See also last year’s post by Hannah Brown about Those Hearts that We Have Treasured.
General
As We Approach this Journey’s End
Since All Saints’ is literally in the name of my church—All Saints’ Episcopal Church (Chicago)--we go all out for this feast! The church is adorned with prayer flags bearing the names of our departed loved ones, the altar is festooned with flowers reminiscent of Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas in Mexico, and congregational song is accompanied by a New Orleans-style brass band. It is truly one of the high points of the church calendar.
Our All Saints hymns often celebrate the holy people who have gone before us with joyful exuberance and all stops on the organ pulled (e.g., “For All the Saints”); and well they should! But as we approach All Saints/All Souls, it is also a reminder of our own mortality, and the fear that so often accompanies our faith as we journey toward life’s end. This text was written for those near or at the time of death, and for those who are left behind.
—Dave Bjorlin
Come, Join Me Now
In times of difficulty, I often find it comforting to remember the strength of those that have come before us. Their spirits, and the powers of creation, can strengthen and accompany us in current challenges.
—Hannah C. Brown
O God of Generations
It is a delight to continue discovering more excellent texts from Ruth Duck. This text calls us to join in the work of the saints amidst today’s difficulties, while giving a nod to the important theological statement from the United Church of Christ that “God is still speaking.” Set to AURELIA, this would be easy for many congregations to add to their All Saints observance, at the end of a memorial service, or at a time of community anniversary.
—Hannah C. Brown
Here are additional songs to explore. Consider including selections that may also prove useful as funeral/memorial songs. All Saints/All Souls is an opportunity to “rehearse” those pieces that may be difficult to fit into the flow of worship on other Sundays.
For the Faithful Who Have Answered
In the Rising and the Setting Sun (We Remember Them) Bringle/Williams
In the Rising and the Setting Sun (They Remain) Bringle/Dengler
Who Are These like Stars Appearing?
Beatitudes
One of the assigned readings for All Saints Day is Matthew 5:1–12, the Beatitudes. Here are several options related to that text:
Blessed Are the Poor (Rejoice, Be Glad)
Blest Are You, the Poor in Spirit
Blessed Are You, the Poor Ones