Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Over the next two weeks, we have two very special Sundays. The first, of course, is this Sunday, November 1, on which we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, also known as All Saints' Day. In our church tradition, it is one of the church's seven principal feast days. What makes it unique is that, unlike Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Pentecost, Ascension Day, or Trinity Sunday, All Saints' Day uniquely focuses on regular people like you and me. It's a day dedicated to all Christians who have carried the flame of faith before us, known and unknown, and to all who will carry it after we are gone. Thus, it is also a day of baptism, and I am pleased to say that this Sunday we will have three.
I invite everyone to come. First, come and give thanks for the saints who have gone before you. We will read the names of all those we have buried in the past year. Join this solemn reading and support our friends who mourn. And also, come and celebrate. Celebrate the baptisms, for we baptize people into a faith the saints have passed down, knowing they have shown us how to do the same. Come and renew your baptismal covenant, pledging to take your place in the line of Saints, for "we all mean to be one too".
Sunday, November 8, after All Saints, we celebrate St. Martin's Day. On that day, our Bishop, the Right Reverend Daniel Richards, will be with us. On this day, we will celebrate confirmations, receptions, and reaffirmations. I am excited for our confirmands. They will make a mature commitment to take on the vows they made at their baptism. If you are from another tradition and long to be received into the Episcopal Church, you still have time to let us know. Finally, if you would like to reaffirm your confirmation vows, there is still time to sign up. Please just let us know.
On St. Martin's Day, we remember the Saint our church was named for: St. Martin of Tours. We will remember him in two specific ways. First, our blanket drive, remembering that St. Martin is remembered for cutting his cloak to keep a beggar warm. Second, we will celebrate St. Martin's Day with a feast: a whole-hog barbecue, plus another couple of cases of shoulders. That evening will begin at 6 PM. My friends, bring a side or dessert and come celebrate. St. Martin's has been a leader in the community for 75 years, which means there is so much to be thankful for. Let's come together, share stories, and give thanks.
Peace,
Mitch