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All Saints Sunday

By Pr. Lisa Rygiel

All Saints Sunday: A Celebration of Holiness and Communion

All Saints Sunday, observed in many Protestant traditions on the first Sunday of November, is a liturgical celebration that honors all saints, both those canonized and those whose names are known only to God. Rooted in the broader observance of All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1, this Sunday offers a unique opportunity for congregations to reflect on the lives of faithful Christians throughout history and to affirm the spiritual bond between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven.

Historical Origins

The origins of All Saints’ Day trace back to the early Christian Church, where martyrs were commemorated collectively. By the 4th century, various regions held feasts for all martyrs near Easter and Pentecost. Pope Boniface IV formalized a feast on May 13 in 609, dedicating the Pantheon in Rome to the Virgin Mary and all martyrs. Later, Pope Gregory III (731–741) moved the celebration to November 1, dedicating a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica to all saints. Pope Gregory IV extended the observance to the entire Western Church in 837.

While Roman Catholics continue to celebrate All Saints’ Day on November 1, many Protestant denominations, including Lutherans, observe All Saints Sunday on the following Sunday. This shift allows for communal worship and remembrance within the rhythm of weekly services.

Theological Significance

All Saints Sunday emphasizes the communion of saints—the spiritual unity of believers across time and geography. It affirms that sainthood is not reserved for a select few but is the calling of all who live faithfully in Christ. As Scripture teaches, “He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints” (Romans 8:27), and “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).

This day also serves as a reminder of Christian hope in resurrection and eternal life. By commemorating those who have gone before, congregations are invited to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the legacy they will leave.

Contemporary Relevance

In today’s world, All Saints Sunday offers a countercultural message: that holiness is not fame or perfection, but faithful living. It encourages believers to draw inspiration from ordinary saints—teachers, caregivers, neighbors—whose lives reflect divine love and justice.

Moreover, it provides space for grief and healing, especially for those mourning recent losses. By naming and remembering the departed, congregations affirm that love transcends death and that every life matters in God’s eternal story.

Nov. 2, All Saints Sunday -- 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Flowers: Given in thanksgiving for all of the saints who have touched our lives.

Announcements

  • Next Sunday: Remember to set your clocks back Saturday night as Daylight Saving Time ends, then join us for worship and the First Sunday Potluck, as well as a specially called congregational meeting (details below).
  • All Saints Blessing: The first Sunday in November is All Saints Sunday, which this year is Nov. 2. Zion’s will offer a blessing to honor the memories of special people. Consider bringing a photo or memento of those individuals for the blessing.
  • The Way Ministry: At 1 p.m. each Sunday, Zion’s welcomes the Way ministry to our fenced lower yard as they offer food and worship to the unhoused and others in need.
  • Children’s Choir: Children’s Choir is at 3 p.m. each Sunday, through Nov. 30, in the Fellowship Hall. (Please note that this is an hour later than originally announced.)
  • Yoga: At 5:30 p.m. each Friday, join Cora Gardiner for yoga in the Fellowship Hall.
  • Weekly Christian Education Studies: Our next study sessions are at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, (repeated at 12:30 on Saturday, Nov. 1). Pastor Lisa is leading a Study entitled By What Authority: Rethinking Early Christian History.
  • Thanksgiving: Our annual community Thanksgiving Dinner is just around the corner. We need help with food preparation, packaging, serving, delivery, set-up, and clean-up. Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Consider signing up, food preparations begin weeks before Thanksgiving and food purchases are underway now, so please consider helping out. If you have questions, contact Norine Hazen.
  • Congregational Meeting Announcement: A special congregational meeting is called for Sunday, Nov. 2, to approve the Church Council request to withdraw additional funds from Zion’s Lutheran’s trust fund.

This is needed to cover expenses for November, December, and January. It also will help to cover capital improvements such as the new handrails as well as mitigation and safety upgrades that our insurance company is requiring be completed by the end of the year. In addition, Zion’s monthly expenses have risen substantially this year, in particular utilities and our church insurance premiums. The meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 11:30 a.m. During discussion, all points of view, whether for, against or neutral, will be provided an opportunity to be heard. As defined in our constitution (Chapter 8), voting members are confirmed members of Zion’s who, during the current or preceding calendar year, shall have communed in this congregation and shall have a contribution of record.

If you wish to attend the meeting via Zoom the link follows:

Topic: Congregational Meeting -- Time: Nov 2, 2025, 11:30 AM

E-formation – All Saints Sunday, Nov. 2

God has made into saints all who have been baptized into Christ, and on the festival of All Saints Day we honor especially those saints who have died in the faith. Their names may be unknown, and their lives generally forgotten, but we sing our thanks that they are now held in God.

Luke 6:20-31

This version of the Beatitudes is especially appropriate for All Saints Day since it is addressed to “you,” to all of us blessed by God. The extraordinary ethics described by Luke has inspired many believers—for example Martin of Tours and Francis of Assisi—to radical behavior and exceptional lifestyles. The final verse of this passage, usually called “the Golden Rule,” expresses the ethic of reciprocity that was taught also by philosophers of antiquity and is perhaps the most famous dictum of the New Testament; its popularity might render it tame, less striking than the earlier sentences, such as “give to everyone who begs from you.”

Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18

Many saints in the past and the present experienced political oppression. Yet whatever are the “four beasts” that terrify believers, God promises that in the end the “holy ones,” that is, the saints, will join with the Most High in the kingdom of God’s holiness.

Ephesians 1:11-23

That Ephesians refers to all believers as “saints” makes this reading particularly appropriate for All Saints Day. We saints have heard the word and been enlightened in baptism and sealed with the Holy Spirit. We gather to praise God and live in the hope of God’s salvation and with the power of God among us. God has put Christ above whatever “rule and authority and power and dominion” work to limit us and restrict our ministry.

 

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785

A Reconciling in Christ Community