Rev. Norton: But from the red we then morphed into all sorts of other colors…
Finn and Fiona: Purple, (purple). Red, (red). Yellow, (yellow).
The Rev. Norton: …and other ways to say “this is a joyful thing.”
Finn and Fiona: Blue, (blue). Green (green).
The Rev. Norton: Eggs were also used to greet one another on Easter. You took an egg and when you saw another person you would basically click eggs to say, “Christ is alive. Christ is alive indeed.”
Geoffry: See they like come in different colors. You open ‘em from the bottom and then you put...no - you take the stuff out. And then you put confetti in and then you close it with like paper. And then you can crack ‘em on somebody’s head. (You can what?!?) You can crack ‘em on somebody’s head.
(Children crack confetti eggs)
FULL SCREEN: What is the story of Easter?
Chanz: Easter is when Jesus rose from the dead.
Katie: Jesus died on the cross for us.
The Rev. Norton: It’s not an easy story for adults. And thus it makes it not an easy story for children. They don’t have to have the dramatic aspects of it to appreciate the fact that Jesus died, Jesus was buried, Jesus arose and lives again.
Cadence: But He wasn’t there. It’s magic.
Chanz: Every time I look outside the sun is shining real bright, I think it’s Easter because that’s always the day when the sun is shining.
The Rev. Norton: When we use the eggs we really do want to remind children of what the egg is, which is life-giving. But we also have the fun of that egg -- the beauty of it.
That new life that you don’t expect within a shell, just like the tomb was the shell around Jesus’ body that cracked open with new life.
FULL SCREEN: The End
Finn and Fiona: Happy Easter.
Cadence: Happy Easter. (Thank you, you did a very good job!)
TAG:
MaryJane Pierce Norton is Associate General Secretary of Leadership Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship. We opted to leave out part of Rev. Norton’s explanation about the tradition of coloring eggs red at Easter because the video is for children as well as adults, but wanted to include it here. “It’s also connected to the fact that blood is red and that we have Jesus as our sacrifice at Easter -- that his blood was spilled for us so that we would have eternal life just as he had eternal life.”
Mexican confetti eggs, called cascarones, which may have originally come from China, are common throughout Latin America. Used mostly in Mexico during Carnival, they became associated with Easter especially in U.S. and Mexico border towns. Cáscara means “eggshell” in Spanish and having one cracked on your head is good luck.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications. For more information, contact Laurens Glass at 615-742-5405.
RECOVERY: How can I help someone with a drinking problem?
How Do I Help Someone With a Drinking Problem
by Juliana Mecera and Art Mellor
We’d be surprised if you, a typical United Methodist reading this magazine, told us that you do not know anyone who has a drinking or drug problem. More than a third of all United Methodists have struggled with their own or a loved one’s substance abuse. We often have a wide range of feelings about this person—the ways he may have disappointed us or the concern we have for her. If you’re anything like most of us, you want to help—but you’re uncertain how to go about it. Others in your church probably feel the same way.A Serenity Service led by the Rev. Yngvar Ruud in Olso, Norway. Rund is a former member of the United Methodist European Board for Drug and Alcohol Concerns.
Making Matters Worse
It is difficult to know what to do. Usually, a person suffering from an addiction can’t be convinced that help is needed. Most alcoholics aren’t willing to get help unless they realize—usually from devastating personal experience—that there is absolutely no other option. Only when life just doesn’t work anymore might you hear an alcoholic say, “I need help.” By this time, a series of crises will have erupted, options will have become fewer and fewer, and daily life will have become unmanageable.
Often, however, an alcoholic fails to experience the full force or consequences of an addiction. Well-meaning friends and family members tend to “fix” the crises caused by another’s drinking or other kinds of drug abuse. In effect, they help their alcoholic loved one cover up. As long as this life of heavy drinking continues to be manageable, without devastating disruptions, the addict can believe that factors other than abuse of alcohol are causing the crises. The fact that life is somehow still manageable keeps the addict from seeking help.
