By Rev. Debra Jene Collum
Chatfield United Methodist
In the tradition in which I serve, each first Sunday of November is designated as All Saints Sunday. This day was very important to John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement. In a journal entry from November 1, 1767, Wesley calls it “a festival I truly love.” In 1788, he writes, “I always find this a comfortable day.” The following year he calls it “a day that I peculiarly love.” I, too, love remembering the saints who have gone before, even as I miss their presence among us.
At Chatfield United Methodist Church; we light a candle and say the name of each beloved saint who has died since the last All Saints Day. As I say their names and light their candles; I remember not only their names, but also their witness; the legacy they left for our church and community.
In the book of Hebrews in the Bible, we read of “that great cloud of witnesses” who surround us as encouragers in our own faith journey. I will often look out over the sanctuary on a Sunday morning and see the shadows of our “great cloud of witnesses” in the pews… I remember: he used to sit there, she used to stand there, they used to sit together and you could see the love they had for each other and for their God. Even though these beloved saints are no longer with us in person, their essence remains. We stand on their shoulders and learn, even now, of faith because of what they taught us.
One of the things I miss about COVID is those gathering that would often happen spontaneously or after a memorial service, when people would linger around table instead of leaving quickly so as to keep us all safe. It was in those moments of lingering that I would hear the intimate stories of those who have gone before. How a rough-around-the-edges gentleman was the best Sunday School teacher. How a kind and gentle woman could teach the young ones how to make pies. How a quiet but wise elder would say just the right prayer at just the right time. How a committee member spoke the words that moved the church in a new and exciting direction for ministry. These and more, are the legacies that we celebrate on All Saints Sunday.
When I get discouraged by the world, the ministry, or life in general, I remember those who have gone before, who created the foundation on which we all stand so that we can continue in ministry with courage. I remember that we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses that we are able, even in the most difficult of times, to run this race with perseverance and patience. They did it with their own trials and tribulations, and left us a great legacy. So, we too, can live our lives so that we can leave a legacy for the next generation who will, no doubt, also, need cosmic cheerleaders.
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