The births of my children were among the greatest moments of my life. At the same time, the annual celebration of their lives reminds me of the loss of my beloved grandparents. Within a few days of Madison’s birth, my Memaw passed, quickly followed by my PaPa a few weeks later. My Nana passed two years to the day before Aubrey-Anna was born.
Remembering those who have gone before us is a healthy and beautiful way to continue to be formed. In fact, the church has set a day aside for such spiritual endeavors; we call it All Saints’
Day.
Formally started in the 7th century by Pope Boniface IV to recognize canonized Saints, All Saints’ Day has taken on various significance for other Christian traditions. For the free church, the day beckons us to remember those who have gone before us in the faith and to be formed by the Spirit of God from their journeys.
We invite you to participate in an All Saints’ Day Prayer Vigil on November 1st at 7:30 am or 6:00 pm. The two vigils are identical and intended to accommodate the various schedules of participants. The vigil will be a twenty-minute space of personal and communal reflection.
As you prepare for All Saints’ Day, you are invited to engage in the spiritual discipline of journalism. In this simple exercise, recall those who have gone before you that have made an indelible mark. Consider what about their faith journey inspires you to be formed by the Spirit of God. After you have reflected on their attributes, write a prayer of thanksgiving and petition to God.
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