It is natural for friends or family members to support one another. It is difficult to stop doing so in the case of someone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. It is easy for others to be unhelpful.
How to Intervene
1. If someone comes to me asking for help…
A person who comes to you for help with a drinking problem has reached a turning point. In the midst of a crisis, while experiencing life as unmanageable, the person is ready to consider a different path. It’s helpful to respond quickly, making the most of this willingness to change.
Since an addict may need detoxification to safely come off alcohol and whatever other drugs she or he may be on, it’s good to know in advance where the nearest detox center is located and how to get someone admitted there. But it’s best to find someone who is familiar with addiction—a trained counselor or a friend who is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous (AA or NA).
2. If I don’t know anyone in AA or NA…
Find an “Speakers” AA meeting that you could attend. If you need help locating one, phone or email us. (See page 19 for our contact information.) Anyone may attend an “Open” meeting, but only alcoholics or addicts can attend a “Closed” one. At a “Speakers” meeting, AA members share their personal stories. You will hear about the chaos caused by addiction, the losses sustained, and the fullness and joy of life in recovery. Those who testify are usually full of gratitude for finding sobriety and living sober or drug-free. You may find AA or NA meetings uplifting and inspiring.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AND NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
These fellowships are vitally important for people who are trying to stay sober and clean (drug-free). Addicts and alcoholics are more likely to listen to someone who is recovering from addiction, has “been there,” and can listen without being judgmental. New AA or NA members learn from recovering alcoholics or addicts that willpower alone won’t solve the problem. They learn from others’ experiences that it’s best to rely on God and on the understanding of those in recovery themselves. As they listen to other stories of struggle and recovery, they’ll begin to feel hopeful that they too can stay sober or drug-free.
When we listen to individuals tell their stories, we are actually witnessing how God has intervened in human lives. It is incredible to realize that—through friends, family, pastors, treatment, AA, and fellow congregation members—God’s love has been made known and is actively working in the recovery process. It’s even more incredible to realize that we can be part of other people’s stories. Each of us can help make love real in others’ lives. When we care for one another we participate in God’s renewal of the world. We can work for justice together and participate in practices that help to bring healing and wholeness for all.
It is marvelous to hear someone’s recovery story because it demonstrates God’s power made strong in our human weaknesses. (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10) Going about our daily lives, we do not always perceive God’s power. It is easy to forget that God is in control—except when attending an AA meeting. Attend as many meetings as you can. There, we feel encouraged to cooperate with God, remembering that the power is God’s and the response is ours.
Before or after a meeting, you can ask the group leader: “If someone comes to me with a drinking problem, may I provide your contact information?” After obtaining permission, you’ll be able to provide a substance abuser with a referral.
Jewell Meringer is a lay leader who began a Support and Addiction Family Education ministry at her church.
3. If my loved one is suffering from addiction but not asking for help…
Most alcoholics are not willing to receive help until they realize they have absolutely no other option. Your loved one’s addiction will cause crises. If you fix these crises, you may keep your loved one from reaching a readiness to seek help.
Perhaps you’ve heard addiction called a “family disease.” This is true because everyone in an addict’s family is harmed. Children of substance abusers are more likely to develop an addiction. Living with an addicted person is usually very painful. The entire family needs and deserves support.
For this support, family members can turn to programs such as Alanon (for family and friends of alcoholics), Naranon (for those affected by drug addiction), or Alateen (for youth affected by alcoholic loved ones). Alanon, Naranon, and Alateen meetings offer support and understanding from others struggling with a loved one’s addiction to alcohol or drugs. When others tell about how they stopped smoothing over problems caused by their loved one, you can think about what new limits or rules would help make your life more manageable—despite a loved one’s self-destructive behavior.
