For All the Saints
by Dennis Foust, Senior Minister
Almost 2,000 years ago, Paul began one of his Letters to the Church in Corinth with these words of pastoral theology: “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be SAINTS, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Within the first few verses, he gives thanks to God for them and appeals to them to “be knit together in the same mind and the same purpose.”
My beloved St. John’s, this Sunday we will honor those saints of St. John’s who passed on ahead of us this past year. Along with Christians around the world, we will celebrate All Saints Day. Each name called reminds us of a person who walked the halls of St. John’s buildings, laughed and cried with us, participated in ministries, shared sanctuary pews with us, joined their voice with ours in worship, and united their prayers and financial resources with ours. Their commitments as SAINTS of God strengthened our church.
Earlier this week, while reading the list of those who passed on ahead of us during the past twelve months, I gave thanks for them and thought of Paul’s words to those living SAINTS in Corinth. Let me offer a few thoughts to you – the living SAINTS of St. John’s. Just as Paul gave thanks for the living SAINTS in Corinth, I am thankful for you and your steadfast partnership in God’s gospel mission.
In the past couple of months, as summer has given way to a new school year, our families with children and youth have returned to faithful participation and leadership in the church. It has been so good to be with them on a few occasions. We have so many wonderful young families. I am thankful for each household and their commitment to nurture their children in the life of St. John’s. When the preschoolers and children express how they feel comfortable in our presence, when they are themselves among us, it brings me joy. We can offer Moments with the Younger Church most Sundays during worship throughout the school year. I am grateful to each of you as parents, teachers, volunteers, and staff ministers who allow us to be blessed by the regular participation of these young SAINTS of God who remind us that God has not given up on humanity yet.
Paul also appealed to the SAINTS of Corinth to “be knit together in the same mind and the same purpose.” You are wonderful people. Your graciousness and generosity bless thousands of people each week. In these days when we are confronted by a pandemic of mean-spiritedness, condemnation, judgement, ridicule, blaming, pointing fingers, shouting, shaming, emphasizing differences, and dwindling levels of humility, submission, kindness and compassion, YOU – ST. JOHN’S – ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS as we build a better world. You are living SAINTS in the work of God, revealed in Jesus.
Please know your pastor loves you and appreciates your commitment to “be knit together in the same mind and the same purpose.” This week, as we begin our annual financial commitment season, we focus on our 2024 Ministry Budget that helps knit us together. We need to take another step forward beyond the pandemic interruption. I am praying for each of you as you consider your commitments for 2024. The opportunities that are ahead of us will require ALL THE SAINTS.
I leave you with one humorous financial stewardship story about giving.
A pastor asked a farmer, “If you had 200 cows, would you give 20 of them to the Lord?” “Of course,” said the farmer. “And, if you had 100 cows, would you give 10 to the Lord?” “Sure, I would,” replied the farmer. “And, if you had 10 cows, would you give 1 to the Lord?” “Now, that’s not fair, reverend. You know I have only ten cows.” 😊
Well, I think it’s funny. See you Sunday!
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