Dear Church Family, Recently a friend sent me a prayer, attributed to a 17th nun, about the challenges of aging well. Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am getting older. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but you know I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind free from a recital of endless details, give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I ask for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint—some of them are so hard to live with—but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen. Do you think they were trying to send me a message? I do think there is a lot of wisdom there to be followed. Sunday is World Communion Sunday, when Christians throughout the world celebrate their unity in sharing the sacrament. We finish the series on the Lord’s Prayer with the focus on “lead us not into temptation.” The sermon is “Prayer and the Tempter’s Snare” and the scriptures are Exodus 32:1-24 and I Corinthians 10:1-13. Our congregation has raised $917 for CROP. Donations will still be received. We’re almost at our goal of $1000. Thanks to all who walked and contributed. Well done! Many thanks to Tracy, who has organized this effort. See you in church. Peace and Joy, Rich