All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, is celebrated in honor of all the saints of the church. I’m grateful our church celebrates this day, always on the Sunday before the official November 1st date.
In our church, names of loved ones that have passed away are collected from members prior to the Sunday service. You add names of those people who have gone before you, those that have made a difference in your life, especially spiritually. The list scrolls through the ceremony in the church service, and the congregation can read the names to get a visual of the many people we consider important to us…Ruby, Herb, Agnes, Bob, Warren, Jean, Ed, Henry…
During a time set apart in the service, people from the congregation get up and walk to the front of the church. On the altar there is a table with many votive candles. You can light a candle(s) for your loved one(s).
Sunday’s sermon focused on the several long-time members our church who passed away in the last four months. It was somber, yet celebratory, as we were reminded of these wonderful folks who were a part of our congregation, whom we loved, and whom we will miss.
We sang the old, traditional hymn, For All The Saints, written by William Walsham How, in 1864.
A few select verses (from 8 stanzas):
1 For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! 2 Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou, in the darkness dread, their one true light. Alleluia! Alleluia! 4 Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia! Alleluia! 8 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Today is All Saint’s Day…take time to remember.