All Saints Day – Gathering Rite for All Saints
The festival of All Saints occurs just as the landscape in the Northern Hemisphere heralds the dying of plants and the quiet of winter rest. In like manner, the readings and liturgy of this day call us to rejoice in all the saints: those who have died and now rest in Christ, those who live now, and those yet to come.
As the church year draws to a close, we hear warnings about the end of time, stories of crisis and judgment, and parables of loss and death. The Christian community speaks honestly about human frailty and mortality. At the same time, we confess our faith in the risen Lord, in the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. While both life and death may bring us fear and uncertainty, the liturgy calls us to hear the Lord’s promise that he is with us in life and in death. Christ has claimed us in baptism and nourishes us in the communion of his body and blood. Christ leads us to the new Jerusalem. There we shall join all the saints in praise of God, who has turned our graves into the doorway to eternal life.
Welcome to Worship
Remembrance of All Saints
Let us remember all the saints before God.
We praise and bless you, O holy Trinity. You have taught your church that it is an ageless communion of saints. We thank you for gathering those who faithfully waited in hope for the redemption you promised, and now for adding us who celebrate the love of Christ for the redemption of the world. Prepare a place for us among those who are already with you. Help us remember them as an encouragement to saintly living, exciting us to love, in anticipation of an eternal reunion. With them we praise and bless you, O holy Trinity.
Amen.
Today we remember and light a candle for these members and non-members but friends of the congregation of Lord of Life who passed away this past year.
Jerry Bullford, Carolyn Devine, Karen Snow, Ginger Nordin, Elsie Melby, Nancy Larson, Cary Swanson
Jesus says, Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
And you will find rest for your souls.
Gathering Song For All the Saints ELW #422
1 For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
2 Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
3 Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine,
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
4 And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
5 The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful servants cometh rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
6 But then there breaks a yet more glorious day:
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
7 From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Text: William W. How, 1823-1897
Greeting
Beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace, mercy, and peace be with you all.
And also with you.
Opening Prayer
God of the generations, when we set our hands to labor, thinking we work alone, remind us that we carry on our lips the words of the prophets, in the our veins the blood of the martyrs, in our eyes the mystics’ visions, in our hands the strength of thousands. Amen. (Jan Richardson)
First Reading: Revelation 7:9-17
9After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
11And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 14I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
16They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat;
17for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Song Shall We Gather at the River ELW #423
1 Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain
Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
2 On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day. Refrain
3 Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we ev’ry burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown. Refrain
4 Soon we’ll reach the shining river,
soon our pilgrimage will cease;
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace. Refrain
Text: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. Public Domain
Psalm: Psalm 34:1-10, 22
1I will bless the Lord | at all times; the praise of God shall ever be | in my mouth.
2I will glory | in the Lord; let the lowly hear | and rejoice.
3Proclaim with me the greatness |of the Lord; let us exalt God’s | name together.
4I sought the Lord, who | answered me and delivered me from | all my terrors.
5Look upon the Lord | and be radiant, and let not your faces | be ashamed.
6I called in my affliction, and |the Lord heard me and saved me from | all my troubles.
7The angel of the Lord encamps around those who | fear the Lord and de-|livers them.
8Taste and see that the | Lord is good; happy are they who take ref -| uge in God!
9Fear the Lord, you saints | of the Lord, for those who fear the | Lord lack nothing.
10The lions are in want and | suffer hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack nothing | that is good.
22OLord, you redeem the life | of your servants, and those who put their trust in you will | not be punished.
Song Blessed Are They ELW #728
1 Blest are they, the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of God.
Blest are they, full of sorrow;
they shall be consoled.
Refrain
Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you, holy are you.
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the kingdom of God!
2 Blest are they, the lowly ones;
they shall inherit the earth.
Blest are they who hunger and thirst;
they shall have their fill. Refrain
3 Blest are they who show mercy;
mercy shall be theirs.
Blest are they, the pure of heart;
they shall see God. Refrain
4 Blest are they who seek peace;
they are the children of God.
