All Saints Day is an opportunity to give thanks for those who have gone before us in the faith. It is a time to celebrate our history, what United Methodists call the tradition of the church.

From the early days of Christianity, there is a sense that the Church consists of not only all living believers, but also all who have gone before us. For example, in Hebrews 12 the author encourages Christians to remember that a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounds us encouraging us, supporting us, cheering us on.

On All Saints Day we can remember all those who are part of the "communion of saints". We share stories of those "to glory gone."

Retelling these stories grounds us in our history. These memories teach us how God has provided for us through the generosity and sacrifice of those who have come before us. The stories of the everyday saints encourage us to be all God has created us to be.

Come remember the everyday saints in our lives who have gone back home to God.

Nov 1 at our Clayton site (all sites welcome).

Bring a picture of your late loved ones and we will honor them together.