Today is All Saint’s Day, a day of remembrance for our deceased loved ones. In my church today we lit a candle for everyone in our congregation who died since the last All Saint’s Day. Then anyone who wanted to light a candle in remembrance of a loved one came forward and lit a candle. I lit a candle in remembrance of my father, Willis Miles Tefft, who died all too soon. I can only imagine how much more enriched and happy my life would have been if my Dad was still alive today. So I just want to say this prayer of remembrance for my father. May he rest in peace.

In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we will remember these our friends and loved ones we call saints. In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we will remember them.

In the opening buds and in the rebirth of spring, we will remember them.

In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we will remember them.

In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we will remember them.

In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we will remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength, we will remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart, we will remember them.

When we have joys we yearn to share, we will remember them.

So long as we live, they are a part of us.

In Christ’s name. Amen.