The First of November is All Saints Day. And on this day, we remember all who have gone before us and all who have shaped the people that we are. In our tradition, we also recognize that all of the baptized are saints. In our worship this Sunday, we will remember the saints who have died this past year and the newly baptized. We will also spend some time focused on the saints who will be gathered in the pews and watching online. This year it feels like there is more to grieve and simply more loss in our lives. Let us not shy away from that grief but instead lean in a little farther so that we might acknowledge our grief and begin or continue a path of healing. A friend of mine from seminary shared the following poem which is fitting for this day. May we remember.
God’s Peace, Pastor Steve
‘We Remember Them’
by Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer
At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them.
For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.