November 6/7:
Remembering the Saints
"All Saints Day"
Saturday at 5:00 pm
Sunday at 8:00, 9:00, and 10:30 am
This afternoon I listened to Brahms' Requiem. Johannes Brahms was not a conventionally religious man but he did read scripture through his life from a Bible given to him in his childhood. The event that inspired him to bring together scripture in this extraordinary piece of music was the death of his mother. There are so many beautifully quoted pieces of scripture in this music that is so relevant to our lives and especially to us this All Saints Day weekend.
Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.... They who sow in tears shall reap in joy.... I will comfort you as one whom a mother comforts.... Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow after them. This music of Brahms reflects the promise of the scriptures and remind us of their comfort and hope. As we celebrate All Saints Day this weekend, we will give thanks for those who have gone before us. We reminded that in the midst of pain God offers us hope and that death is not the last word; resurrection is. We are reminded this weekend that we are not in this world alone, but surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. We have a number of traditions in our congregation. The names of our church members will be read. The names of loved ones of congregational members and friends can be written in our Memorial Book and a bell placed in their memory on our Memorial Banner. The Book and Banner will be brought into worship. During the time of prayer, you will be invited to come forward and light a candle in memory of someone you have lost.
At 10:30, family members of our church family who have entered into eternal life this year will process with candles. Also, the Fox Point Lutheran Choir will join our Chancel Choir for the singing of the anthem, In Remembrance. A reception will be held in honor of our families and guests in the Jones Narthex. This is one of the most meaningful services of the year. I hope that you will be able to join us and invite family and friends to come with you. I look forward to seeing you this weekend! Pastor Susan
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