paravanes:meditations

  (c) Deborah Evans When you think of church, or the church, do you think of a building? A multi-location campus with many buildings seating hundreds of people? A Gothic type historical structure in a central business district? A school gym? A small or large neighborhood building that hosts food distribution, back-to-school rallies for the neighborhood children, and Vacation Bible School during the summer? All Saints Day, or All Saints Sunday, is a time to remember the true church can't be defined by a building's location or a physical address. What do we remember on All Saints Day? Throughout all time and in all places, God has called people into fellowship and discipleship. No single church organization or denomination can truthfully say they are "the only church" :because no human person completely knows the full mind, full heart, and total actions of God. God has always called people, and has done this independent of human action. Remember the story of Abram's...

This year, All Saints Sunday (November 6, 2011), came very close to the eighth anniversary of my mother's funeral. After living with multiple sclerosis for nearly two decades, she left this world to enter eternal rest and reward. At church, we always sing " For All The Saints, Who From Their Labors Rest " on All Saints Sunday. This hymn has been noted as one of the most beautiful in the English language. I love the message of the hymn because Jesus Christ is clearly exalted as the Founder and Sustainer of our faith, while all of us who have followed Him are honored and remembered. 1. For all the saints, who from their labours rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. 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. For the Apostles’ glorious company, Who bearing fo...