Rector's Note: Feast of All Saints & Dia de los Muertos

Dear Saints,

Recently I’ve had the privilege of talking to different people about loved ones who have died. In conversations like these there is often grief and sadness. But there is also such a spark when those who are grieving share their stories of that person. They come alive as they recount something that the person used to say, a favorite dish they made, or a certain memory that they keep coming back to. It’s almost like the person is right there.

One of the most important things for the grieving process is to be able to say the names of those who have died and talk about them with others. But modern, American society doesn’t present us with many natural ways to do this where it’s simply part of life. Additionally, sometimes we don’t bring it up because we don’t know what to say. Other times we are afraid to talk about people we have lost. But we need these opportunities, and creating them for others with sensitivity and compassion is one of the most Christlike things we can do.

In our celebration of the Feast of All Saints on Sunday, October 31, we will have time to intentionally remember our loved ones together. In preparation you might want to be thinking of the people you want to remember on that day. I know I always have a hard time thinking on the spot, so I’ve been reflecting on family members and friends I want to remember in our service.

In addition to the service, we have a beautiful Dia de los Muertos altar that our pre-teens have prepared. You are invited to bring pictures of your loved ones to place on it. This will be another welcome reminder of how, through God and the Communion of Saints, we are always connected.

I hope you will be able to join us this Sunday as we share the Master Plan update after the 10:15 service in the Nave. You can join online using the Coffee Hour link.

In peace,