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Dear SMC Family and Friends: You probably saw on the news that two acting stars, Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, both died this week. I also had a close personal friend who had a heart attack and required bypass surgery on Monday. These events have me thinking about death. Having served as a pastor for more than 20 years, I have had many conversations about how we process the prospect of death and news about death. My perspective is a bit jaded, but I think I have gained insights over the years. The jaded side of my perspective finds it superficial when people just say, “It is so sad” when discussing news of death. Yes, the end of life as we know it involves sadness, but it is also an invitation to think deeply about the transitory nature of human life. Death is surely inevitable for us all, so shock and sadness reveal our denial of a basic reality. Honestly, the death of someone who is 80 years old is not unusual. What I find meaningful about the days following a death is the way we cherish the life of the person we remember. A good eulogy, whether at a service or in a life retrospective, is uplifting and inspiring. It lifts us all out of the pressing anxieties of the present and gives us a bigger picture. Over the years, I have experienced so much rich inspiration at funerals and memorial services, most especially when they involved people I loved and knew well. In Philippians 1: 21-23, Paul says, “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. For if I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better……….” I think what Paul is getting at is that while life on earth promises much that is good when we walk with Christ, death and eternal life is the great reward and the culmination of our journey. Just writing this makes me realize that the idea is counter-cultural. Yet, there is a reason that in many traditions we refer to memorial services and funerals as celebrations of life or homecomings. May we all look forward to our own homecoming when Christ receives us into eternity! I will continue the message that I began last week based upon Romans 12 this coming Sunday, August 30. Please read and pray about Romans 12 prior to worship Sunday. We need your prayers and support for SMC every week! I look forward to seeing you Sunday! Steve Hart
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