Blest are they who suffer in faith;
the glory of God is theirs. Refrain
5 Blest are you who suffer hate,
all because of me.
Rejoice, be glad, yours is the kingdom;
shine for all to see. Refrain
Text: David Haas, b. 1957 Text © 1985 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator. Permission to reprint/podcast/ stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license # A-715139.
Reflection “I Will Always Remember” Erika Nilsen
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM ~ AN ALL SAINTS LITANY
At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We’ll remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
We’ll remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,
We’ll remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer,
We’ll remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We’ll remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We’ll remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are still a part of us.
When we are weary and in need of strength…
When we are lost and sick at heart…
When we have joys that we long to share…
When we have decisions that are difficult to make…
When we have achievements that are based on their inspiration…
As long as we live, they, too, will live, because they will always be a part of us.
Let us pray. O God of all generations, we are ever grateful for the gift of treasured memories. As we honor our loved ones who are now with you and with all your saints, we give you thanks for their abiding presence with us. Help us to remember that as we run the race of life, all who are dear to us stand by us, cheer us on, pray for us, and love us.
O Lord, in your compassion, comfort all those whose loss is still heavy – we especially remember the families of the over 230,000 dead from COVID-19 in this country alone as well as those all around the world who grieve the dire effects of this terrible pandemic. We remember the families who have lost a loved one to violence and injustice. We remember the grieving hearts of those affected by natural disasters. Indeed, comfort all your sorrowing children, for the gift of your Holy Spirit binds us together with unity and love. Amen.
Special Music – Pie Jesu Requiem
“Pie Jesu”
Merciful Jesus, merciful Jesus, merciful Jesus, merciful Jesus
Father, who takes away the sins of the world
Grant them rest, grant them rest
Merciful Jesus, merciful Jesus, merciful Jesus, merciful Jesus
Father, who takes away the sins of the world
Grant them rest, grant them rest
Lamb of God, Lamb of God, Lamb of God, Lamb of God
Father, who takes away the sins of the world
Grant them rest, grant them rest
everlasting
everlasting
Rest
Offering Prayer
God of all goodness, generations have turned to you, gathered around your table, and shared your abundant blessings. Number us among them that, as we gather these gifts from your abundance, and give thanks for your rich blessings, we may feast upon your very self and care for all that you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Servant.
Amen.
Words of Institution and Lord’s Prayer
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer after Communion
Lord Jesus, in this simple meal you have set a banquet. Sustain us on the journey, strengthen us to care for the least of your beloved children, and give us glad and generous hearts as we meet you on the way.
Amen.
Announcements
Basin Talk – Darren Larson
Closing Reading: For Those Who Walked With Us
For those who walked with us, this is prayer.
For those who have gone ahead, this is a blessing.
For those who touched and tended us,
who lingered with us while they lived, this is a thanksgiving.
For those who journey still with us in the shadows of awareness,
In the crevices of memory,
In the landscape of our dreams,
This is a benediction.
© Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com.
Song – Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In
1 Oh, when the saints go marching in,
oh, when the saints go marching in,
O Lord, I want to be in that number
when the saints go marching in.
2 Oh, when the Lord in glory comes,
oh, when the Lord in glory comes,
O Lord, I want to be in that number
when the Lord in glory comes.
3 Oh, when the new world is revealed,
oh, when the new world is revealed,
O Lord, I want to be in that number
when the new world is revealed.
4 Oh, when they gather round the throne,
oh, when they gather round the throne,
O Lord, I want to be in that number
when they gather round the throne.
5 Oh, when they crown him King of kings,
oh, when they crown him King of kings,
O Lord, I want to be in that number
when they crown him King of kings.
6 And on that hallelujah day,
and on that hallelujah day,
O Lord, I want to be in that number
on that hallelujah day.
Text: African American spiritual. Public Domain
Dismissal:
Beloved of God, water washed and wholly sinner and saint. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.