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"The Simple Things"
This week, we mark All Saints Sunday, a celebration of the “great cloud of witnesses”—all those who have gone before us in the faith. In our tradition, we understand God’s “saints” to include all those who have sought to live in faithfulness to Christ and the gospel.
As is practiced in many congregations, All Saints Day here at Cloverdale United Church gives us an opportunity to lift up in remembrance and celebration loved ones from within our own midst who have died, especially those connected with our congregation who have passed away since last All Saints Sunday. In the ritual with which we will open our worship service, we will hear their names spoken in love and see candles shining with the light of Christ in their honour. We will then also have the opportunity for worshippers to make special remembrances of others who have died who they would like to lift up in God’s light and love. For this year’s observance, in-person worshippers are invited to bring along a small photograph or other small memento of remembrance of your loved one(s) that can be added to our altarscape during the rite of remembrance. (You will be able to retrieve these items following the service.)
Later on, as we turn to scripture and sermon, we will continue our walk forward along with Jesus through the gospel of Mark, hearing Jesus respond to a questioner asking about the most important commandment. For all of Jesus' radicality and convention-challenging witness, his response turns us once again back to "The Simple Things" at the heart of our faith and discipleship: Love of God and love of neighbour.