Dear St. John's Community,
On Friday, like many, I watched the funeral service for Colin Powell, retired Army 4-star general, former Secretary of State, and fellow Episcopalian. In the days following his passing and in his funeral service, we heard memories of and tributes to the person, family man, soldier, and statesman he was in life. In the past several days, the parish held memorial services for parishioners, remembering them for who they were in life to us. It seems we are in a season for remembering.
This Sunday we observe All Saints Day — the day in the church year where we remember those with the title of saint as well as those who are saints without it. We especially remember those saints in our lives who departed this life: family, loved ones, friends, or people we know who have influenced our lives.
On All Saints Day, a traditional day for baptisms, we will also baptize adults and children into the household of God, into the Christian family. As a community, we commit to supporting them in their new lives in Christ. Like the saints we honor and remember, we show them by word and example the baptismal covenant we reaffirm at each baptism.
Who are the saints in your life? Whether you join us in person, by livestream, or worship in private, take a few moments to remember and give thanks for them. As the Collect for All Saints bids us to pray: “Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you…(The Collect for All Saints, BCP, page 245.)”
Blessings,
Doug+