Beginning to think about managing your life differently is no small feat. Considering how to care for yourself may be a completely new idea and often takes a great deal of strength and courage to consider seriously. Implementing new ways of responding appropriately to your loved one’s suffering from addiction also takes energy. For these reasons, support is necessary for anyone who wants to help. The right kind of support can help impact your loved one’s life, possibly encouraging that person to seek help.
Key Ideas to Keep in Mind
• I didn’t cause the addiction.
• I can’t cure it, and I can’t control it. I am not responsible for forcing my loved one to seek help.
• I can communicate my feelings to those around me, including the loved one with the alcohol or drug problem.
• I can take care of myself and make my own healthy choices, which will impact my loved one.
• I can find supportive people and places where I can celebrate myself.
Most importantly, remember you are not alone. You can seek counsel from trusted people in your life. Or, call us.
4. If I am a person in recovery…
Congratulations on your recovery! Your experience will be invaluable to your church as your congregation learns about addiction, recovery, and the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Consider partnering with the pastoral care staff to provide mentorship to others seeking recovery.
There are many United Methodists in recovery. We believe that they provide unique leadership for responding to alcohol or drug addiction within our congregations. Your ideas and advice are very important not only to your local church but also to us. We would especially love to hear from you. Contact us.
5. If I am a concerned congregation member and want to do more…
You can work with your pastor and lay leaders in implementing the ideas below. Attend AA “Open Speakers” meetings for a deeper understanding of addiction and recovery. You could also meet with others in your congregation who have a similar concern and think about what impact your group might have.
You can raise others’ awareness that substance abuse affects most of us, in one way or another. By your willingness to speak out, you can help break down the stigma of addiction and encourage a healthy environment at church, making it safe to be open about the hardest situations in life. Call us for resources.
6. If I’m a member of the clergy or a lay leader…
If you are a concerned clergy member or lay leader, most of the suggestions and information above will be relevant for your ministry. The following ideas can further bolster your readiness to respond pastorally to those affected by an alcohol or drug problem.
Go to “Open Speakers” meetings and learn about AA.
Call us for help locating a meeting. If you have the opportunity, welcome 12-Step groups to meet at your church and to build relationships with church members. As you become acquainted with AA members at their open meetings, you may be able to put someone seeking help for a drinking problem in touch with an AA member who can provide support and advice.
Educate yourself about the disease of addiction.
Art Mellor can direct you to training and other educational opportunities online and on-site. Juliana Mecera can mail you the Addiction and Recovery: Resource Manual for Clergy and Other Congregational Leaders and can advise you where and how to begin.
Be aware of any history of addiction in your own family or with close friends. One of the mottos of Alcoholics Anonymous.
There may be such a history in your own family or with close friends. Ask yourself: How do I feel about these people and situations? How have I dealt with them? Know and challenge your own personal assumptions about addiction.
Develop listening skills.
Try to imagine what you would feel if you were going through a similar situation. Read The Message version of 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10.
Create a referral list.
Include local programs and counselors that specialize in treating substance abuse. Call Art or Juliana for assistance.
Learn about the spiritual strength of 12-Step programs.
Call us for a free AA Big Book, or find one online through AA World Service. Also check out Walking in the Spirit: Step by Step by the Rev. Jamey Lee, a free resource on our site at www.umspsarv.org.
Seek guidance and support from others.
You are not alone, so talk to trusted people—including us—about what might be most helpful. Recognize your limits and care for yourself so that you can be pastorally present for the long term. Call us.
Juliana Mecera, STM, is an executive secretary working for the United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV). Art Mellor, MSW, is SPSARV’s executive director. SPSARV is a program of the General Board of Global Ministries. This article first appeared in the January-February 2014 edition of New World Outlook.
Please contact us. We will walk with you. 
Art Mellor
amellor@umcmission.org
(212) 870-3699
Juliana Mecera
jmecera@umcmission.org
(212) 870-3883
Coming in May: An inspirational 9-year-old explains why cancer has made her pray more.
Learn about crosses as inspiration for mediations and the debut of new spiritual gifts assessment.
Visit UMC.org today!
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