From the Presbytery Connector

Dear Presbytery of Southern Kansas,

All Saints Sunday is a church holiday that Presbyterians do and don’t observe. It’s on our church calendar. There’s liturgy in the Book of Common Worship. There are hymns appropriate for the day, but unless a congregation had a pastor introduce it at some point, it might go unrecognized or be considered too “Catholic.”

Our relationship with saints is different than that of the Roman Catholic Church. We don’t elevate people to sainthood. Instead, we recognize the way that common believers are made holy. We give thanks for the saints among us, living and dead.

My first memory of All Saints Sunday is from my college church, Idlewild Presbyterian in Memphis, TN. It’s the largest church I’ve ever been part of, a gothic cathedral, and that first Sunday of November in 1997 I was awed by the beauty of the time of remembrance. Names of those who had died were read, and a bell chimed. It was simple and powerful. Then the hundreds of us gathered sang “For All the Saints.”

I encourage your congregation to observe All Saints Sunday this year on November 1. The liturgy in the Book of Common Worship can be used in full or in part. I’ll close this letter with a prayer of thanksgiving from the Book of Common Worship All Saints liturgy. As always, reach out if you’d like a visit or have ideas for connecting.

In Christ, Catherine Neelly Burton

We give you thanks, O Lord, for all your saints and servants

who have lived justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with their God.

For all the high and holy ones, who have done wonders

and been shining lights in the world, we give you thanks.

For all the meek and lowly ones, who have earnestly sought you in darkness,

held fast to their faith in times of trial, and done good as they have had opportunity,

we give you thanks.

Especially we give thanks for those whom we have known and loved,

who, by their patient obedience and self-denial,

steadfast hope and helpfulness in trouble,

have shown the same mind that was in Christ Jesus.

As they have comforted and upheld our souls, grant us grace to follow in their steps, and at last to share with them in the inheritance of the saints in light; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.