Last Sunday was Reformation Sunday where we celebrated the birth of the Lutheran Church. It was also Halloween or All Hallows Eve, the day before All Saints Day. All Saints Day is on November 1st, but we celebrate it on the first Sunday in November which will be this Sunday, November 7th. This is the day we remember and celebrate all those in the faith who have gone before us and now rest eternally with God,
 
It is a bittersweet celebration as we remember those we have lost in the past year.  At Peace we have a tradition of presenting a single white rose to a family member of those members and friends who have died. This year our list includes Jim Bunting, Fran DeFrees, Debi Hopkins, Shirley Kiss, Jane Muscato and Carolyn Schmidt.
 
We will be singing the familiar hymn, For All the Saints as well… but not all seven verses. I post them here for your enjoyment!
 
For All the Saints

1   For all the saints who from their labors rest,
     who thee by faith before the world confessed,
     thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
     Alleluia! Alleluia!

2   Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
     thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
     thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.
     Alleluia! Alleluia!

3   Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine,
     we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
     yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
     Alleluia! Alleluia!

4   And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
     steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
     and hearts are brave again and arms are strong.
     Alleluia! Alleluia!

5   The golden evening brightens in the west;
     soon, soon to faithful servants cometh rest;
     sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
     Alleluia! Alleluia!

6   But then there breaks a yet more glorious day:
     the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
     the King of glory passes on his way.
     Alleluia! Alleluia!

7   From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
     through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
     singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
     Alleluia! Alleluia!

Text: William W. How, 1823-1897. Public Domain.

See you Sunday!