Dear Friends,

Every day of this earthly life is a blessing but, as the author of Psalm 90 reminds us, our days are numbered:

"Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

To number our days is to recognize the reality of death. Some are blessed with more days and some, to our sorrow, with less. Every one of us is headed, however, to an earthly death and, I believe, beyond death into an eternity of grace.

In the meantime, let us live life to the full, celebrating every blessing whenever possible. Speaking of celebrations, Henry Bonner will turn 90 in May and on Sunday, May 5th, we will surprise him in worship and share a cake following worship. We will also recognize all of our 90+ members on the 5th. Please do not mention this newsletter to Henry (his copy will leave out this paragraph). Also, if you would like to give Henry a birthday present, simply buy or sell one of more of the cookbooks he printed as a church fundraiser. These cookbooks have added thousands of dollars to our church income over the last few years and we have a few left! Cookbooks will be available in the vestry for you to take, buy or sell at a special "Happy Birthday Henry" rate of $10.

Talking about death and planning for our own deaths can be difficult. This month, on Tuesday evening, May 14th, we all have an opportunity to start this conversation through a special film being shown by Miles & St. Andrew’s Home Health and Hospice (more information inside this newsletter). I hope you will consider coming to this important community event.

Seize the day in front of you!

Lots of Love,

Sarah