Pastor's Pen

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…  (Hebrews 12:1)

Sunday, October 30, we will celebrate All Saints Day.  It is a time when we remember that we are still connected and commune with those who have died in the Lord.  We remember that although we can see them no more, their lives continue in the presence of the Lord, and our communion with them has not been broken. There is a great “cloud of witnesses” cheering us on. They include fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, husbands, wives, children, other relatives and friends. The fourth stanza of “For All the Saints” expresses this well:

O blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; 

yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine…

We will remember in the service those saints who are dear to us, and especially those members of First United Methodist Church who have died in the Lord since last All Saints Day.

Please pass word of this service on to any relatives you know of members who have died in the past year so they can be present as we honor their loved ones.

Your brother in Christ, Joel