Dear Beloveds,
In recent weeks we have celebrated two major times in the liturgical year — Reformation and All Saints. And both are celebrated in the time of pandemic, or as my little signs say PR #2 and P AllSaints#2.
Who would have predicted this global shared story?
On All Saints we take time to honor and name those who have died within the last year and beyond.
The naming of names aloud offers a chance to acknowledge our individual and congregational grief.
And because this is P All Saints#2, we share the collective grief for the more than 5 Million people who have died worldwide due to COVID.
No one understands what this magnitude of collective grief does to humankind — to hearts, minds, bodies and dreams… We may not think collective grief affects us, yet it is real and remains with and among humankind. The grief resides in our bodies.
Here is a link to All Saints worship. The sermon begins at ~27 min. Please listen for the teaching of the saints — in life and in death.
Here is a picture of the All Saints Board we made together. I am standing with Ash Carter who made beautiful music at the beginning of the outdoor All Saints liturgy. Thank you, Ash!
And what does the Magnolia Tree teach us this week?
I wondered how many leaves were still on the tree this fall.
Coming out of the door of the church, I glanced right at the tree and I immediately noticed one browned leaf slowly floating down from the top of the tree to the ground. I didn’t get a picture of the falling leaf, yet in my imagination, I can still see the leaf floating downward..
The leaf and its movement put me in mind of death and loss and the significance of grief. The Magnolia tree affirms the reality that grief is present and it can linger.
Here is a prayer sometimes used at funerals:
God, the generations rise and pass away before you. You are the strength of those who labor; you are the rest of the blessed dead. We rejoice in the company of your saints. We remember all who have lived in and out of faith, all who have died and those most dear to us who rest in you…. Amen.
What other names will you call today? We pray still.
In Christ,
Pastor Karen Brau
Justin will be taking time off beginning Monday, Nov. 15, and plans to return Saturday, Nov. 27. Be sure to send announcements and communication requests to eNews@lutherplace.org and worship & music related items to Pastor Karen.
