Children of God… And So We Are | 1 John 3:1-3 | All Saints' Day
November 1, 2021 | 6:30 p.m.
All Saints’ Day
READINGS
Psalm 149:1-9
Revelation 7:2-17
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
Message presented by Rev. Frank C. Ruffatto
A Special thanks to Reverend Jamie Strickler, Pastor of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church for co-presiding this service.
All Saints’ Day celebration has a long history in the worship life of the Christian Church. It began as a commemoration of the martyrs who had died for the faith, and it has since become a day when we honor and remember those who, in death, have joined the Church Triumphant, as well as the faithful saints of the present who serve Jesus Christ. Martin Luther held that all Christians are simultaneously sinner and saint – a sinner because of our rebellious nature, but a saint because of salvation found only in Jesus.
This evening, by reading their names and by ringing a bell and lighting a candle for each, we remember those of our congregation and our families who have gone before us in death. Afterward, there will be an opportunity for anyone in the congregation to come forward to light a candle in memory of someone dear to them. This will proceed spontaneously and at will; there will be no ushers directing you.
Following the lighting of the candles, we proclaim the message of hope and life eternal through Jesus Christ. May all the saints, past and present, endure forever in God’s grace!
+Homily Transcript
Please return Monday for transcript