In 1986, Pope John Paul II is quoted as saying, "We are an Easter people, and allelujah is our song!" I first heard this quote at a funeral and have never forgotten it. It's not that death doesn't cause Christians deep grief - of course it does. It's just that we know death has been swallowed up in victory and the resurrection of Jesus has the final word. And so, we are Easter people and alleluia is our song.

With that in mind, planning for the end of our lives should not be something we shy away from. As good managers of all that God has given us to take care of here on earth (see Matthew 25:14-30, for example), it makes sense that we have our questions answered and our affairs set in order.

This is the heart behind our next Sunday Night Conversation. On October 27 @ 6pm, we are going to have a very practical conversation about end-of-life planning. We'll cover everything from wills to what the Bible says about cremation. We'll dig into questions you have about how to prepare well and leave a legacy for your family.

You're invited to join the conversation. If you have questions that you'd like to discuss, let me know and I'll be sure to include them in our time together. And, of course, Pastor Erin will have snacks and Mrs. Theresa will arrange childcare. Just be sure to RSVP!

Looking forward to our SNC,
Pastor Tracy