Already the folks in our neighborhood are gearing up for Halloween. The neighborhood we live in is chock full of kids. We anticipate a busy Halloween this year. We fully expect plenty of little ghosts and goblins masquerading as their favorite super hero, cartoon character, or scary something or other. Mainly, we always hope that folks are safe. Careful ? that they pay attention to what is going on around them.

It seems that recently the celebration of Halloween has fallen under attack by some. They portray the celebrations as " devilish " or "evil ". That has always amused me a little. I don't doubt that some have probably carried their celebrations too far at times, but we often see that around any celebration or holiday. I'm especially amused that often it is the religious establishment has been on the front line of attack about Halloween. Halloween is, after all, short for All Hallow's Eve ? a celebration of the saints who have died and left their faithful legacy for us to follow.

Reflecting that appreciation for Halloween, during the worship services on October 31, we will celebrate and recall the lives of those who have influenced this people of God. There will be a part of our worship services that morning set aside to name the saints, and in that naming we will be reminded that the road we travel has been blazed by the lives of those who have preceded us. We will know fresh that God is continuing to use history to create opportunity.

In the 11^th century, St. Simeon wrote these words. " The saints in each generation are joined to those who have gone on before, and filled like them with light to become a golden chain in which each saint is a separate link, united to the next by faith, works, and love. So, in one God they form a single chain which cannot quickly be broken. " This is what it means to be connected. Joined. Fitted. The body of Christ. Ever growing. Ever changing. Ever the same.

It's a couple of weeks early ? but here's wishing you and yours a fun and safe night of trick or treating. Celebrate. Dress up. Enjoy life. That's what God intends. The celebrations of the church ? celebrations like All Hallow's Eve ? are meant to make life richer and deeper. Happy Halloween! Thanks be to God for those whom we remember.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Mark