“To rejoice with all the faithful of every generation expands our awareness of a great company of witnesses above and around us like a cloud (Heb. 12:1). It lifts us out of a preoccupation with our own immediate situation and the discouragements of the present. In the knowledge that others have persevered, we are encouraged to endure against all odds (Heb. 12:1–2). Reminded that God was with the faithful of the past, we are reassured that God is with us today, moving us and all creation toward God’s end in time. In this context, it is appropriate for a congregation on All Saints’ Day to commemorate the lives of those who died during the previous year.”

—From Companion to the Book of Common Worship, edited by Peter C. Bower, © 2003, Office of Theology and Worship, Congregational Ministries Division of the PC(USA).

Suggestions for worship on All Saints’ Day:

• It is appropriate to dress the church in white on this day (as we do at Easter and at funerals) because it reminds us of the promise of resurrection. Symbols of the Alpha and the Omega may be used and referred to in connection with Jesus’ promise to be at the beginning and the end.
• Children in the congregation can carry banners of saints in a procession. The saints might include biblical figures, historical examples of faith, and even members of the congregation. The procession could occur during an opening hymn such as “For All the Saints,” and the banners could remain in the front of the sanctuary during worship.
• For further suggestions for including children in worship on All Saints’ Day, see Carolyn C. Brown, Forbid Them Not: Involving Children in Sunday Worship, Year B (Abingdon Press, 1993), pp. 178–181. ISBN 0-687-13256-8.
• The Book of Common Worship has liturgical resources for All Saints’ Day, pp. 385–391. If you celebrate the Lord’s Supper on this day, note especially the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving, which emphasizes the way in which this feast joins us to all the faithful of every time and place.
• Suggestions for hymns for this day: “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” (Presbyterian Hymnal 364)—this is particularly good for children. “Come, Risen Lord” (PH 503)—this is a particularly appropriate hymn for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper on this day. “The Church’s One Foundation” (PH 442) “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones” (PH 451)

For additional musical and liturgical suggestions, see Call to Worship: Liturgy, Music, Preaching, & the Arts, Year B: Lectionary Aids for 2002–2003 (Office of Theology and Worship and Geneva Press, 2002), pp. 202–203. ISBN 0-664-50243-1; #502431

Martha L. Moore-Keish, author. For more information contact Paul Galbreath, Associate for Worship, at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5311, or send him an e-mail.