Dear Friends in Christ, 

Whether they believe in heaven or not, many people have said to me they are not afraid of death, but are afraid of dying. This, of course, is because there are many ways we may die, and some of these ways involve an extended period of time featuring challenging limitations, dependence on others, discomfort, and pain.  How about you: how do you think and feel about dying and death?  

Some people don’t like to talk about – or even think about – death.  I’ve been told I shouldn’t preach on the subject!  Even though we have this religion which speaks of life beyond death!  And even though we have Jesus who teaches us about “inheriting eternal life!”  

However you think or feel about dying and death, these will be our subject during our sermon time on this upcoming Sunday.  It’s All Saints and All Souls Sunday on our calendar, and we’ll remember loved ones, some of whom are our own personal saints, who’ve died.  We’ll also  consider what we imagine they’ve “inherited,” and what we will inherit, too.  

St. Francis of Assisi spoke of dying and death this way: “It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  What he said is true, but it remains a mystery with which we’re called to wrestle  and embrace by a faith’s trust.  

Blessings of Peace Along the Journey into Dying and Eternal Life,
Pastor Ed