Celebrating All Saints!

Dear Friends in Christ:

Our church-year calendar designates November 2nd as “All Saints’ Sunday”. (All Saints’ Day is always on November 1st.)

Although this day is filled with sorrow because we miss those loved ones who have gone before us, we bring to our worship songs and prayers of thanksgiving for those who have made an everlasting impact on our lives.

At our worship services this Sunday, candles will be lit and prayers will be offered for specific people in our lives who have nurtured our faith, stood by us, and helped us in our life-journey. Who are those “saints” in your life?

In our creeds, we confess belief in “the communion of saints”. We are united with all the faithful departed. This communion of saints includes both the living baptized people of God as well as those who have entered life everlasting. We are united in this eternal fellowship now and forever.

I often use a beautiful quote from the late Dr. Peter Marshall at funeral services: “Those we love are with the Lord, and the Lord has promised to be with us. So, if they are with the Lord, and the Lord is with us, they cannot be very far away.”

On this All Saints’ Day, as I remember and give thanks for the saints in my life, I will pray that just as they have inspired me, I ask the Holy Spirit to use me to bless and inspire others. We are the “living saints”. Saints are forgiven sinners. And we are called to “ignite the light” by these words of our risen Lord Jesus Christ: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Let us pray:
Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

— Pastor David Fetter