All Saints

All Saints day II, Wassily Kandinsky, 1911

This coming Friday, November 1, is All Saints Day. It is a day to remember those who have died and taken their place in the church triumphant. We commemorate the lives of the faithful departed, reminding ourselves that we are still connected -- that indeed death has not rent asunder what God has put together in our shared baptismal identity as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Since we typically don't gather together for worship on Friday, we observe the festival of All Saints on All Saints Sunday, November 3. It is one of my favorite Sundays of the church year. I appreciate the annual emphasis on our interdependence and connectedness as the body of Christ.  Everyone is there. We're together, whole, complete and at peace.  This is always the promise. But like most promises, we need to be reminded and encouraged that it's true and real. 

Saints are not just those who have lived exemplary lives of faith and obedience to God's will.  We do well to also consider that ordinary saints like you and me are counted among the great cloud of witnesses. Far from perfect, and sinners all, we still are blessed to be in God's favor and objects of God's care and love in Christ Jesus.

As a local community of faith, we will also welcome new members into our midst this Sunday. God continues to call, gather, and enlighten us in our life together. Please take time to introduce yourself to one another at the reception following worship.

Even though, for now, the four-week Faith Formation Forum is complete, please know that everyone is invited to return this Sunday to the fellowship hall at 8:45 AM for the Adult Contemporary Class as they consider a multi-week study entitled, LivingFully, Dying Well. This study is designed to assist us in making careful, wise and prayerful preparation for meeting life's most important moments. It inspires us to talk openly about faith and mortality. Everyone is welcome and guests are expected. Take time to invite a friend! 

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All Saints Sunday

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in the 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.

Readings

Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18

Psalm 149

Ephesians 1:11-23

Luke 6:20-31

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