On Sunday, November 4th we begin using new worship prayers and blessings suggested for this month, a time some see as a season-within-a-season. The theme clearly seems to be how the Church gathers all its Saints together and calls them to serve.

Greeting: Beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace, mercy, and peace be with you all. Offering Prayer: God of all creation, all you have made is good…. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ our Lord. Prayer after Communion: Remember us, and all the faithful, when you come into your kingdom, O Lord. As you have fed us with holy food and drink, send us into the world to live as your holy people, until we come to the full vision of your glory, for you are Lord, now and forever. Blessing: The church is surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. May you find strength and courage in their presence. Sending: Go in peace with all the saints to serve the Lord.

November begins with All Saints Sunday, a remembrance of those who have died in Christ, and draws to a close following a special day of Thanksgiving. The texts above, and the entire witness of the Church and its saints, remind us that our lives and all that we have are gifts from a gracious Creator, who gathers us and sends us out to live as holy people, inspired by the presence of those who have gone before us. If we truly wish to thank God, we will go in peace, serving the Lord.

Pr. Parsons