November 1 is All Saints Day, which we will recognize on Sunday November 6, 2011. This is a day in which we solemnly remember those in our congregation who have died since November 1st, 2010. I am asking you to submit the names of immediate family who have joined the “church triumphant” so that we can read their name out loud during the worship service. These names can be given to LeAnn or me, or you can email them to the church office at mempumc@nemr.net.
All Saints is the church’s opportunity to celebrate how God’s grace has been experienced in the life of God’s people. But, you may ask; what is a saint? In the New Testament, the term “saint” referred to any disciple of Christ, or to put it in another way; a member of Christ’s church.
Mr. F. Dean Lueking describes the characteristics of a saint in this article “Saints in the Making.” He notes that a saint is a forgiven sinner.” Saints are given discernment which understands that most of what passes for the good life is “phony to the core.” Saints are people we should model ourselves after because they show in their lives the presence and love of God. They are heroes/heroines, not celebrities.
Mr. Lueking concludes his article with an interesting point. He talks about the rank and file saints. The saints of daily life such as public school teachers, workers in hospital emergency rooms, those who volunteer at the nursing homes, those who tutor children or volunteer hours to help others in their communities. Saints are those who work in stores and auto repair shops where customers receive an honest job or service at an honest price.
All Saints Sunday is a very special day in the Christian Year. If you have a name or names to submit, please get them into the church office and plan to be with us on this reverent day.
As always, I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
Grace and Peace
Pastor David