This week we join again with St. Mark’s for an All Saints’ Day Celebration Sunday, November 5th at 9:30 am.

Why do we do this? All Saints’ Day was tied to a day of observance for martyrs. In the Christian faith, martyrs are those who are killed for their faith, and they’ve been venerated for centuries. Originally the day for Christian martyrs was May 13th, but somewhere along the line in the 700s, the day was shifted to November 1st.

Of course, this Sunday is not November 1st. But we’re Protestants. We move things around sometimes! You may hear about other Christians celebrating All Saints’ Day on Wednesday this week, and that’s correct. It IS the actual day. But we do most things on Sunday, and that includes remembering our saints.

All Saints’: It’s Not Just for Martyrs Anymore

The holiday has been expanded over the years to include all those who’ve died in the past year (since last All Saints’ Sunday). We reflect on them and we celebrate their impact on our lives. Sometimes we remember saints who passed many years ago, and not just those who died in the past year. Again, we’re Protestants. We adjust things some times!

Additionally, our All Saints’ Celebration has an ecumenical pilgrimage built in!

We gather next door on the green behind St. Mark’s, where we read the names of their saints. Then we travel around through the Barnett family graveyard, behind Pilgrim and up to the Old Burial Ground. We finish our pilgrimage at the front of Pilgrim, where we read the names of our saints and hear the choir sing. It’s a special service, a little different from everything else we do.

It’s a great “extra” at the start of our Sunday worship time. This year, rather than starting at 9:45, we’re starting at 9:30 am. This helps with our schedule and St. Mark’s as well.

So please join us for All Saint’s Sunday this week on Sunday, November 5th at 9:30 am behind St. Mark’s. Normal Pilgrim Worship will happen right after, at 10 am.