Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrew 12:1

Who handed down the faith to you? Who strengthens you when your faith is weak? These are the questions I am asking you to consider as we look to All Saint Sunday. For each of us, there were people along the way who nurtured our faith and who, even today, strengthen us when we struggle.

As you look back at your childhood memories of the faith, perhaps you were fortunate enough to grow up in a family that worshipped together, prayed before meals and talked openly about God’s love and so your faith stories are tied into your family stories. Perhaps for you, it was the impact of a Sunday School teacher, a confirmation mentor, a neighbor or that older man or woman at church who always took the time to talk with you on Sunday morning. Maybe you remember the older youth you thought were so cool when they would lead worship or with loud voices and laughter would occasionally pile up on the chancel steps for a children’s time even though they were “too old” for the kid’s message or would include you at their table at coffee time or a church supper and made you feel included.

Maybe you didn’t find Christ until you were a teen or young adult. Maybe a friend invited you to church camp or to a campus ministry event while you were in college and it changed your life. Is it a friend, a camp counselor or college chaplain you will be thinking of this All Saints Sunday?

Maybe for you, it wasn’t until you had a family of your own that your faith became important. Was Gethsemane your first spiritual home? Who here has strengthened you? Are there some particular people you look forward to talking with? Was there someone who sent a card when your husband died, who told you of their own struggles with widowhood who helped you through those hard first years. Is there someone in your pew or during the passing of the peace, whose smile makes you feel welcome? 

And how are you passing on the faith? On Confirmation Sunday, I watched the laying on of hands and saw the way not only friends and family surrounded these young people taking this next step, but the whole church assembled there that day. And I thought to myself, “This is what we are called to do and to be as the church.” For indeed we are called to be that great cloud of witnesses that surround others with the love of Christ. 

Thank you for being such a big part of my faith journey and know that on this All Saints Sunday, I give thanks for you.

~Pastor Rebecca