This is a sketch I did during Annual Conference in Virginia this year.  When Methodists anywhere gather together for conference, we always commence by singing “And Are We Yet Alive?” More than ever before, I was moved to tears by the song this year.

This past year, I buried four parents of youth in my youth group, one nursery worker that committed suicide, the last-remaining parent of an only child in his twenties, and a friend from college.

That night, I had the privilege of serving as the deacon to our retiring Bishop Cho as we led Holy Communion during the service of remembrance.  One of the names read was Rev. Darreld Shoop, who had been influential to my faith as a boy at Oakwood UMC in rural Virginia.  I was tired, I was overwhelmed from the ministry of the past year, I was wrung out dry, I was serving from an empty cup.

But just the taste of the bread, just the touching of the garment of Christ, and my hemorrhaging began to heal.  The rain began to pour, and all who were thirsty came to the table, and no one was denied.

1. And are we yet alive,
and see each other’s face?
Glory and thanks to Jesus give
for his almighty grace!

2. Preserved by power divine
to full salvation here,
again in Jesus’ praise we join,
and in his sight appear.

3. What troubles have we seen,
what mighty conflicts past,
fightings without, and fears within,
since we assembled last!

4. Yet out of all the Lord
hath brought us by his love;
and still he doth his help afford,
and hides our life above.

5. Then let us make our boast
of his redeeming power,
which saves us to the uttermost,
till we can sin no more.

6. Let us take up the cross
till we the crown obtain,
and gladly reckon all things loss
so we may Jesus gain.