Church Yesterday

We have a long-time tradition in our church of hanging silver or gold discs in our church with the names of the saints on them, a seperate disc for each member of our parish. The gold discs are for those who have gone onto the church triumphant and the silver for those still with us. They hang from fishing wire and are at different lengths. They twist around and look a lot like stars. We leave them up until Advent.

After the gospel reading, we sang Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, LSB 700. Well, I couldn't sing that song. It was one my mother taught me as a child, and certain songs since her advancement to the church triumphant almost 7 years ago, still bring back memories so vivid and I just can't sing them. That reminds me of a post Susan once did, about singing because others can't sometimes.

Pastor's sermon yesterday was from Revelation 7 concerning the hopelessness of this world and the hope-filled world to come to those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. We have a member of our parish whose wife of over 50-years died last year. Watching his face during this verse you could see the palpable pain he still experiences at being seperated from his wife. And yet, you can also see the pain subside as he is comforted by the gospel message. What a lovely and wonderful example of faithfulness he is. We have several members like that in our congregation. They hunger and thirst to learn more during Bible study, which they continue to attend year after year!

The sixth verse of For All the Saints, LSB 677, fills me with sober thought as I recall those who have come to their final rest.

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!