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Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 NIV
All Saints Sunday is a deeply powerful Sunday in the church. It is a special day when we remember those who have died in the faith, recognizing them in special ways. During the prayers, we will announce the names of those who joined the saints triumphant since All Saints Sunday last year.
We will also pause and ring a bell after their name is read, giving them a special honor of remembrance. This also gives families whose grief is still fresh an opportunity to receive support and care from all of us and encourage them in their faith.
You will also have an opportunity during communion to come forward and pause light a candle in memory of your loved ones, placing it in the sand in a cross in the aisle.
Sometimes we’re afraid to say a deceased loved one’s name to the survivors, fearing that we will make them cry. This is a place and time to cry, but also to have Christ Jesus wipe away the tears from our eyes, knowing the hope of salvation our faith gives us.
I remember in my first parish, there was a wise old pastor, David Hernes, who had recently lost his wife. One day we were talking about death at a text study with some of the other local pastors. Pastor Dave shared how the loss of his wife had really changed his perspective on the words he often said at the death of someone. In his own grieving, the words people spoke to him after her death just didn’t ring the way he thought they did when he had said them earlier. Many were hollow, empty, or even hurtful!
Isn’t that true? I’m sure most of you would agree, it is hard to know what to say to someone who is grieving. We hear the platitudes like: “God needed another angel,” (Really? No, my God didn’t need another angel!), or “They are in a better place now,” or “Time heals all wounds,” or “I know how you feel,” or “Everything happens for a reason.” They might sound good on the surface, but in reality, they mask or minimize the pain, are untruthful, or ingenuine.
A few phrases that might be helpful are “I am so sorry. There are no words,” or “I’m here for you, whether you want to talk or just sit in silence,” or “Can I drop off a meal for you on Tuesday?” The simple offer of a hug, to help, or to be with them may be enough for today.
How do you grieve? What words have been helpful, or hurtful to you? I’m sure I’ve said some stupid things over the years, but thankfully people do give us a lot more grace if our relationship is authentic and loving. Instead of pity or a platitude, it might be best to say nothing, or simply name it: “Death sucks,” “Grief is process,” or “I don’t know why this happened, I’m sorry.”
This Sunday, we’re naming death, the day after Halloween (which originally comes from “hallowed eve” of All Saints!) This remembrance stands in stark contrast to the wild revelry our culture has adopted around it. Thankfully, we come together to remember that it is Jesus Christ who turns death from a hopeless end to an endless hope.
Because of Jesus, we can celebrate the saints who have gone before us. But we can also be reminded that we, too, have become saints through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.
In the name of Jesus Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS
REMINDER – the clocks jump back an hour this Sunday!
- Join us for worship this Sunday with First Evangelical and Holy Cross churches. We are celebrating All Saints Sunday with special bells and candles during worship as we remember loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord. Join us for a delicious lunch following worship in the Fellowship Hall.
- A special thank you to Sandra and the Church Choir for leading music this Sunday. The choir will rehearse before worship at 9:00 a.m.
Join us for a Thanksgiving Feast after worship on November 22nd. Ham and turkey are provided, but RSVP and sign-up on the sheet in the back of the church to bring a dish to pass, if you are able. This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
Our Bible Study, “See Through the Scriptures” concludes this coming Wednesday. On December 2nd we will having a study on the true date of Christmas, and on December 16th, the story behind Hanukkah, both at 6:30 p.m. Join us to learn and discover!
Holy Cross Church Council will meet on November 8th after worship, with a Congregational meeting on November 15th after worship, all Holy Cross members are encouraged to attend.
First Evangelical will no longer provide numbered offering envelopes. Please use envelopes provided in pews or with the offering box.
Next Sunday we will have representatives from Better Together helping us launch our “Angel Tree” Christmas toy drive. They will also share about their work to help serve orphans, called “Pure Religion Sunday”.
Christmas is around the corner! Sign up to be in our Christmas Pageant this year – a special musical this year! The performance will be on December 20th in worship.
Help us build a safe and secure fence for the new playground for $6172.70. We will have a “Noisy Offering” during worship today. Drop your loose change in the buckets as they pass and make a lot of noise! This will complete our playground project and be a blessing to families for years to come!
