Remembering Loved Ones: All Saints’ Sunday
All Saints’ Sunday: November 6
Christians throughout the world celebrate All Saints’ Day in honor of all the saints, both known and unknown. In most Protestant churches, it is celebrated on the first Sunday of November. Protestants regard all Christians, both past and present, as saints. As we solemnly remember all those who have died in the past year, we also focus on Christ’s victory over death. While the festival acknowledges the reality of death, we emphasize our hope in the Resurrection and our place in the “communion of saints.”
- During the All Saints’ Sunday morning service at 11:00 a.m., we will celebrate Communion and remember those members of Shadyside Presbyterian Church who have been received into the Church Triumphant during the past calendar year.
- On the afternoon of All Saints’ Sunday at 3:00 p.m., in memory of those who have entered eternal rest throughout time, the Chancel Choir will sing Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem in the liturgical context of a Service of Remembrance, which also will include Communion. We invite the congregation to submit the names of any deceased loved ones whom they would like to have acknowledged in the afternoon bulletin. Please share names with the church office (info@shadysidepres.org or 412-682-4300, ext. 116) before Friday, October 28.
Additional Resources:
- The Shadyside Presbyterian Church Care Team members share their gifts of compassion, care, encouragement, support, and prayer with our congregation in intentional ways. If you think you could benefit from the support and encouragement of a Care Team member as you grieve, please contact Rev. Elizabeth Michael Ross, Parish Associate for Pastoral Care, through the church office.
- Please remember that Shadyside Presbyterian Church has three pastors who are available to talk and pray with you. Although each of them focuses upon certain aspects of ministry, they all are, first and foremost, pastors. They all are ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, and all of them desire to walk with you as you seek God’s strength and wisdom through both joys and challenges of life, including your seasons of grief. If you would like to speak with one of the pastors, please do not hesitate to contact the church office.
“Blessed are they who die in the Lord,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”
Revelation 14:13