October 22, 2026

For All the Saints

Next Sunday, November 1, is All Saints’ Day. All Saints’, like Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas, is one of the Principal Feasts of the Church. Unlike any other, though, it is observed both on the day of the Feast (Nov. 1) and on the Sunday following, which means that this year we will only get to celebrate it once.

All Saints’ is a day when the church remembers the great cloud of witnesses gathered around the throne, those past, present, and yet to come. It is a day to remember that we never stand alone and that all of those who have entered eternity are upholding us today. All Saints’ is also a day when we especially call to mind those who have been saints to us and now are with Christ. We celebrate both the transcendent unity of the Church through the centuries and the intimate ways God’s people have touched us. 

The day is observed in many ways, from visits to cemeteries, to the ancient custom of “souling,” going door to door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for small sweet “soul cakes.” Like many churches, at Resurrection we observe All Saints’ in part by reading a necrology, a list of those close to us who have died in the past year and who rejoice with us upon another shore and in a greater light. We always include those who were buried from the church. If you would like to remember someone close to you or inspirational to you who has died since last All Saints Day, please contact the parish office to add them to our list.

Diocesan Convention

Please keep Doug Bonham, Melissa Handley, Sandi Orbell, diocesan clergy, Bishop Diana, and all the many parish delegates to Convention in your prayers this Friday and Saturday as we work together to guide the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon through our difficult times. 

“Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel Western Oregon for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”  (BCP p. 818)