Christ's resurrection changed the world, broke all the old rules. The Church's response to the good news of resurrection should be equally unprecedented - a celebration of new life using the old images of death.

Dr. Paul Stuckey, the wonderful new senior minister at GraceUnitedMethodistChurch in Dayton, Ohio, tells the story of an eye-catching ad in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, newspaper's classified section. Big, bold letters advertised "Used Tombstone. " The ad's text read as follows: "Used tombstone for sale. Real bargain to someone named 'Dingo.' For more information call ..."

The image of a used tombstone may at first seem maudlin and depressing. But think again: a "used" tombstone means that its previous owner has no longer any use for it. It has become a castoff, unnecessary item. The…