Dear Church Family,
When did we transition to using the term “passing” to refer to death? TV shows and ads now universally seem to describe the end of life as “passing” as in “my uncle passed last Thursday.”  I’m wondering if  this is  our way of trying to soften the hard reality of death? 
The Bible minces no words.  It describes death as “the last enemy,”  but not the end of the story.  We are Easter  people, who confront the starkness and sadness of death head on.   Jesus, you’ll remember wept at the news of his friend Lazarus’ death.  But then we proclaim the good news that Jesus has conquered death and offered us the promises of eternal life beyond the grave.   
Sunday is Mother’s Day.  Many of us have so many reasons to rejoice in this day and give thanks for our mothers, still with us or at home in heaven.  We note, however, that this is not an easy day for some women,  who have not been able to have children, or who had a  rocky relationship with their mothers, or who are mourning loss. It is good to remember we do not need to understand life’s disappointments fully to love deeply. 
The lessons for this Sunday are Acts 9:36-41 and John 10:1-18.  The sermon is “Abundant Living.” 
I’ll be away May 12-15, at the Festival of Homiletics, a preaching conference I have attended for many years.  I will be back before Sunday. 
See you in church. 
Rich