What is All Saints' Day about? Those of us who are Protestant can sometimes get stuck in the assumption that the "saints" are all ancient Catholics, wearing haloes, beatific smiles, and the blood of martyrdom. It can be hard to remember the line of reasoning that makes any old bunch of Protestants into saints. Even before they're dead. Even if they're not particularly poor, chaste, or obedient. Even if their theological constructs are wobbly, they don't tithe, and they badmouth the contemporary service.Gertrud Mueller Nelson explains it this way: "All Saints Day is the celebration of those who have contributed successfully to the creation of the kingdom. The saints were not perfect, but they were whole, holy, and they were certainly human. They lived their unique fate with creativity and participated in the evolution of human consciousness" (To Dance with God, by Gertrud Mueller Nelson [Paulist Press, 1987], 223).
That opens things up! Saints are just people who are trying to listen to God's word and live God's call. This is "the communion of saints" that we speak of in the Apostle's Creed -- that fellowship of believers that reaches beyond time and place, even beyond death. Remembering the saints who have helped extend and enliven God's kingdom is what All Saints Day is about. http://www.upperroom.org/
Remembrance Prayer
Leader: We remember the saints who have gone home this past year.
People: We give thanks for the lives who have blessed ours. May their lights continue to shine in our hearts, even after their passing. Amen.
Leader: As a congregation, let us express our support of those who mourn for their loved ones.
People: Sit on the mourner's bench as long as you need to weep. We, your friends and family in Christ, commit to sit with you, to remember with you, and to wipe away your tears. Pour out your Spirit, Lord, on your people so that we may all feel your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen. www.gbod.org
Altar Call Chant: Hear our prayer, O Lord, incline thine ear to us and grant us thy peace. Amen.
