[All Saints' Sunday is the annual day on the church calendar where we remember those of the faith who have gone before us. We read nine names of our members during the prayer time, lighting a candle and ringing a bell after the reading of each name. (See names below.) We also lighted a tenth candle in memory of others who have enriched our lives and helped us to become more like Christ. Notice in the picture above that the word "Alleluia" is conveniently below the ten candles. We sing, "Alleluia" for all of the saints who have gone before us and who are now with God in glory. Here is the link of the sermon.]
We are heirs of a wonderful
annual tradition in the church to observe All Saints’ Sunday, which is a time
for us to remember and give thanks for those in our congregation who have
passed away since last year’s All Saints’ Sunday.
All Saints Sunday has two
very important dimensions. On one level, it’s a time for us to continue the
grieving process. On another level, it’s a time for us to remember that we are
surrounded by what the bible describes as a great cloud of witnesses and to
hold fast to the promise and assurance that one day all of God’s people will be
reunited in God’s glorious kingdom.
As the Roll of the Victorious
is read, our hearts are full of thankfulness as we remember and honor these
dear loved ones. Their names are printed alphabetically in the bulletin.
Family and friends of each
loved one are invited to stand as their names are read. You may be seated after
the bell for your loved one is rung.
O God, we lift up to you
these saints by name, who have faithfully lived and died:
Virginia
Belsho
Kathryn
Ellis
Donald
Gilmore
Carolyn
Grippa
Betty
Hawlk
Miriam
Henderson
Jean
MacKinnon
French
McCormick
Virginia
McNabb
We will light one more candle
this morning. It is in loving remembrance of all others who have blessed us in so
many loving ways. Thanks to their Christ-like example, we have a stronger faith
and a closer walk with God. We haven’t said their names aloud, but we say their
names silently now in our hearts. Let us remember with grateful hearts all
those whom we have loved. Their lives brightened and changed this world.
God holds all of us in his
great arms of mercy. Let us offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all the saints
who have gone before us:
Almighty God, we thank you
for all the saints who have faithfully lived and died and who are now with you
in your glorious kingdom. We especially thank you for those we have just named
and for how they have been a blessing in our lives. We also pray for family
members who have made a special effort to be here in worship today to remember
their loved ones. Remind us that you are our loving shepherd who comforts us,
especially when we have heavy hearts.
Most of all, on this All
Saints’ Sunday, we give you thanks for the good news of our faith that points
us to a time when there will be no more mourning, sadness, pain or injustice,
and where even death itself will be defeated once and for all. To you O God, be
all honor, glory, dominion, and power, now and forevermore.
And now with confidence as the people of God, let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught us to say together, “Our Father, who art in heaven…”
And now with confidence as the people of God, let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught us to say together, “Our Father, who art in heaven…”
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