ALL SAINTS’ DAY

Fellow Saints

The Church celebrates All Saints' Day on November 1 each year.  All Saints' Day joyfully celebrates faithful disciples who have died in Christ and now share the fullness of his glory. The text for this Feast Day, Matthew 5: 1-12, describes the way of life for discipleship, the culmination of faithful living, and what it means to bear fruit in a world of doubt and prepare for the kingdom of Heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven, as Jesus proclaimed, cannot be described in terms of geography or sociology; it rests on the transformation of human hearts. It turns traditional ways of thinking upside down because it requires obedience to norms of conduct and attitudes that conflict with how people usually approach life. It calls for a radical approach because it replaces self-interest, pride, vindictiveness, hate, and arrogance with love, humility, righteousness, and meekness. The Beatitudes challenge this postmodern age to embrace the core values Jesus articulated for those in his Kingdom who work to demonstrate Kingdom values in every age.

As we approach the end of the year, let me remind us of our responsibility as intentional disciples: go out into the byways and invite others to join us in embracing Kingdom values and experiencing the blessings of being part of the Kingdom Christ came to inaugurate. He is coming! Let us prepare ourselves and others to welcome the Christ by living transformed lives.

Additionally, let us give sacrificially of our treasure to advance the church's mission and support our Mission Share commitments. It is challenging, but God is generous and invites us to give cheerfully.

I ask your prayers for:

Those who are still suffering as a result of Hurricane Melissa

Our children, especially those who are abused.

The communities that are experiencing violence. 

Have a blessed week.

Yours in Mission,

Patrick+