– Mike Frese, Superintendent of the Corridor District
All Saints:
As October draws to a close and November begins, the celebration of All Saints day appears on most church calendars. In general it is good for the church to remember the historical saints of the church, who dedicated their mind, souls and bodies to the cause of Christ. Remembering their devotion, perseverance and sacrifice is a good reminder that the tradition we have inherited came with a price. Gratitude for the gift of our faith and its practice certainly is in order. In thinking about the saints of the Christian tradition, I have found it helpful to move beyond the commonly named persons and learn about others who have contributed to the stream of faithfulness. Whether it is through Google searches or books about the saints, my life has been enriched to read about the lives of persons who lived and died in other countries, other Christian traditions and other times. Truly it is inspiring how God calls and uses the gifts of such diverse people to carry the Kingdom-expanding mission that Jesus began.
Our Saints:
Beyond “all” saints, services focus on “our” saints. This is typically done through the naming of church members and friends who have died over the past year. As I prepared for these services, I found an array of emotions well up in me. There was joy and gratitude as I thought about how the people who would be named touched the life of the congregation. There also was a sense of loss of their unique embodiment and the way God’s grace flowed through them. In some cases there was sadness in what seemed a life cut short (at least in my perspective) and thanksgiving for many days of experiencing and sharing God’s love. Developing the worship experience – from the flow of the service, the hymns/songs to be sung, the way the names would be read, and the sermon for the day – seemed both a heavy and blessed burden. I considered it a privilege that God would allow me the opportunity to guide a community of faith in such a tender exercise of identifying the work of grace in the lives of others.
My Saints:
While it is important that we honor “all” saints and “our” saints, I encourage you to make room for honoring those you would consider “my” saints. Recently, in a charge conference, a pastor remarked about the number of funerals that were conducted over the past year. The issue wasn’t the quantity, but the sadness about the death of so many faithful servants. (Of course, there was the acknowledgement that for them, eternal life was a precious gift.) Whether it is preparing for a funeral or planning an All Saints service, we can be so focused on bringing meaning to others that we do not always allow ourselves to grieve.
Please take time to remember fondly those saints who have inspired, encouraged and even challenged you. Whether it is family (biological or chosen), friends or church members, name them before God and allow the memories to enrich your spirit. Take time to lament over their physical absence and offer praise for their continued witness in your life.
For all who have formed you and guided you into and during your ministry I give thanks, for I am grateful for the work you do on behalf of Christ in the Corridor District.
