Worship Ideas for All Saints Day / All Saints Sunday
In many churches the saints of the historic church are lifted up on All Saints Sunday. Some churches include contemporaries who have died also: peace and justice activists, for instance. I myself, holding to the idea that all people are gifts and immediately surrounding us are saints we might not recognize as saints, people who have gifted us with their presence, have recognized via a multi-media presentation loved-ones who members have lost during the previous year. I've solicited photos from members and some vitals about these people and have incorporated them in a photo montege of remembrance. I used music in the background that invited parishioners to reflect together on how we have loved them and how these saints have loved us.
I lift from the Rev. Ashley Harness an idea that she has shared on the Center of Progressive Renewal blog this week. Listen to the music by John Becker (linked below) and imagine how your congregation might remember church saints and our own saints into worship. Their are certainly a few full voices in every congregation, those of parishioners who might ass a cantor for one Sunday while background music is supplied by a choir, an ensemble and/or the congregation. My experience tells me that this would be a wonderful Sunday to light and float candles in honor of the passage of a loved one and in this liturgical act, people of all ages might participate in a powerful manner. And, as we approach this next Sunday, remember that communion will be shared in many churches this upcoming Sunday; don't forget that the saints join us in the sharing of bread and wine, ~~RCS
SINGING THE SAINTS
by the Rev. Ashley Harness
At Lyndale UCC, we have a long tradition of incorporating our own congregation's saints and the saints lost in the justice struggles of our days into worship on All Saints Day. We sing a litany of saints - both the ones most of us would recognize and those who are particular to our community at Lyndale. Via a little crowdsourcing, we collect the names and then our music minister integrates them into this hymn by John Becker. You can take a listen here and download sheet music here.
Because the names can feel a bit clunky for the whole congregation to sing and get the rhythm right, a cantor leads the versus, but we all sing the responsive blessing. Every year there are tears of joy mingled with grief as we honor those we've lost and rest in their memory as we sing.
This year, in honor of our work in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter, we'll also be singing some of the names of those lost to police brutality. You can find those names and more information here. ~ Article by Rev. Ashley Harness ~ Minneapolis, Minnesota