General Secretary's Weekly Letter

October 31, 2013 Dear Friends, I guess I asked for it when I said all those positive things about rain in last week’s message. Today is Hallowe’en and it’s raining. This morning, there were a lot of kids in soggy costumes heading to the school across the street from us, and getting ready to troop around the neighbourhood tonight. I hope the weather doesn’t spoil their fun. On the other hand, maybe a gloomy day is just the thing for All Hallows’ Eve. It kind of goes with the gravestones and skeletons that some people in the neighbourhood are displaying in front of their houses. All Hallows’ Eve is described as a Christianized feast derived from ancient Celtic harvest celebrations. But perhaps it is time to recognize that if that was the origin of Hallowe’en, it has moved well beyond either Celtic or Christian practice these days. Some who don’t take part may have faith-based reasons, but it seems safe to say that for the majority who do enjoy the costumes, trick-or-treating, the jack-o-lanterns, the ghoulish decorations, and the candy, it is simply fun. It’s not religious at all. And in all the excitement about Hallowe’en, many of us overlook All Saints’ Day completely. Maybe we think of saints as being more part of the Roman Catholic tradition. We are part of these traditions too. Methodists, one of our founding streams of faith, consider All Saints’ Day a time to remember Christians of every time and place. Congregations may also honour at that time all those who have died who were members of the local church congregation. As we celebrate Hallowe’en and All Saints’ Day in whatever ways we do, let’s remember these words from our Song of Faith: Our ancestors in faith bequeath to us experiences of their faithful living; upon their lives our lives are built. Our living of the gospel makes us a part of this communion of saints, experiencing the fulfillment of God’s reign even as we actively anticipate a new heaven and a new earth Peace be with you. Nora