During worship on Sunday, Nov 3, we will observe All Saints Day. This is a day on which we remember and give thanks for the “saints” in our lives – people of faith who have gone before us, who have born witness to the gospel, and who have, in many cases, been a part of our own faith formation. The book of Hebrews refers to them as a “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Observing All Saints Day is not about remembering perfect people, because none of us are without sin, but it is about giving thanks for God’s holy presence in the lives of ordinary people.

This week we will remember those from our church family who have died during the past year:
Mary Bittinger                 Joan Mehaffey                 Helen Painter                  Sue Plantin
Jim Stephens, III              Lois Tomlinson                Mabel Wilder                  Betty Woodall

As we remember and give thanks for the lives of these saints, we hold fast to God’s eternal promise:
          But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.  Daniel 7:18

Scripture readings for Sunday, Nov 3 will be Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Hebrews 11:1-3, 12:1-2.