A Reflection on All Saints' Day

Dear Pali Pres,

This coming Sunday at our church is “All Saints’ Sunday,” a tradition we began last year. It is an opportunity for us to honor loved ones who have died in the faith—the “saints” who have lived among us and taught us, through their lives, what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ. While most may associate All Saints’ Day (which is officially recognized on November 1) with the Roman Catholic Church, many mainline protestant denominations also celebrate this day. The Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists and, yes, even the Presbyterians have come to set aside one Sunday a year to remember those who have entered into everlasting fellowship with God. It is a special time for us to give thanks to God for the gift of those we have loved and lost, even as we still miss them and mourn their passing.

I know I will be calling to mind my grandparents, my step-father Wayne, and my good friend from college, Stephan, who have all gone home to be with the Lord. There is something special about remembering together in community—those who have died knowing that the Spirit holds us all together always, even if those we love are not physically present with us.

I encourage you to come to worship on Sunday with an open and tender heart as we celebrate All Saints’ Sunday. Our time together will be less about grieving (though that is certainly appropriate!) and more about giving thanks for those who have gone before us and reflecting on the lessons they taught us. As well, our time together will also include prayers for God to make us even more committed to following him so we can continue the great tradition set by the “saints” who have gone before us.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matt