This Sunday in 11/2 worship

Dear Grace Family,

Happy Halloween!

As a child, Halloween was one of the best holidays of the year. Not only did we get to dress up — people gave us free candy! I would spend hours walking around the neighborhood, knocking on doors and shouting, “Trick or treat!” Then I’d go home and hide the candy from my parents so I could keep it all to myself.

Today, Halloween takes on a different meaning for me. I still enjoy giving out candy to children in the neighborhood. We live on a street that gets plenty of trick-or-treat traffic! But Halloween also reminds me that it is All Hallows’ Eve — the day before All Hallows’ Day, or All Saints’ Day.

At Grace, we celebrate All Saints on the Sunday after Halloween. It is a time when we remember the saints in our lives, especially those who have died in the past year.

This Sunday, we will read the names of eighteen saints who have died since November 1 of last year. Each of these persons is more than a name on a list — they are children of God who called Grace their church home. I am grateful for each of them. During worship, we will light a candle for each one to represent the light that was reflected in their lives.

Have a great Halloween — and then come to church to remember your saints.

See you in worship,
Barry

Each Tuesday Pastor Mitch publishes a devotion on his website Weeklydevotion.com.  If you’d like to receive this in your inbox, drop him an email at   and just say “Sign me up!”