![]() ![]() These same bells might also be used to accompany a sung response following the reading of the names. One bells is rung after each name, but the pitches and tones are different for each, just like the lives being remembered. Or a number of bells may be used, some high, some low. One bell might be rung following the reading of each name. While the names are read, handbells are rung.While the names of the deceased are read, candles are lit to signify each person remembered, as in the story above.Then use the creativity of your worship planning team to refine the resource into a golden moment for your congregation. Look at the resources and select the ones that would seem to work best in your congregation. Gathering the prayers, hymns, liturgies, and other resources is the first step in creating an All Saints remembrance that moves beyond empty ritual and becomes a moment of worship. (See Ministry Matters' This Sunday bin for All Saints Sunday.) Other denominations offer similar resources, and the Internet can offer a wealth of suggestions. The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012 (See suggestions for the day).2012-2013 United Methodist Music and Worship Planner (See suggestions for the day).Zion Still Sings (See “Eternal Life” on page 227 of the Pew Edition).The Faith We Sing (Worship Planner Edition) (p.The United Methodist Book of Worship (#413–15),.It is a day to remember the saints, "saints" by the New Testament meaning of "all Christian people of every time and place." It is a day to celebrate the communion of saints as we remember those who have died, both in our local congregationsand throughout the Church universal.įor United Methodists, there are many denominational helps for celebrating All Saints Day: It is seldom that Protestants are gathered on November 1, so many churches observe All Saints Sunday each year on the Sunday following November 1. Many churches celebrate All Saints Day with services of remembrance of saints. This was not an empty liturgical activity for Martha or the other worshipers it was personal and allowed them the holy space to grieve and to proclaim the resurrection. As the wick grew brighter, Martha felt the Holy Spirit offer comfort and peace. As Jayne’s name was read, Martha lit a candle close to her side of the table. As the names of the deceased were read, Martha and another member of the DISCIPLE class lit a candle for each name read. The altar table was filled with unlit candles of all shapes and sizes. But finding a strength beyond her grief, she asked if she could serve as a worship leader during the All Saints service during which Jayne and others would be remembered. A few days after the group’s final Communion service was celebrated around her bedside, Jayne joined the Church Triumphant.Īnother All Saints Day approached, and this year, Martha grieved that she could no longer count Jayne as one of her living saints. The Bible study group met at Jayne’s home many times so that she could participate. As her body became weak, her faith became stronger. The next January, Jayne shared with the DISCIPLE group that she had an aggressive and inoperable brain tumor. But they also celebrated the lives and influences of living saints those teachers, pastors, friends, musicians, and others who, through their daily life, had shown others the Christian walk and faith. In worship, Martha’s church remembered the members who had died during the previous year. Though Jayne was not the group leader, Martha looked to her as a teacher and mentor.Īs All Saints Day (November 1) approached, Martha looked forward to thanking God for Jayne, a new saint in her life. Jayne had a way of stating things that always seemed to clarify concepts that were hard for Martha to grasp. She especially enjoyed being with Jayne, a woman several years younger. She found the personal and spiritual dialogue to be the high point of each week. Martha eagerly looked forward to her DISCIPLE Bible Study group.
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