Celebrate All Saints Day

On All Saints Day, Nov. 1, we remember the glory of God in the saints who have gone before us. We use the New Testament definition of saints meaning of “all Christian people of every time and place.” Whether in a special service on All Saints Day or on the nearest Sunday (Nov. 2 this year), consider these ideas for enhancing worship.

Invite someone to light a candle as the name of each deceased person is read.
While the names are read, ring handbells. Ring a single handbell following the reading of each name. Consider alternating several bells. Use the bells to accompany a sung response following the reading of the names.
On or before All Saints Day, invite members to write the names of their saints on a white tablecloth using fabric/permanent markers. Use the cloth as a parament or on the Communion table.
Use elements of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) services found in many Hispanic traditions. Greet worshippers with a mariachi band. Offer a “craft table” and invite people to prepare a remembrance of a saint from their lives. Ask them to place the remembrances, along with photos of deceased members, on a table near the altar. Use marigolds, the traditional flower of Dia de los Muertos.

Find more ideas at the websites of the General Board of Discipleship, www.gbod.org, and The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, www.umfellowship.org.

Adapted from a Ministry Matters article by David L. Bone, executive director, The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts