“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
As is our tradition on All Saints’ Sunday, we will be lifting up the names of those who have died this past year. Please share with Pastor Peter the names of your loved ones who have died since last All Saints’ Sunday. They will be named in our litany for the day.
We would also like to give you the opportunity to remember all of your loved ones who have died in the faith by helping us to create a Resurrection Tree. We invite you to make a butterfly with your loved ones’ name(s) written on it. Your butterfly can be as simple or as ornate as you like. Be sure to provide a way that your butterfly can be hung from a branch on our tree. Please drop it off in the All Saints’ box located outside of Community Hall no later than noon on Saturday, October 31. The Resurrection Tree will be displayed in worship on All Saints’ Sunday. After worship, weather permitting, you will find it in the Memorial Garden.
As another way of remembering your loved ones, we invite you to walk the Labyrinth on All Saints’ Sunday. The Labyrinth provides a way for us to “pray with our feet”. You are invited to stand at the entrance to the Labyrinth and set your intention. Perhaps you want to simply name your loved ones, or give thanks for them, or forgive them. You then step into the Labyrinth and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. Trust that the Spirit will guide you. When you get to the center of the Labyrinth, weather permitting, there will be votive candles. You are welcome to light a candle in memory of your loved ones. You are then invited to retrace your steps and walk out of the Labyrinth. Again set your intention. What do you need to let go? To what do you want to hold on? For what or for whom do you want to give thanks?
May God bless your All Saints’ experience.