Dear Friends,
On Sunday, we commemorated All Saints Day. The actual day for All Saints is November 1, so in worship it is always the first Sunday in November. We can think of it as All Saints Weekend, which is one of my favorite weekends on the church calendar.
While we always remember our loved ones who have died, this weekend encourages us to remember collectively. I love to light, and watch you all light, candles in remembrance. I love hearing the names of your loved ones. As we light candles in worship, we share our ancestors and loved ones with one another. Each lit candle reminds us of the light that continues to illuminate our hearts. I hope that you will be able to join us in worship for this special day.
I have a few people to remember, but specifically I am thinking of my mother.
She died of Covid in January 2021. She had a hard life, something I was not fully aware of as a child. That’s because she worked hard to provide a home and to make sure my sister and I knew we were loved.
She and I loved to talk about politics. I can remember when I was younger, we often cancelled each other’s votes. In this polarized climate, I appreciate that she and I were able to see issues so differently while continuing to love one another. At some point, our views began to align to one another and our votes were about the same. She used to call and ask, “what are you thinking about …?” I miss talking to her about candidates and issues.
What about you? Who are you thinking of and missing this All Saints Sunday? I would love to hear your stories.
I invite you to remember this promise in the book of Revelation. It reminds us that one day death and separation will be no more.
“See, the home of God is among mortals.He will dwell[ with them;they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and be their God; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.Death will be no more;mourning and crying and pain will be no more,for the first things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:3b-4
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
PS: I have been sharing budget news with you all, and we still have some difficult decisions to make. I want to share some good news with you. We applied for a grant from our synod to help support our youth ministry. This week we received a check for $10,000. That is wonderful news!
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