Two years ago we lost a spiritual giant at Frazer, the Reverend Earl Andrews. Earl was one of the finest Christian gentlemen and pastors you will ever meet. After his distinguished career as a military chaplain, Earl became the minister of Congregational Care at Frazer United Methodist Church for many years. He was the face of caring. He loved people, and he revealed the love of God to people in remarkable ways. Earl left very clear instructions for his funeral. At the gravesite the military honor guard was there. At the end of the service, with the folding of the flag, which had covered the casket, the trumpet began to play “Taps.” We have all been to funerals where “Taps” was played and it signified the death of a brave soldier. But Earl had a different plan. No sooner had the fellow who was playing the bugle stopped “Taps,” another young soldier with a bugle stood up and began to play “Reveille.” Wake up, get up, it’s a brand new day. Does that not capture the essence of Easter? We are a people of the second bugle. The tomb is empty. Christ is risen. Life has the final word. Easter proclaims that for those who believe in Jesus, that no sooner does our obituary appear in the paper than a birth notice stumbles out in heaven. Does “Taps” or “Reveille” define your life? Are you a person of the first bugle or are you a person of the second bugle?”
– Dr. Tim Thompson