October 29, 2026

Witches, ghosts, spectres, skeletons, dragons and devils!

Did you know that the Episcopal Church has a seldom used service for Halloween? It is in the Book of Occasional Services along with other seasonal observances that are, well, occasional. The service includes readings like the story of the Witch of Endor, the Vision of Eliphaz the Temanite, the Valley of Dry Bones (of course!), and the War in Heaven.

While some Christian traditions consider Halloween to be holiday that is questionable at best, in our own tradition we choose to remember that the Holy God is the God of all things, seen and unseen, living and dead, beautiful and icky.

“Almighty and everliving God, you have made all things in your wisdom and established the boundaries of life and death: Grant that we may obey your voice in this world, and in the world to come may enjoy that rest and peace which you have appointed for your people; through Jesus Christ who is Resurrection and Life, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.”

All Saints’ Necrology

This Sunday, November 1, is the Feast of All Saints and the day we as a church remember all our faithful departed. If someone meaningful for you has died in the past year and you would like to include them in our community’s remembrance, please send their names to me (Fr. B+) or Tina in the parish office before service on Sunday.

Discernment is for Everyone!

Are you feeling restless or at loose ends? What’s next in your life? Do you wonder if God might be calling you to something new? How will your move, or retirement, or job change, or childbirth change your spiritual life or your entire life’s direction? 

Our Diocesan Commission on Ministry will be hosting a Discernment Is for Everyone! retreat on Saturday, November 14, at St. Matthews, Eugene. This event is a good fit for folks at any point in their journey and is focused on discernment as a whole-church practice. Folks who are curious about discernment for ordained ministry will also find the day helpful, but the main thread of the day is about discernment as a regular practice of listening to God’s call in our collective life, and about ‘everyday’ discernment.

Coffee, beverages, and lunch are provided. Sign up here.