All Saints’ Day occurs on November 1 and is observed on the nearest Sunday. This day draws our attention to the communion of saints as we express our gratitude for the faithfulness and gifts of those who have died and those who continue to live as Christ-like models.
The following service could be held at any time during the church year but would be especially appropriate at the end of the year or around All Saints’ Day. In this congregation particular mention was made of all who had died in the previous two years, but that could be extended or shortened.
Death is a very real word and a very real reality. For followers of the One who defeated death, it is the next logical step in our eternal trust walk with triune God.
People need heroes. We need them as examples of the kind of life to strive for, as common ideals around which the community coheres. A few weeks ago, I heard Trygve Johnson, Dean of the Chapel at Hope College in Holland, Michigan (see p. 16), preach on the “heroes of faith” passage in Hebrews. That passage ends with the stirring call, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders . . . and run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Heb. 12:1).
More All Saints' Day Resources
Called to Carry the Light
Learn MoreOn All Saints' Day, Devotional Prayers, and Distinctions Between "Songs about God" and Songs to God"
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