Written by Rev. Tom Adil

This holiday is a yearly reminder (November 1 and in church, the 1^st Sunday in November) of our connectedness as Christians to the church. Perhaps you were taught to think of saints as figures in the church’s stained-glass windows. But the Bible teaches something beyond this. Who is a saint? You are. That is if you’re a follower of Jesus. The Church calls a “saint” those who trust God-in-Christ for salvation.

The origin of All Saints’ Day can be traced back to the early Christian Church when it was established as a day to remember and celebrate the martyrs and other saints who had died for their faith. Over time, the scope of the holiday expanded to include martyrs and all faithful Christians who had lived pious and virtuous lives. It is a day to recognize the saints’ collective witness and express gratitude for their example.

Over time, the holiday’s focus expanded beyond just martyrs to include all Christian saints—those who were recognized for their exceptional holiness and devotion to God. This shift recognized that not all saints were martyrs, so a broader commemoration was needed.

The Christian festival of All Saints Day comes from a conviction that there is a spiritual connection between those in Heaven and on Earth. While traditions across the globe vary for All Saints Day, the common theme is a celebration with family and remembrance of those who have passed.

If you have a loved one who passed beween October 2024 and October 2025, and you would like them included in our All Saints List, please contact the office by Wednesday, October 29, 2025 with their name and relation to you.

The All Saints List is read during All Saints Sunday morning service, and featured in the bulletin. The full list will be available in next month’s Enlightener.