All Saints Day has been a Christian tradition for centuries. In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, individual saints have their own feast days – holy days when they are  honored and remembered – but November 1 serves as a catch-all celebration day for “All Saints,” known and unknown. Many Protestant churches also mark All Saints or All Souls Day, as a day of honoring all who have died: ancestors and beloved friends, the saints – or holy ones – who have touched our lives. At UCG this year we have two opportunities as a community to honor those who have died. 

On Sunday, October 29, during the 10 a.m. service, we will light candles and read the names of those who have died. You can add names to be read on a prayer card that morning. 

On Wednesday, November 1, at 7 p.m., the Board of Parish Ministry will join the ministers in offering a quiet, contemplative service of memory, grief, and hope. In advance of that service, all are welcome to bring a photo or other memorabilia of a departed loved one for our congregation’s All Saints altar.