 All Saints day is celebrated on November 1, and is the day that the church remembers all those believers who have died and gone to be with the Lord, particularly in the last year. The following day has historically been recognized as “All Souls Day” when those who were not baptized professing Christians are remembered, honored, prayed for. At Central we are combining these two into one day. Unfortunately, since we will not all be together in the sanctuary that Sunday, we are inviting you to come during the week to share in this prayer practice. We have prayer stations set up in the Chapel and the Sanctuary. These are generally available 10-11:30am and 1:30-5pm Monday through Friday. We ask that you call or email to schedule your visit. You will be asked if you would let us video your candle lighting and prayer so that we may share these in worship on All Saints Day, 11/1. The following are some guidelines for you to consider: In preparation:
When you arrive:
What you will find at the prayer stations:
ALTERNATIVES- instead of visiting in person...
Merciful God, we give you thanks for our beloved departed, (_______), trusting that you have welcomed her/him into your eternal peace and rest. We thank you for memories sweet, and for the soothing of those that are difficult. We light a candle as an act of prayer, it’s flame reminding us of your love that lights our path, and its heat reminding us of your power which transforms suffering and death. May the stories and memories we hold guide us deeper into fellowship with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 245) O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men, p. 665) After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10) JESUS, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5.1-12)
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 Central Christian Church
Return to Campus Survey Resuming in person worship in October, 2020 Return to Worship Survey: Please click here. Several long time members and other very new members and visitors have inquired about when we will be resuming in person worship. The Elders agreed several weeks ago to begin polling the congregation on which folks are ready to return and which will not be. It appears that we can consider resuming in person worship with certain strict protocols in place with minimal calculated risk. We’ve done our research, mostly through conversations with trusted ministry leaders and by reading reputable sites linked below. We encourage you to also do your own. All of this depends on the changing situation in our community. After reading the rest of this, please click the link to fill out our “Return to Campus” survey to share your thoughts, or call the church office. The decision will rest with the Board, following consultation with the Elders. Return to Worship Survey: Please click here. Suggested Protocols include
Return to Worship Survey: Please click here. Research
Return to Worship Survey: Please click here. |
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