This Sunday, we gather for one of the most profound and joyous occasions in our liturgical year: All Saints’ Day. As a major feast day, it anchors our spiritual life, inviting us to pause, recognize our place in the vast communion of saints, and acknowledge the great cloud of witnesses who surround us.
This week’s worship will be rich in tradition, memory, and promise. Together, we will renew our baptismal vows, reaffirming our shared commitment to Christ and to one another. In a particularly moving part of our liturgy, we will read the names of those who have died over the past year, honoring their memory and giving thanks for their enduring presence in our hearts and in the church triumphant. To make this celebration even more meaningful, we encourage you to bring your wooden crosses to church to adorn the altar. Whether your cross is dedicated to a saint who has gone before, to a living saint whose faith continues to inspire your journey, or to us, bringing it serves as a beautiful, visible testament to the faith passed down through generations.
As we reflect on our spiritual heritage and the legacy of those who laid the foundation for our parish, we also look forward to our future. Please bring your 2027 financial pledge cards to worship this Sunday so we can bless them at the altar. Your generous commitments are vital to sustaining our ministries and supporting the work God is calling St. Matthew’s to do in the year ahead.
Immediately following the 10:30 service, we are excited to kick off St. Matt’s 101. This welcome and introduction class is a great opportunity for newcomers, new members, or anyone who wants to learn more about our church to connect, ask questions, and discover what it means to be part of the St. Matthew’s family.
Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend! Please remember the time change before you go to bed so you don’t arrive an hour early for the service.
Major feast days always bring new faces and returning friends to our pews. Please make a special, intentional effort to warmly welcome visitors to our worship and community. A simple smile, a greeting, or an offer to help someone navigate the bulletin goes a long way toward sharing the loving hospitality that makes St. Matthew’s so special.
I look forward to worshiping, remembering, and celebrating with you this Sunday!
Father Tim