All Saints’ Day was celebrated in worship on November 2nd and 3rd, including a traditional Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. 

This is a day in which many congregations, including St. John’s, observe a Totenfest, a German church tradition of remembering those who have died in the faith over the past 12 months (since the last All Saints’ Sunday). Through October, those in the St. John’s church and school communities were invited to share the names of their loved ones who had died at that time. The names were then read during the worship services.

This is a helpful practice for recognizing the continued pain of grief, as loss and death are painful for those still on earth. However, it is also a recognition of all Christians’ joy in the hope of Christ’s resurrection and the promise to join Him in Paradise. 

The Christian Church has many wonderful saints who are remembered in special ways, like those with a day dedicated to their remembrance. However, many other saints only make their mark on the world through their family and community. It is a joy to celebrate, on All Saints’ Day, those whose faith and life were an example of Christ’s love to the community of St. John’s and La Porte.

“MY PLANS FOR LIFE’S END” WORKSHEETS

In joy-filled hope for the day each person gets to meet Jesus face-to-face and to assist in the grieving process for those friends and family left behind on Earth, St. John’s provides ‘My Plans for Life’s End’ worksheets. These worksheets are available by request from the church office or, for November, can be picked up from the back wall of the Narthex.  

This short document provides the church with information on funeral service preferences such as location and preferred Bible verses or hymns. This information can also be helpful to have pre-written so that family members have guidance as they plan. If you would like to submit a completed form, please email, mail, or drop it off at the church office.