October 30th, 2026 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Beloved Friends,

               Did you know that this upcoming weekend is known in the church as Allhallowtide? Or if you wanted to get really fancy you might call it the Hallowmas Triduum. This all kicks off on Halloween. Yes, Halloween, which you might have been told is just an incredible marathon of a day for children to swim in sweets is actually All Hallow’s Eve, an evening spent in preparation of All Saint’s Day. That’s not to say that you can’t go out and collect candy or partake in some Halloween revelry, but I encourage you to also take some time to say a prayer for a saint in your life (even Saint Dolly Parton) and set your heart for the days to come.

               On Sunday, I hope you will join us in service as we honor all the saints, both known and unknown, who have gone before us into the great cloud of witnesses. We will light candles in prayer and witness to those within our own church family who have departed this Earth, and we will light another candle for all those we hold in our hearts and memories. We also take this time to profess our hope for resurrection and the fullness of new life. Generally, we observe All Saint’s Day in a way that combines practices of All Soul’s Day as well. However, in the Mexican culture, family members will create an ofrenda which is an altar where certain items like food, drink, flowers and pictures are placed to remember deceased loved ones. It may not be an exact tradition you follow, but what if you took some extra time in prayer and remembrance on Monday as well to do something to honor those in your life who you have lost? Gather with loved ones and share memories and stories. Even in the midst of our grief for those who are no longer with us, may we find the inbreaking of joy.

               Be safe this weekend, and I’ll look forward to gathering with you Sunday!

With love and peace,

Pastor Rachel